Ezekiel: Visions of God’s Glory

Ezekiel: Visions of God’s Glory

Level of Education: Doctoral Degree in Biblical Studies

Purpose

To provide an in-depth study of the Book of Ezekiel, focusing on its visionary experiences and themes of divine glory and judgment, and to explore their theological and practical implications for contemporary Christian faith and practice.

Objectives

1. Understand the historical and cultural context of the Book of Ezekiel.
2. Analyze the visionary experiences and themes of divine glory and judgment in Ezekiel.
3. Evaluate the theological significance of these themes.
4. Apply the teachings of Ezekiel to modern Christian life and ministry.

Key Concepts, Terms, and Keywords

• Divine Glory (Kavod Adonai): The manifestation of God’s presence and majesty.
• Judgment (Mishpat): God’s righteous assessment and response to sin.
• Visionary Experiences: Supernatural encounters that reveal divine truths.
• Prophetic Literature: Writings that convey messages from God through prophets.

Lesson Content

1. Introduction to the Book of Ezekiel

• Historical and Cultural Context
  • Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), addressing the exiled community and those remaining in Jerusalem.
  • The political landscape was marked by the fall of Jerusalem and the ongoing Babylonian dominance.
  • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 1:1-3 – “In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.”

2. Themes of Divine Glory in Ezekiel

• Vision of God’s Glory
  • Ezekiel’s initial vision includes a dramatic appearance of God’s glory, symbolizing His presence and authority.
  • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 1:28 – “Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.”
• God’s Presence in Exile
  • Despite the exile, Ezekiel’s visions emphasize that God’s glory is not confined to the temple but is present with His people even in their dispersion.
  • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 11:16 – “Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.'”

3. Themes of Judgment in Ezekiel

• Messages of Judgment
  • Ezekiel’s prophecies include severe judgments against Israel for their idolatry and unfaithfulness.
  • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 7:3-4 – “The end is now upon you, and I will unleash my anger against you. I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices. I will not look on you with pity; I will not spare you. I will surely repay you for your conduct and for the detestable practices among you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
• Symbolic Actions
  • Ezekiel performs symbolic actions to illustrate the coming judgment and its impact.
  • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 4:1-3 – “Now, son of man, take a block of clay, put it in front of you and draw the city of Jerusalem on it. Then lay siege to it: Erect siege works against it, build a ramp up to it, set up camps against it and put battering rams around it. Then take an iron pan, place it as an iron wall between you and the city and turn your face toward it. It will be under siege, and you shall besiege it. This will be a sign to the people of Israel.”

4. Theological Significance of Divine Glory and Judgment

• Holiness and Transcendence of God
  • Ezekiel’s visions of God’s glory emphasize His holiness, transcendence, and the need for reverence and obedience.
  • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 1:26-28 – “Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.”
• Justice and Mercy
  • The themes of judgment highlight God’s justice, while the promise of restoration underscores His mercy and faithfulness.
  • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 36:26-28 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.”

5. Visionary Experiences in Ezekiel

• The Valley of Dry Bones
  • One of Ezekiel’s most famous visions is the valley of dry bones, symbolizing the restoration of Israel.
  • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 37:1-14 – “The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones… So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.”
• Vision of the New Temple
  • Ezekiel also sees a vision of a new temple, representing the future dwelling place of God with His people.
  • Scriptural Basis: Ezekiel 40-48 – Detailed vision of the new temple and the restored land of Israel.

6. Contemporary Relevance of Ezekiel’s Visions

• Experiencing God’s Presence
  • Ezekiel’s visions remind believers of the omnipresence and glory of God, encouraging a deeper sense of reverence and worship.
  • Example: Reflecting on Ezekiel 1:28 to foster awe and reverence in personal worship practices.
• Responding to Divine Judgment
  • The themes of judgment call for self-examination and repentance, emphasizing the importance of aligning one’s life with God’s standards.
  • Example: Using Ezekiel 7:3-4 in sermons to highlight the need for repentance and obedience in contemporary Christian life.
• Hope and Restoration
  • Ezekiel’s visions of restoration provide hope for personal and communal renewal, encouraging faith in God’s redemptive power.
  • Example: Meditating on Ezekiel 36:26-28 to find assurance of God’s transformative work in believers’ lives.

King Jesus’ Model/Example

• John 10:9: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.”
  • Explanation: Jesus’ declaration as the gate echoes the themes of divine presence and restoration found in Ezekiel’s vision of the new temple.

Practical Applications (Bible-Based)

1. Personal Worship and Reverence

• Applying the vision of God’s glory to deepen personal worship and reverence for God.
• Example: Incorporating prayers of adoration and reverence based on Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory (Ezekiel 1:26-28).

2. Preaching and Teaching

• Using Ezekiel’s themes of divine glory and judgment to inspire and challenge congregations.
• Example: Preaching a sermon series on the visions of Ezekiel, emphasizing God’s holiness, justice, and mercy.

