Commentary on Ezekiel
Comprehensive analysis and insights from the Authorized King James Version (KJV)
Introduction to Ezekiel
Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament that communicates divine messages of warning, judgment, and hope to God's people. The prophecies combine historical relevance to their original audience with enduring theological significance and, in some cases, messianic predictions.
Like other biblical prophetic literature, Ezekiel addresses covenant violations, calls for repentance, and proclaims both divine judgment and promised restoration. The prophecies demonstrate God's righteousness, sovereignty over history, and faithful commitment to His covenant purposes.
Throughout Ezekiel, readers encounter powerful imagery, poetic language, and symbolic actions that reinforce the prophetic message. The book reveals God's perspective on historical events and human affairs, often challenging conventional wisdom and cultural assumptions.
Historical Context
Ezekiel prophesied among the Babylonian exiles (593-570 BCE) after being deported in 597 BCE with King Jehoiachin. His ministry occurred in Tel-abib near the Kebar Canal, addressing both exiles in Babylon and conditions in Jerusalem before its final destruction.
Exile Context
Babylonian policy involved deporting skilled workers and leaders while leaving agricultural workers in the land. The exile community in Babylon maintained some autonomy under appointed leaders but faced questions about identity, hope, and God's presence outside the Promised Land.
Mesopotamian Influence
Ezekiel's visionary language reflects familiarity with Mesopotamian art and mythology, particularly in throne visions and cosmic imagery. However, the prophet adapts these cultural forms to communicate distinctly Israelite theological content about divine sovereignty and restoration.
Literary Features
Ezekiel employs the distinctive literary forms of biblical prophecy. The book combines poetic expression, symbolic actions, and visionary experiences to communicate divine messages with both immediate and future significance.
Prophetic Forms
Ezekiel includes various prophetic forms:
- Oracle - Divine speech introduced by "Thus says the LORD" or similar formula
- Woe oracle - Judgment pronouncement beginning with "Woe to..."
- Lawsuit - Covenant litigation using legal metaphors with witnesses, evidence, and verdict
- Vision report - Account of prophetic visions with interpretation
- Symbolic action - Prophetic performance conveying message visually
Literary Devices
Prophetic literature in Ezekiel employs various techniques:
- Metaphor and simile - Comparing Israel to unfaithful spouse, vineyard, etc.
- Hyperbole - Deliberate exaggeration for rhetorical effect
- Merism - Expressing totality through contrasting pairs
- Wordplay - Puns and sound associations (particularly in Hebrew)
These prophetic literary features combine aesthetic power with rhetorical force to call for response to divine revelation.
Key Passages in Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1:1
Opening statement establishing key themes
Ezekiel 12:1
Important development in the book's message
Ezekiel 24:1
Central teaching or turning point
Ezekiel 36:1
Application of key principles
Ezekiel 48:1
Concluding summary or final exhortation
Book Outline
Introduction and Background (1-12)
- Chapter 1 ( Ezekiel 1 Ezekiel 1: Chapter 1 )
- Chapter 2 ( Ezekiel 2 Ezekiel 2: Chapter 2 )
- Chapter 3 ( Ezekiel 3 Ezekiel 3: Chapter 3 )
- Chapter 4 ( Ezekiel 4 Ezekiel 4: Chapter 4 )
Main Section 1 (13-24)
- Chapter 13 ( Ezekiel 13 Ezekiel 13: Chapter 13 )
- Chapter 14 ( Ezekiel 14 Ezekiel 14: Chapter 14 )
- Chapter 15 ( Ezekiel 15 Ezekiel 15: Chapter 15 )
- Chapter 16 ( Ezekiel 16 Ezekiel 16: Chapter 16 )
Main Section 2 (25-36)
- Chapter 25 ( Ezekiel 25 Ezekiel 25: Chapter 25 )
- Chapter 26 ( Ezekiel 26 Ezekiel 26: Chapter 26 )
- Chapter 27 ( Ezekiel 27 Ezekiel 27: Chapter 27 )
- Chapter 28 ( Ezekiel 28 Ezekiel 28: Chapter 28 )
Conclusion and Final Exhortations (37-48)
- Chapter 37 ( Ezekiel 37 Ezekiel 37: Chapter 37 )
- Chapter 38 ( Ezekiel 38 Ezekiel 38: Chapter 38 )
- Chapter 39 ( Ezekiel 39 Ezekiel 39: Chapter 39 )
- Chapter 40 ( Ezekiel 40 Ezekiel 40: Chapter 40 )
Major Themes
The book develops several significant theological themes:
Divine Judgment
God's righteous response to persistent sin demonstrates His holiness and justice. This judgment particularly addresses covenant violations, idolatry, social injustice, and religious hypocrisy.
Repentance and Restoration
God's judgment aims at restoration, with calls to return to covenant faithfulness. The book presents God's willingness to forgive and restore those who genuinely repent.
The Day of the LORD
The prophetic anticipation of divine intervention brings both judgment for the wicked and vindication for the faithful. This eschatological focus places present circumstances in the context of God's ultimate purposes.
Messianic Hope
Promises of a coming deliverer point toward God's ultimate solution to human sin and suffering. These messianic prophecies maintain hope even in the darkest circumstances.
