The Book of Ezekiel
Vivid exile-era visions of judgment, a new heart, and a restored Temple.
Ezekiel, a priest-prophet exiled to Babylon, received some of scripture's most visually striking visions, from four living creatures to a valley of dry bones brought to life. His 48 chapters move from judgment on Jerusalem through oracles against the nations to a detailed vision of restoration. Begin at Ezekiel chapter 1.
About Ezekiel
Ezekiel is the twenty-sixth book of the Bible, written by Ezekiel the priest-prophet during the Babylonian exile, covering roughly 593 to 571 BC and spanning 48 chapters. Ezekiel ministered among the exiles in Babylon, receiving some of the most visually stunning and theologically complex visions in all of scripture. The book divides into three broad sections: oracles of judgment against Jerusalem (chapters 1-24), oracles against foreign nations (chapters 25-32), and oracles of restoration and hope (chapters 33-48). Major themes include the glory (kavod) of God, individual moral responsibility, the sin and restoration of Israel, and the spectacular vision of a new Temple and renewed land in the closing chapters. Key chapters include Ezekiel 1 (the vision of the living creatures and God's glory), Ezekiel 18 (individual responsibility), Ezekiel 34 (God as the true Shepherd), Ezekiel 36-37 (the new heart and the valley of dry bones), and Ezekiel 40-48 (the vision of the new Temple). Famous verses include Ezekiel 36:26 -- I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you -- and Ezekiel 37:4 -- Prophesy to these bones and say to them, Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Ezekiel KJV Bible reading rewards serious theological study. Read the Book of Ezekiel online here in full.