Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
A Christian Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Chapter
30. Ezekiel 25鈥48: God Is Planning an Exciting Future!
Chapter Intro Video
Chapter Objectives
- Name the nations to whom Ezekiel directed his oracles in chapters 25鈥32
- Summarize the warnings Ezekiel pronounced on the seven nations in chapters 25鈥32
- List details of the new temple that God revealed to Ezekiel
- Present the five major approaches to interpreting Ezekiel 40鈥48
Chapter Summary
- Ezekiel 25鈥32 directs oracles of judgment against the nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt.
- In Ezekiel 33鈥39 the prophet describes the blessings of the restoration.
- Ezekiel鈥檚 audience viewed him as an eloquent speaker but did not take him seriously in regard to spiritual matters.
- God鈥檚 restoration of Israel would be both physical and spiritual.
- Ezekiel 40鈥48 describes Ezekiel鈥檚 final vision of a restored Jerusalem and temple.
- Each one of the twelve gates of Jerusalem was designated for one of the twelve tribes.
- Bible interpreters have suggested many possible interpretations of Ezekiel 40鈥48.
Study Questions
- What are the implications of Ezekiel鈥檚 prophesying against other nations (chapters 25鈥32)? How does God still show his power over all nations?
- Describe the role of the watchman in the book of Ezekiel. In what sense do modern Christians have this role?
- Evaluate the statement, 鈥淓zekiel鈥檚 audience listened to him, but they didn鈥檛 really listen to him.鈥 What subtle warning does Ezekiel 33:30鈥33 give to today鈥檚 Christian?
- In the book of Ezekiel, God promised he would judge evil and restore his people. What difference should that promise make in the lives of God鈥檚 people today?
- Describe the various ways Christians have interpreted Ezekiel 40鈥48. Do you lean toward a particular view yourself? If so, why?