Theological Significance
Ezekiel contributes significantly to biblical theology in several areas:
Understanding of God
The book reveals aspects of God's character and ways of working in history. Through divine actions, declarations, and interactions with humanity, Ezekiel deepens our understanding of God's attributes and purposes.
Covenant Relationship
The book develops aspects of God's covenant relationship with Israel, showing both divine faithfulness and the consequences of human response. These covenant dynamics establish patterns that inform later biblical theology and find fulfillment in Christ.
Ethical Framework
Through both explicit commands and narrative examples, Ezekiel contributes to the biblical understanding of righteous living. These ethical principles reflect God's character and establish standards that remain relevant for moral formation.
Messianic Anticipation
Various passages in Ezekiel contribute to the developing messianic hope in Scripture. These elements find ultimate fulfillment in Christ, demonstrating the progressive nature of divine revelation and the unity of God's redemptive plan.
Cross References to Other Books
- Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets - Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets
- Romans 15:4 Old Testament written for our instruction - Old Testament written for our instruction
- 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 Old Testament examples as warnings - Old Testament examples as warnings
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Scripture's inspiration and usefulness - Scripture's inspiration and usefulness
- Hebrews 1:1-2 God's revelation in the prophets and in His Son - God's revelation in the prophets and in His Son
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 2:1 And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 2:2 [Text of Ezekiel 2:2] - Key teaching in verse 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 4:1 Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and pourtray upon it the city, even Jerusalem: - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 4:4 [Text of Ezekiel 4:4] - Key teaching in verse 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 6:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 6:6 [Text of Ezekiel 6:6] - Key teaching in verse 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 7:1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 8:1 And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 8:8 [Text of Ezekiel 8:8] - Key teaching in verse 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 10:1 Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 10:10 [Text of Ezekiel 10:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 12:1 The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 12:10 [Text of Ezekiel 12:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 13:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 14
Chapter 14 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 14:1 Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 14:10 [Text of Ezekiel 14:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 15:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 16
Chapter 16 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 16:1 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 16:10 [Text of Ezekiel 16:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 17
Chapter 17 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 17:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 18
Chapter 18 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 18:1 The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 18:10 [Text of Ezekiel 18:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 19
Chapter 19 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 19:1 Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 20
Chapter 20 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 20:1 And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 20:10 [Text of Ezekiel 20:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 21
Chapter 21 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 21:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 22
Chapter 22 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 22:1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 22:10 [Text of Ezekiel 22:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 23
Chapter 23 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 23:1 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 24
Chapter 24 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 24:1 Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 24:10 [Text of Ezekiel 24:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 25
Chapter 25 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 25:1 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 26
Chapter 26 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 26:1 And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 26:10 [Text of Ezekiel 26:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 27
Chapter 27 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 27:1 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 28
Chapter 28 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 28:1 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 28:10 [Text of Ezekiel 28:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 29
Chapter 29 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 30
Chapter 30 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 30:1 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 30:10 [Text of Ezekiel 30:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 31
Chapter 31 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 32
Chapter 32 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 32:1 And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 32:10 [Text of Ezekiel 32:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 33
Chapter 33 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 33:1 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 34
Chapter 34 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 34:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 34:10 [Text of Ezekiel 34:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 35
Chapter 35 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 35:1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 36
Chapter 36 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 36:1 Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD: - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 36:10 [Text of Ezekiel 36:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 37
Chapter 37 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 38
Chapter 38 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 38:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 38:10 [Text of Ezekiel 38:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 39
Chapter 39 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 40
Chapter 40 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 40:1 In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 40:10 [Text of Ezekiel 40:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 41
Chapter 41 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 42
Chapter 42 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 42:1 Then he brought me forth into the utter court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the chamber that was over against the separate place, and which was before the building toward the north. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 42:10 [Text of Ezekiel 42:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 43
Chapter 43 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 43:1 Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 44
Chapter 44 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 44:1 Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 44:10 [Text of Ezekiel 44:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 45
Chapter 45 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 46
Chapter 46 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 46:1 Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 46:10 [Text of Ezekiel 46:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 47
Chapter 47 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 48
Chapter 48 of Ezekiel continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Ezekiel 48:1 Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Ezekiel 48:10 [Text of Ezekiel 48:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Contemporary Application
This book provides valuable insights for contemporary application:
Understanding God's Character
The book reveals aspects of God's nature that remain relevant for today's believers. These divine attributes provide the foundation for theology, worship, and spiritual formation. Understanding God's character shapes our expectations, prayers, and relationship with Him.
Covenant Faithfulness
God's commitment to His covenant promises demonstrates His trustworthiness and faithfulness. This encourages believers to trust God's promises today and to model similar faithfulness in relationships and commitments. The covenant pattern also informs our understanding of baptism and communion as signs of the new covenant.
Ethical Guidance
While specific applications may require contextual adaptation, the book's ethical principles provide timeless guidance for moral decision-making. These principles address relationships, justice, integrity, and other aspects of personal and community life. They challenge contemporary cultural values that contradict biblical standards.
Spiritual Formation
The examples of both faithfulness and failure provide learning opportunities for spiritual development. These biblical accounts invite self-examination and encourage growth in godly character. They remind believers that spiritual formation involves both divine grace and human responsibility.