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

  1. Ezekiel 25鈥32 directs oracles of judgment against the nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt.
  2. In Ezekiel 33鈥39 the prophet describes the blessings of the restoration.
  3. Ezekiel鈥檚 audience viewed him as an eloquent speaker but did not take him seriously in regard to spiritual matters.
  4. God鈥檚 restoration of Israel would be both physical and spiritual.
  5. Ezekiel 40鈥48 describes Ezekiel鈥檚 final vision of a restored Jerusalem and temple.
  6. Each one of the twelve gates of Jerusalem was designated for one of the twelve tribes.
  7. Bible interpreters have suggested many possible interpretations of Ezekiel 40鈥48.

Study Questions

  1. 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?
  2. Describe the role of the watchman in the book of Ezekiel. In what sense do modern Christians have this role?
  3. 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?
  4. 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?
  5. Describe the various ways Christians have interpreted Ezekiel 40鈥48. Do you lean toward a particular view yourself? If so, why?