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Lesson 1: Ezekiel Chapters 1 - 3 (The Call of The Prophet) Introduction: First lesson we learned about the time and setting of Ezekiel. Children of Israel in captivity in Babylon. Ezekiel was near the capital city but with the common slaves. I) Ezekiel 1 A) Understanding chapter 1. 1. Is a moving picture much like Revelation with figures being described. 2. Phrases such as – the appearance of, the sound of many waters, one like, the likeness with the appearance of, etc. 3. It is hard to visualize everything in this vision and perhaps that is the idea. B) A declaration of God’s glory. 1. Most nations worshipped multiple gods, and that included the Jews. 2. Some would have interpreted Judah’s captivity as a sign of Jehovah’s weakness. C) Understanding the images 1. Some believe the creatures described were images of various false gods. These “gods” were subservient to the true God. 2. Others believe the images described were like the 4 creatures in Revelation 4. a. Cherubs were servants of the Lord. They are active in doing the will of God. See Ezekiel 10.10-14. b. Cherubs used by God in other passages: Garden of Eden, Genesis 3.24, Guarding the mercy seat, Exodus 25.18-22. c. Four faces: man, lion, bull, and eagle i. Man—intelligence ii. Lion – strength, kingship iii. Eagle – swiftness iv. Bull – strength, patience, service, sacrifice D) A view of God’s glory 1. A windstorm from the north, the power of God, the Sovereign God 2. God is over all nations. Remind Israel,. God is still on His throne and rules in heaven. 3. God is everywhere – wheel in a wheel which can go in any direction. 4. Eyes – omniscience of God, He sees everything 5. Throne – omnipotent authority 4. The phrase “They shall know” used over 80 times in Ezekiel 5. God name is exalted. Jews would not write out Yahweh, Jehovah. They used “Lord. Yahweh shammi – the Lord is there. II) Chapter 2 The Lord Speaks A) The Spirit Enters Ezekiel 1. The Spirit of the Lord in Ezekiel 37.1 2. The Spirit’s role is the lead, the guide, to reveal, 2 Peter 1.21. B) To go the children of Israel, Ezekiel 2.3-5. 1. Described as rebellious, impudent, stubborn 2. He is the speak “Thus says the Lord” 3. They will know that a prophet has been among them, v. 5 4. Do not be afraid – of their words, persecution (action), their looks, v. 6. III) Chapter 2.9-3.1ff A) Eat the word of God, Ezekiel 2.9-3.1-3 1. Similar to Revelation 10.8-11 it is sweet and bitter a. The word of God is like honey to those who believe and accept it, Psalm 19.7-10 b. It is the word of death to those who reject it. 2. God put His words in Jeremiah’s mouth, Jeremiah 1.9. 3. To preach you have to have it, study and know what God’s word is. B) Because the people are hard headed God was sending them a hard headed preacher, 3.4-11 1. The preacher cannot make people listen but he is still to preach. 2. Personal story of preaching in Northern Florida and hard headed people. C) The prophet must have an understanding of those to whom he was sent. 1. Know your audience, understand their background. 2. A servant of God must grasp the situation. D) The commission: a watchman, Ezekiel 3.16-21 1. Set over the house of Israel to give them warning. Isaiah 62.6; Psalm 19.11 2. To warn the wicked and righteous of their sins. Some will listen and some will not. 3. To preach was his responsibility, to repent was theirs. E) God restrains Ezekiel from speaking for a time, Ezekiel 3.22-27. 1. He is to be silent until the time when God says to speak. 2. Silence is often a powerful teaching tool. Conclusion: Thus we have God revealing His glory to Ezekiel in chapter 1; the call to preach in Chapter 2; and his responsibilities in chapter 3. Are we a hard headed people? Do we listen when God's word is taught? Are we willing to change? Are we willing to be hard headed for God? To declare His word and not compromise? Such are questions for us to consider.
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