Westminster Bible Companion: Ezekiel

Top Highlights

“Samaria became the capital city of Israel when the northern tribes broke their allegiance to the royal dynasty of David. The fact that this city and kingdom had subsequently fallen prey to the imperial expansion of Assyria had led Jerusalem and Judah to a large degree of misplaced complacency. The south had appeared to fare better than its sister kingdom, even though it had been a deliverance won at the cost of unwelcome political subservience. Now the day of reckoning was coming, in which it would become clear, as Ezekiel foresees, that Jerusalem has learned no lessons from her sister’s fate and has been given only a temporary reprieve.” (Page 107)

“The confusing complexity of the vision indicates clearly the prophet’s recognition that he cannot describe the Indescribable One! The imagery is therefore deliberately hesitant and contrasts with everyday experience in certain of its details. Divine realities overreach the boundaries of human images and ideas, as the prophet’s vision demonstrates.” (Pages 11–12)

“advanced civilization and the commercial renown it achieved are seen as a challenge to God’s supreme sovereignty” (Page 123)

“The first lasted for six years (593–587 b.c.) and was predominantly one of warning and preparation for disaster” (Page 1)

“593 b.c., when he received his call to prophesy, and 571 b.c., about twenty-two years” (Page 1)