Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
A Christian Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Chapter
30. Ezekiel 25–48: God Is Planning an Exciting Future!
Chapter Intro Video
Chapter Objectives
- Name the nations to whom Ezekiel directed his oracles in chapters 25–32
- Summarize the warnings Ezekiel pronounced on the seven nations in chapters 25–32
- List details of the new temple that God revealed to Ezekiel
- Present the five major approaches to interpreting Ezekiel 40–48
Chapter Summary
- Ezekiel 25–32 directs oracles of judgment against the nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt.
- In Ezekiel 33–39 the prophet describes the blessings of the restoration.
- Ezekiel’s audience viewed him as an eloquent speaker but did not take him seriously in regard to spiritual matters.
- God’s restoration of Israel would be both physical and spiritual.
- Ezekiel 40–48 describes Ezekiel’s 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 40–48.
Study Questions
- What are the implications of Ezekiel’s prophesying against other nations (chapters 25–32)? 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, “Ezekiel’s audience listened to him, but they didn’t really listen to him.” What subtle warning does Ezekiel 33:30–33 give to today’s 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’s people today?
- Describe the various ways Christians have interpreted Ezekiel 40–48. Do you lean toward a particular view yourself? If so, why?