Life and Witness of Ezekiel
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
How does one make sense of a bizarre prophet like Ezekiel with his shocking symbolic actions and out-of-this-world visionary experiences? Not without patient exegesis and considerable humility. But the effort is worth it because this choice servant of Yahweh has an enduring message that leaves an imprint on the teaching of the great Servant of the Lord, Jesus of Nazareth.
This book, intended for the general reader, is not a commentary proper but a portal into the wild and wonderful world of this priest-prophet, the third voice of a prophetic trio, the so-called “major prophets” (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel). The author demonstrates an underlying theological unity that links Ezekiel with not only his fellow prophets, especially his contemporary Jeremiah, but also the entire canon of Scripture.
The author wants readers to grasp the essential burden of Ezekiel’s book, namely, to hope in the God of all comfort and hope because he will raise his people from their graves! And not only will the holy God restore his people to holiness and righteousness, he will dwell with them forever. That hope is the mainstay for God’s people yesterday, today, and forever.
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- Presents a distillation of Ezekiel’s enduring message for general readers
- Helps readers to grasp the essential burden of Ezekiel’s book: hope
- Demonstrates an underlying theological unity that links Ezekiel with the entire canon of Scripture
- Profile of a Prophet
- Extraterrestrial Encounter at the Kebar
- Ezekiel’s Call and Commission
- Symbolic Siege of Jerusalem
- Secret Surveillance of the Sanctuary
- Allegories and Announcements of Judgment
- Salvation Oracles for Israel
- God Versus Gog
- Yahweh’s Glory Returns
- Ezekiel and the New Testament
The book of Ezekiel is stubborn in its resistance to interpretation. Helyer nonetheless offers a winsome, accessible introduction to the book. He takes seriously the playful, elusive imagery of the book but insists that what is imaginative in the words of the prophet must be linked to the historical context of Ezekiel’s time. . . . This book will be a welcome entry point into Scripture that refuses easy access but holds rich resources for faith.
—Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary
This expertly written book does more than tell the complex story of the prophet Ezekiel. Rather, its focus is on a broader, grander theme, comparatively illustrating how the Ezekiel story connects to other Old Testament prophets as well as to New Testament narratives, including Revelation. Its sweep is majestic if not breathtaking, pointing ultimately to the cosmic center, Jesus the Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords. An inspiring and very helpful read.
—Eugene B. Habecker, president emeritus, Taylor University