By Daniel L. Black, Th.B; Th.M; Th.D & ISOW Millennial Reign Team

Introduction

The Book of Ezekiel, a profound prophetic text in the Old Testament, captivates readers with its vivid visions and messages of divine judgment and restoration. But who wrote this significant book, and what is its relevance to both Jewish and Christian traditions? In this article, we explore the authorship of Ezekiel, its historical context, key themes, and its connection to the New Testament, providing a detailed guide for those seeking to understand this biblical masterpiece.

Who Wrote the Book of Ezekiel?

The Book of Ezekiel was written by a Jewish priest and prophet named Ezekiel. He is identified by name only twice in the entire Bible, and both times speaking of himself in the third person (Ezekiel 1:3; 24:24). The first verse of the Book of Ezekiel states that he was likely 30 years of age (“in the thirtieth year”) when he received his calling from God (“visions of God”) to be a prophet to captive Jews in the land of Babylon, living along the banks of the Chebar canal that connected the Euphrates and Tigris rivers north of the city of Babylon.

Ezekiel was a priest (Ezekiel 1:3) by virtue of his birth as a descendant of Aaron, the first priest of Israel, and as a member of the lineage of Zadok (high priest in the time of King Solomon). He became a prophet in obedience to the calling of God disclosed to him in a magnificent vision of the chariot throne of the LORD, the God of Israel (Ezekiel 1:4 – 2:5)

Ezekiel carefully dated his visions from God and major events in his life- 13 times throughout the book- starting in the first two verses. The vision in which God called him to be a prophet was on the fifth day of the fourth month (July) in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity (592 BC). Ezekiel had been taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon in 597 BC, along with King Jehoiachin and ten thousand other Jews (2 Kings 24:11-16; Ezekiel 33:21; 40:1).

Ezekiel was a contemporary of the priest and prophet Jeremiah and the prophet Daniel and may have known both men. All three were Jews born in the Kingdom of Judah in the final years of its existence (which ended in 586 BC). The prophet Daniel, having been in the first deportation of Jews to Babylon (606 BC), had been there nine years when Ezekiel arrived there.

Based on biblical records, Jeremiah likely lived 646–585 BC; Daniel lived 626–534 BC; and Ezekiel lived 622–570 BC. Jeremiah, the first born of the three, ministered in Judah until shortly after the end of the kingdom, but died in Egypt. By God’s providence, Daniel, to the end of his life was a counselor to the kings of Babylon and Persia. Until his death, Ezekiel served as God’s prophet to his fellow exiled Jews in Babylon. He had a house in Babylon that could accommodate a gathering of the elders of the Jews in captivity (Ezekiel 8:1), and he had a wife, “the desire of his eyes,” who died suddenly (24:15-18) on the first day King Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem (24:1-2).

 

What Is in the Book of Ezekiel?

The contents of the Book of Ezekiel, presented in chronological order and meticulously dated, provide an easy-to-follow scenario of Ezekiel’s life and ministry as God’s prophet to the captive Jews in Babylon. The book divides naturally into five parts: chapters 1-5 are about Ezekiel’s calling and ministry as a prophet; chapters 6-24 are prophecies denouncing Israel and Judah for the sins which brought their downfall under the judgment of God; chapters 25-32 are prophecies about God’s judgment against Gentile nations, including the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, Philistines, the cities of Tyre and Sidon, and Egypt; chapters 33-39 are prophecies about the coming spiritual and national restoration of Israel (especially chapter 37); and, finally, chapters 40-48 give a detailed description of a future temple, the worship therein, and the resettlement of the tribes of Israel in the land (Canaan) given to them by God.

 

The Relation of Ezekiel to the New Testament

Ezekiel is never mentioned by name in the New Testament, but his title, “son of man,” by which he is called 90 times in the Book of Ezekiel, takes on special significance for Christians because, as told 79 times in the four Gospels, Jesus called Himself “Son of Man.” For Ezekiel, this title meant simply that he was a man, a human. However, based on the prophecy about the “Son of Man” in Daniel 7:13-14, Jews in Jesus’ time understood this title as a reference to the Messiah. Jesus, using this title of Himself, clearly meant He was (and is) the Messiah (Matthew 9:6; 12:8; 13:41; 16:27; 24:30).

The New Testament emphasizes the personal experience of the Holy Spirit by believers in Christ, and Ezekiel, more frequently and explicitly than any other Old Testament writer, tells of his personal experience of the Holy Spirit. For example, in the Book of Ezekiel, he said, “the Spirit entered into me” (2:2; 3:24); “the Spirit took me up” (3:12); “the Spirit lifted me up” (3:14; 8:3; 11:1); “the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me” (11:5; compare Acts 10:44; 11:15); “the Spirit took me up” (11:24; 43:5); and “the hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of the LORD” (37:1).

