Topical Bible: Ezekiel: Time of his Prophecy

◄ Ezekiel: Time of his Prophecy ►

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Ezekiel, a prominent prophet in the Hebrew Bible, ministered during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by the Babylonian exile. His prophetic ministry is traditionally dated to the early 6th century BC, specifically between 593 and 571 BC. This timeframe is derived from the chronological markers provided within the Book of Ezekiel itself, which offers a detailed account of his visions and prophecies.

Ezekiel was among the Jewish exiles taken to Babylon during the second deportation in 597 BC, which occurred under the reign of King Jehoiachin. This deportation was part of a series of Babylonian invasions that culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. Ezekiel's prophecies, therefore, are set against the backdrop of the Babylonian captivity, a period of profound crisis and transformation for the Jewish people.

The Book of Ezekiel opens with a precise chronological note: "In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God" (Ezekiel 1:1). This date is generally understood to refer to the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's exile, aligning with 593 BC. Ezekiel's ministry continued for at least 22 years, as indicated by the final dated prophecy in the book, which is set in the 27th year of the exile (Ezekiel 29:17).

Ezekiel's prophecies can be divided into several phases, reflecting the changing circumstances of the Jewish exiles. Initially, his messages were primarily focused on the impending judgment and destruction of Jerusalem, serving as a warning to the people of Judah. This is evident in passages such as Ezekiel 4:1-3, where he symbolically portrays the siege of Jerusalem.

Following the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, Ezekiel's prophecies shift in tone and content. The focus moves from judgment to consolation and hope, as he begins to speak of restoration and renewal. This is exemplified in the vision of the valley of dry bones, where God promises to restore Israel: "I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land" (Ezekiel 37:14).

Ezekiel's ministry was characterized by vivid symbolic actions, elaborate visions, and a strong emphasis on the holiness and sovereignty of God. His prophecies addressed not only the immediate concerns of the exiles but also offered a future hope of restoration and a new covenant relationship with God. Through his messages, Ezekiel sought to remind the exiles of their identity as God's chosen people and to encourage them to remain faithful despite their circumstances.

The historical context of Ezekiel's prophecy is crucial for understanding his message. The Babylonian exile was a period of deep theological reflection and transformation for the Jewish people, as they grappled with the loss of their land, temple, and traditional forms of worship. Ezekiel's prophecies provided both a critique of Israel's past unfaithfulness and a vision of future redemption, emphasizing God's enduring covenant with His people.

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Ezekiel 1:1-3
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ezekiel's vision (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, June 16 ...
... and that step was made in God's good time, in the ... rejoiced, to call Himself, what
He called Ezekiel, the Son ... and dwelt among us; and we beheld His glory.' And ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ix ezekiels vision preached.htm

Of the Prophecy of Daniel and Ezekiel, Other Two of the Greater ...
... Daniel and Ezekiel, other two of the greater prophets, also ... Daniel even defined the
time when Christ was to come ... But of His power and glory he has thus spoken ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 34 of the prophecy of.htm

Ezekiel
... meaning of the much disputed "thirtieth year" in i.1, Ezekiel was born probably
about or not long before the time Jeremiah began his ministry in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezekiel.htm

He Returns to Explain the Prophecy of Isaiah.
... But now the prophecy has stated it with this addition: Before the child knows how
to call father or mother, he shall take ... For at the time of His birth, Magi ...
/.../chapter lxxvii he returns to explain.htm

Further Proofs, from Ezekiel. Summary of the Prophetic Argument ...
... is for these deserts of yours that Ezekiel announces your ... whence most emphatically
he says that His advent "seals ... the number of the years, and the time of the ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter xi further proofs from ezekiel.htm

The Law, and the Prophecy.
... in the land of his fathers, and sang his lamentation on the ruins of Jerusalem;
while Ezekiel warned the ... With Malachi who lived to the time of Nehemiah, the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 10 the law and.htm

The Commentaries which Origen Composed in C??sarea in Palestine.
... He must have remained some time in Athens and have had leisure for study, for he
finished his commentary on Ezekiel and wrote five books of his ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxxii the commentaries which origen.htm

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
... of the Old Testament prophets, at the same time that he ... While we read his word, he
speaks to us from heaven ... See Jeremiah 31:31-34, and Hebrews 8:8; Ezekiel 34:25 ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xiii covenanting predicted in.htm

The Prophet Jonah.
... Judges 1:1; 1 Samuel 1:1; Ezekiel 1:1 ... not indeed to correct, but certainly to supplement
his predecessor. The time was approaching when the heathen world was to ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet jonah.htm

Light at Evening Time
... The eagle wing of Ezekiel soared no longer. ... it the day when the Sun of righteousness
should arise with healing in his wings, closed ... At evening time it was light ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/light at evening time.htm