3. Community Renewal

• Encouraging community renewal and transformation based on the promises of restoration in Ezekiel.
• Example: Leading a Bible study on Ezekiel 36:26-28 to explore the promise of a new heart and spirit in the community.

Exam Questions and Answers

1. Question: What is the historical context of the Book of Ezekiel, and how does it influence the themes of the book? Answer: The Book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE. This context influences the themes of the book by addressing the exiled community, emphasizing God’s presence among them, and delivering messages of judgment for their past sins and promises of future restoration (Ezekiel 1:1-3).
2. Question: How does Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory in chapter 1 emphasize the holiness and transcendence of God? Answer: Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory in chapter 1, with its dramatic imagery of a radiant figure on a throne, emphasizes God’s holiness and transcendence. The vision portrays God as supremely powerful and majestic, inspiring awe and reverence (Ezekiel 1:26-28).
3. Question: Describe the significance of the valley of dry bones vision in Ezekiel 37. Answer: The vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 symbolizes the restoration of Israel from exile. It signifies that God will bring life and renewal to His people, even from a state of utter desolation, demonstrating His power to restore and redeem (Ezekiel 37:1-14).
4. Question: What are the main themes of divine judgment in the Book of Ezekiel, and how are they conveyed? Answer: The main themes of divine judgment in Ezekiel include the consequences of idolatry, unfaithfulness, and social injustices. These themes are conveyed through vivid prophetic messages and symbolic actions performed by Ezekiel, illustrating the severity and inevitability of God’s judgment (Ezekiel 7:3-4, 4:1-3).
5. Question: How does Ezekiel’s vision of the new temple in chapters 40-48 relate to the theme of restoration? Answer: Ezekiel’s vision of the new temple in chapters 40-48 represents the future dwelling place of God with His people, symbolizing the ultimate restoration and renewal of Israel. It conveys the hope of a restored relationship with God and the reestablishment of worship in a renewed land (Ezekiel 40-48).
6. Question: How can contemporary believers apply the lessons of divine glory and judgment from Ezekiel to their lives? Answer: Contemporary believers can apply the lessons of divine glory and judgment from Ezekiel by fostering a deep sense of reverence for God’s holiness, examining their lives for areas of disobedience, and seeking repentance. They can also find hope in God’s promises of restoration and renewal (Ezekiel 1:28, 36:26-28).
7. Question: What theological insights can be drawn from Ezekiel’s symbolic actions, such as the siege of Jerusalem? Answer: Ezekiel’s symbolic actions, such as the siege of Jerusalem, provide theological insights into the reality and seriousness of divine judgment. These actions dramatize the consequences of sin and serve as powerful visual warnings to the people, reinforcing the need for repentance and obedience to God (Ezekiel 4:1-3).
8. Question: Discuss the relevance of Ezekiel’s message of hope and restoration for modern Christian communities. Answer: Ezekiel’s message of hope and restoration is highly relevant for modern Christian communities, as it assures believers of God’s power to renew and transform their lives. This message encourages faith in God’s redemptive work and inspires efforts toward spiritual and communal renewal (Ezekiel 36:26-28).
9. Question: How does Ezekiel 11:16 challenge the notion that God’s presence is confined to a specific location? Answer: Ezekiel 11:16 challenges the notion that God’s presence is confined to a specific location by affirming that God can be a sanctuary for His people even in exile. This emphasizes the omnipresence of God and His ability to be with His people wherever they are, providing comfort and assurance (Ezekiel 11:16).
10. Question: What role does the theme of divine mercy play in the Book of Ezekiel, especially in light of the prophecies of judgment? Answer: The theme of divine mercy in the Book of Ezekiel plays a crucial role by balancing the severe prophecies of judgment with promises of restoration and renewal. God’s mercy is highlighted in His willingness to forgive, transform, and restore His people despite their unfaithfulness, showcasing His enduring compassion and faithfulness (Ezekiel 36:26-28).

Research Citations (MLA Format)

1. Block, Daniel I. The Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 1-24 (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997. Available in eBook format.
2. Greenberg, Moshe. Ezekiel 1-20: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Yale University Press, 1983. Available in eBook format.
3. Taylor, John B. Ezekiel: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries). IVP Academic, 1969. Available in eBook format.
4. Zimmerli, Walther. Ezekiel 1: A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, Chapters 1-24 (Hermeneia: A Critical and Historical Commentary on the Bible). Fortress Press, 1979. Available in eBook format.
5. Allen, Leslie C. Ezekiel 20-48 (Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 29). Zondervan Academic, 1990. Available in eBook format.

This lesson provides an in-depth study of the Book of Ezekiel, focusing on its visionary experiences and themes of divine glory and judgment, with theological and practical implications for contemporary Christian faith and practice.