Additionally, the Book of Ezekiel is closely connected to the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. In the Revelation there are 33 references to the Book of Ezekiel. Best-known among these are the Cherubim (Ezekiel 1; Revelation 4); eating the book (Ezekiel 3; Revelation 10); Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38; Revelation 20); and the river of water of life (Ezekiel 47; Revelation 22).

 

Regarding the Last Nine Chapters of Ezekiel (40-48)

This last part of the Book of Ezekiel has been the most studied part of the book by Jews and Christians, seeking to determine the correct interpretation of Ezekiel’s vision of a rebuilt temple, the reinstatement of Levitical sacrifices, and the resettlement of the twelve tribes of Israel in the land (Canaan) promised to them by God.

Today, most Jews do not expect a literal reign of the Messiah on earth, with a restored temple and Levitical sacrifices in Jerusalem. They regard Ezekiel 40-48 as an idealized representation of the future, meant to encourage the captive Jews in Babylon. Nevertheless, “Jewish tradition regards these chapters as Ezekiel’s vision of the Third Temple to be built in the days of the Messiah” (The Jewish Study Bible, JPS).

Most Christians- Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican/Episcopal, Lutheran, and some other Protestants- do not interpret Revelation 20:1-6 literally and therefore do not expect Christ to reign on earth for a literal 1,000 years at the end of this age. They, like most Jews today, interpret Ezekiel 40-48 as having a spiritual or ideal meaning.

However, a substantial number of Christians today concur with the traditional Jewish view of Ezekiel 40-48. These believe there will be a literal millennial (1,000 years) reign of Christ on earth when He comes again, as told in Revelation 20:1-6. “Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Cyprian, among the earliest [church] Fathers, all held the doctrine of a millennial kingdom on earth; and not until millennial views degenerated into gross carnalism was this doctrine abandoned” (JFB Commentary).

Christians who believe in the millennial reign of Christ, believe Ezekiel’s vision in chapters 40-48 will then be fulfilled. The temple described by Ezekiel in these chapters is believed to be the Millennial Temple, and the worship and conditions of life described are believed to be those during the millennial reign of Christ.

Breakdown of Dr. Black’s Article by ISOW Millennial Reign Team:

Who Was Ezekiel, the Author of the Book of Ezekiel?

The Book of Ezekiel was authored by Ezekiel, a Jewish priest and prophet, as explicitly stated in Ezekiel 1:3 and 24:24. Ezekiel, a descendant of Aaron and part of the Zadok priestly lineage from the time of King Solomon, was called by God to serve as a prophet to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. His prophetic ministry began at age 30, around 592 BC, during the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity (Ezekiel 1:1-2).

Historical Context

• Exile to Babylon: Ezekiel was among the 10,000 Jews taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon in 597 BC (2 Kings 24:11-16). He lived along the Chebar canal, near the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, north of Babylon.

• Contemporary Prophets: Ezekiel was a contemporary of Jeremiah (circa 646–585 BC) and Daniel (circa 626–534 BC). While Jeremiah ministered in Judah and later Egypt, and Daniel served as a counselor to Babylonian and Persian kings, Ezekiel focused on delivering God’s messages to the exiled Jews in Babylon.

• Personal Life: Ezekiel owned a house in Babylon where Jewish elders gathered (Ezekiel 8:1) and was married to a woman described as “the desire of his eyes,” who tragically died on the day King Nebuchadnezzar began his siege of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 24:15-18).

Ezekiel’s Calling

Ezekiel’s prophetic journey began with a spectacular vision of God’s chariot throne (Ezekiel 1:4 – 2:5), marking his divine commission. He meticulously dated his visions—13 times throughout the book—starting with his call in July 592 BC, providing a chronological framework for his ministry.

Key Takeaway: Ezekiel, a priest and prophet, wrote the Book of Ezekiel during his exile in Babylon, delivering God’s messages to the captive Jews with precise historical and personal details.

What Is the Book of Ezekiel About?

The Book of Ezekiel is a well-organized text, divided into five thematic sections, each addressing different aspects of God’s relationship with Israel and the surrounding nations:

1. Ezekiel’s Calling and Ministry (Chapters 1-5):

   • Describes Ezekiel’s divine commission and early prophetic acts, including symbolic actions to illustrate God’s judgment.

