Ezekiel 1-3

Ezekiel the Person

In chapter 1 we learn some basic biographical information about Ezekiel. He was a 30-year-old priest living in exile in Babylon.

Ezekiel had been in Babylon for 5 years, which means he wouldn’t have served yet as a priest in Jerusalem. And because he was a captive in Babylon, he wouldn’t have been allowed to go serve in the temple now that at the age of 30 he was eligible for service. But God had an unexpected way for Ezekiel to serve him and his people: as a prophet.

Ezekiel’s Vision

Seemingly without seeking it, God gave Ezekiel an awe-inspiring vision Initially, Ezekiel notices four living creatures with four faces, four wings, and four wheels. But the figure on a platform above them is the main attraction. A figure on a throne that looked like a person, but was like glowing metal and fire. It was the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

Ezekiel’s Commissioning

Ezekiel is told by the voice of God that he will be sent to the people of God to speak on God’s behalf. But much like Isaiah and other prophets before him, they would mostly reject his message. In spite of the rejection that Ezekiel would experience, God promised him that he would equip Ezekiel with the resolve he needed for his task. This reminds us that God has given us what we need to serve him. It also reminds us that we are not responsible for the results of our service to God and others. We are just responsible to be faithful to God’s calling.

Questions for Discussion/Reflection:

• How do you think you would have felt if you were living as a captive in Babylon like Ezekiel had been?
• What impression does Ezekiel’s vision of the creatures and the figure on the throne give you?
• What are some of the promises God has given us to enable us to serve him faithfully?
• What would it look like in your life to give yourself wholeheartedly to serve God and his people and not concern yourself with the results?