Aspect Details
Time Period The Book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian Exile, roughly from 593 to 571 BC. Ezekiel began his prophetic mission around 593 BC, five years after being taken into exile, and he continued until about 571 BC.
Geopolitical Context The Kingdom of Judah faced significant turmoil during this period. The Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II conquered Jerusalem and exiled many Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel. This time marked the fall of the First Temple in 586 BC and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity.
Author Ezekiel, a priest and prophet, is traditionally recognized as the author of the book. He was among the 10,000 Judeans taken captive by the Babylonians in 597 BC.
Audience The primary audience was the Jewish exiles living in Babylon. Ezekiel aimed to offer them hope, guidance, and a call to repentance during their time of crisis.
Theological Themes Key themes include the sovereignty of God, the need for individual and communal repentance, the promise of restoration, and the vision of a new temple. Ezekiel emphasizes God's holiness and justice, as well as His willingness to bring restoration and new life.
Main Sections
  • Chapters 1-24: Prophecies of Jerusalem's fall.
  • Chapters 25-32: Oracles against foreign nations.
  • Chapters 33-48: Messages of hope and restoration, including the vision of the new temple.
Symbolic Visions Among the notable symbolic visions in Ezekiel are the vision of the four living creatures and the chariot (Chapter 1), the valley of dry bones (Chapter 37), and the new temple (Chapters 40-48). These visions are rich in symbolic and apocalyptic imagery.


Chapter Description
1 The Vision of God's Glory and the Four Living Creatures
2-3 Call of Ezekiel and His Commission as a Watchman
4-5 Symbolic Acts and Prophecies Against Jerusalem
6-7 Judgment Against Idolatry and Doom Prophecies
8-11 Visions of Jerusalem's Sins and Departure of God's Glory
12-15 Symbolic Actions and Parables of Judgement
16 Allegory of Unfaithful Jerusalem
17 Parable of Two Eagles and a Vine
18 The Soul Who Sins Shall Die
19 Lamentation for the Princes of Israel
20-23 Review of Israel's Rebellion and Promises of Judgment
24 Siege of Jerusalem Symbolized and Ezekiel's Wife Dies
25-32 Judgments on Neighboring Nations
33 Ezekiel's Role as a Watchman Reiterated
34 Prophecies Against the Shepherds of Israel
35-36 Prophecies Against Mount Seir and Israel's Restoration
37 The Valley of Dry Bones and Unification of Israel
38-39 Gog and Magog: Future Invasion of Israel
40-48 Visions of the New Temple, Restored Worship, and Allotment of Land