Day 243 Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 1-3

Ezekiel 1: God Shows a Vision

[Overview]

The Book of Ezekiel reveals a theological interpretation of the Babylonian captivity incident. This chapter describes the amazing vision that Ezekiel was shown before receiving his calling. The content of this chapter consists of the first half (verses 1-3) where the prophet Ezekiel introduces himself as one called by God, the vision of the four living creatures (verses 4-14), the vision of the four wheels (verses 15-21), the vision of the firmament (verses 22-25), and the image of God’s glory (verses 26-28). Through these visions, the author reveals God’s glory and induces people to have awe and obey the revelation that will be proclaimed later.

Ezekiel 2: God Calls Ezekiel

[Overview]

This chapter records the scene where Ezekiel, who experienced God’s glory and majesty in a vision, receives his calling as a prophet.  In this chapter, God uses the title 'Son of Man' to refer to the prophet Ezekiel. This term is never used for other prophets in the Old Testament, but only for Daniel and Ezekiel. The meaning of 'Son of Man' in this book tells us that Ezekiel was called as a messenger to deliver God's word as a small and insignificant being. In other words, by using the title of Son of Man to Ezekiel, God emphasizes that all power comes from God and encourages him to carry out his calling more humbly. It consists of the first half (verses 1-3) mentioning God's calling to Ezekiel, the middle part (verses 4-7) describing God's commission to deliver God's word, and the second half (verses 8-10) conveying the content of the word that the prophet Ezekiel must deliver. 

Ezekiel 3: God Sends Ezekiel 

[Overview] 

This chapter records the scene where Ezekiel is sent to the stubborn Israelites to deliver God's word according to God's instructions.  This chapter can be divided into the following sections: Ezekiel eating the scroll (verses 1-3); Ezekiel describing the condition of the Israelites to whom he will deliver his message (verses 4-11); Ezekiel describing the process of being led by the Spirit to visit the Israelites (verses 12-15); Ezekiel's mission as a prophet (verses 16-21); and God commanding Ezekiel to remain silent for a while (verses 22-27).