The Glory of God versus Four Abominations in the Temple – Chapters 8–11 relates how Yahweh’s “Glory” abandons the Jerusalem temple to destruction. The return of the “Glory” in the eschatological temple is in Ezekiel’s vision of 43:1-4.
The Glory of God versus Four Abominations in the Temple – Chapters 8–11 relates how Yahweh’s “Glory” abandons the Jerusalem temple to destruction. The return of the “Glory” in the eschatological temple is in Ezekiel’s vision of 43:1-4.
Neither the text nor the context gives a clue as to the circumstances of this sermon. It’s rhetorical style seems intended, and perhaps identical to the form of it Ezekiel preached.
6:1 – “The Word of Yahweh came to me” can be described as the “message-reception” or “word-event” formula. Chapter six has two oracles (vv.
5:1 – One is surprised that Ezekiel does not respond negatively to the command to shave his head and face. Priests are forbidden to shave their heads or beards (Lev 21:5; Ezek 44:20).
4:1-3 The Model Siege of Jerusalem – In 4:1-2, Ezekiel mimics in miniature and detail the regular course of the siege of an ancient walled city. The iron griddle of 4:3 is the impenetrable barrier between Yahweh and the city.
3:1 “Eat what you nd; eat this scroll” — The title of the scroll (2:10) suggests that the contents correspond to Ezekiel’s preaching through chapter 32. Yahweh gives to Ezekiel the divine message he is to proclaim, and Yahweh will protect his prophet from the erce opposition to God’s Word that he will have to face.
God does not deny the possibility that the Israelites may listen to Ezekiel and repent. But the prophet is not to tailor his message to his audience. If they do listen, believe, and are saved, it will be due tot he efficacy of the divine Word, that same Word that raised up Ezekiel from the ground and sent him to preach. if they do not listen, then the fault will not be God’s nor that of the faithful prophet.
1:1 Superscription — “Thirtieth year” of Elijah’s life, a priest deported by Jehoiachin in 597, now having reached maturity to serve in the Temple, c.f. “The fourth month” is Tammuz (roughly June/July).
History and Context of Ezekiel: Fortunately, we are about as well-informed about the history of the ancient Near East in Ezekiel’s time as of any period in the OT. Much of our knowledge comes from the Bible itself, especially 2 Kings 22-25 and 2 Chronicles 34-36, and much of the last half of the book of Jeremiah.