2. Prophecies Against Israel and Judah (Chapters 6-24):

   • Denounces the sins of Israel and Judah, explaining their exile as divine judgment for disobedience.

3. Judgment on Gentile Nations (Chapters 25-32):

   • Pronounces God’s judgment on nations like Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt.

4. Restoration of Israel (Chapters 33-39):

   • Foretells Israel’s spiritual and national restoration, with Ezekiel 37 (the vision of dry bones) as a highlight of hope.

5. Vision of the Future Temple (Chapters 40-48):

   • Details a future temple, its worship practices, and the resettlement of Israel’s tribes in the Promised Land.

Ezekiel’s Connection to the New Testament

The Book of Ezekiel holds significant theological importance for Christians due to its connections to the New Testament, particularly in the following areas:

The Title “Son of Man”

• Ezekiel is called “son of man” 90 times in his book, a term meaning “human” in his context. In the New Testament, Jesus adopts this title 79 times in the Gospels, linking it to the messianic prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14 (e.g., Matthew 9:6, 16:27). For Christians, this underscores Jesus as the Messiah.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Ezekiel frequently describes personal encounters with the Holy Spirit, such as “the Spirit entered into me” (Ezekiel 2:2) and “the Spirit lifted me up” (Ezekiel 3:14, 8:3). These experiences prefigure the New Testament’s emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s indwelling in believers (Acts 10:44).

Parallels with the Book of Revelation

• The Book of Ezekiel shares 33 references with the Book of Revelation, including:

  • Cherubim (Ezekiel 1; Revelation 4)

  • Eating the Book (Ezekiel 3; Revelation 10)

  • Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38; Revelation 20)

  • River of Life (Ezekiel 47; Revelation 22)

Ezekiel 40-48: The Vision of the Future Temple

The final nine chapters of Ezekiel (40-48) describe a detailed vision of a rebuilt temple, reinstituted Levitical sacrifices, and the resettlement of Israel’s tribes in Canaan. This section has sparked diverse interpretations:

• Jewish Perspective: Most modern Jews view Ezekiel 40-48 as an idealized vision to inspire hope among Babylonian exiles. However, traditional Jewish thought sees it as a prophecy of the Third Temple in the messianic era (The Jewish Study Bible, JPS).

• Christian Perspective:

  • Non-Literal View: Many Christians (e.g., Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran) interpret these chapters spiritually, not expecting a literal temple or 1,000-year reign of Christ (Revelation 20:1-6).

  • Literal View: Some Christians, aligned with early church fathers like Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, believe Ezekiel 40-48 describes a literal Millennial Temple during Christ’s 1,000-year reign on earth.

Why Is the Book of Ezekiel Relevant Today?

The Book of Ezekiel remains relevant for its timeless themes:

• Divine Judgment and Mercy: Ezekiel’s prophecies highlight God’s justice in addressing sin and His mercy in promising restoration.

• Hope for Restoration: The vision of dry bones (Ezekiel 37) symbolizes hope for renewal, resonating with those facing personal or communal challenges.

• Spiritual Connection: Ezekiel’s experiences with the Holy Spirit encourage believers to seek a deeper relationship with God.

FAQs About the Book of Ezekiel

Who wrote the Book of Ezekiel?

Ezekiel, a Jewish priest and prophet, wrote the book during his exile in Babylon around 592–570 BC.

What is the main message of Ezekiel?

The book conveys God’s judgment on Israel and other nations for their sins, followed by promises of spiritual and national restoration.

How does Ezekiel relate to the New Testament?

Ezekiel’s title “son of man,” his experiences with the Holy Spirit, and imagery (e.g., Gog and Magog) connect to Jesus’ messianic identity and the Book of Revelation.

What is the significance of Ezekiel 40-48?

These chapters describe a future temple and Israel’s restoration, interpreted by some as a literal prophecy for the messianic era and by others as a symbolic vision of hope.

Conclusion

The Book of Ezekiel, authored by the priest-prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, offers a rich tapestry of divine visions, judgments, and promises of restoration. Its meticulous structure, historical context, and theological connections to the New Testament make it a vital text for both Jewish and Christian readers. Whether you’re exploring Ezekiel’s calling, his prophecies, or the debated vision of the future temple, this book provides profound insights into God’s relationship with His people. Dive into Ezekiel to uncover its enduring spiritual lessons and prophetic hope.

Call to Action: Want to learn more about biblical prophecy or Ezekiel’s visions? Share this article, leave a comment with your thoughts, or explore related topics on our site!