The Major ProphetsShembull

The book of Ezekiel records the prophet’s message to the people in the southern kingdom of Judah, now incarcerated in Babylon because of their rebellion against God. The theme of the book is the glory of God, which had to depart from the temple in Jerusalem because of the people’s sin—which meant that His manifest presence was no longer in their midst. But Ezekiel also prophesied of a coming restoration in chapters 40–48. The regathering of God’s people would occur with the coming of Messiah to establish His kingdom, which we know as the future 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ called the millennial kingdom. The prophet wanted God’s people to know that as bad as things were during their captivity, God still had a plan, and would keep His covenant promises despite their rebellion and the consequences they were enduring. Ezekiel called on the people to have faith in God even in the discipline of the captivity. Ezekiel also foretold than the glory of God would return when the Messiah reigns—that glory being centered in Him. We learn from this book that the glory of God is His greatest purpose, and that when we live for His kingdom‘s purpose, His glory, His manifest presence, is made real to us and to the world.