Character Study Of Ezekiel Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF EZEKIEL – PROPHET IN EXILE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ezekiel 2:1

"And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee."

Supporting Texts:

Ezekiel 1:1-3, Ezekiel 3:17, Ezekiel 18:30-32, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Ezekiel 37:1-14

INTRODUCTION

Ezekiel was a prophet and priest who ministered during the Babylonian exile. His name means “God strengthens,” and his prophetic ministry was characterised by visions, symbolic acts, and powerful messages of judgment and restoration.

God called Ezekiel to be a watchman over Israel, warning them of impending judgment due to their rebellion. Though his messages were often difficult, he also spoke of hope, restoration, and the coming of a new covenant. His prophetic ministry spanned over 20 years during one of Israel’s darkest periods in history.

Ezekiel’s life teaches us about obedience, faithfulness, and the power of God’s word to transform hearts.

1. EZEKIEL’S CALL AND COMMISSION

a) He was called during exile (Ezekiel 1:1-3)

Ezekiel was among the captives in Babylon when he received his prophetic calling.

b) He saw the glory of God (Ezekiel 1:26-28)

He had a vision of God’s throne, revealing God’s majesty and sovereignty.

c) He was appointed as a watchman (Ezekiel 3:17)

God commanded him to warn Israel of their sins.

d) He had to eat the scroll of God’s word (Ezekiel 3:1-3)

This symbolised that he must fully absorb God’s message before proclaiming it.

e) Biblical Example: Isaiah also received a divine call and commission (Isaiah 6:1-8).

2. EZEKIEL’S VISIONS AND PROPHETIC SYMBOLISM

a) The vision of the four living creatures (Ezekiel 1:4-14)

Represented God’s power, omniscience, and divine presence.

b) The vision of the wheel within a wheel (Ezekiel 1:15-21)

Showed that God’s Spirit moves everywhere, even in exile.

c) Lying on his side as a prophetic act (Ezekiel 4:4-8)

Symbolised Israel and Judah’s coming punishment.

d) Shaving his head and beard (Ezekiel 5:1-4)

Represented the destruction and scattering of the people.

e) Biblical Example: Hosea also used prophetic symbolism in his marriage (Hosea 1:2-3).

3. EZEKIEL’S MESSAGE OF JUDGMENT

a) He rebuked Israel’s idolatry (Ezekiel 8:5-16)

He saw a vision of idol worship in the temple.

b) He prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 7:1-4)

Warned that God’s judgment was coming swiftly.

c) He condemned the false prophets (Ezekiel 13:1-9)

They misled the people with false assurances of peace.

d) He spoke against the corrupt leaders (Ezekiel 34:1-10)

Compared them to shepherds who mistreated their flock.

e) Biblical Example: Jeremiah also warned of Jerusalem’s fall (Jeremiah 25:8-11).

4. EZEKIEL’S PROPHECIES OF HOPE AND RESTORATION

a) The promise of a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

God would remove their hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh.

b) The vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

Symbolised Israel’s restoration and revival.

c) The prophecy of the new temple (Ezekiel 40-48)

Pointed to God’s future presence among His people.

d) The vision of the river of life (Ezekiel 47:1-12)

Represented spiritual renewal and healing.

e) Biblical Example: Isaiah also prophesied about Israel’s future restoration (Isaiah 49:8-13).

5. STRENGTHS OF EZEKIEL

a) He was obedient to God’s difficult commands (Ezekiel 24:15-18)

He obeyed even when it cost him personally.

b) He was faithful despite opposition (Ezekiel 2:6-7)

He was called to a rebellious people but remained steadfast.

c) He had deep spiritual insight (Ezekiel 11:19-20)

His prophecies revealed God’s plan for inner transformation.

d) He boldly confronted sin (Ezekiel 8:9-12)

He exposed hidden sins, even among the leaders.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel also remained faithful in exile (Daniel 6:10).

6. DIFFICULT MOMENTS IN THE LIFE OF EZEKIEL

a) He initially struggled with his prophetic calling (Ezekiel 3:14-15)

He was overwhelmed by the burden of his message.

b) He had to endure personal losses (Ezekiel 24:16-18)

God took his wife, yet he was not allowed to mourn.

c) His messages were often misunderstood (Ezekiel 12:21-28)

Many dismissed his prophecies as irrelevant.

d) He sometimes felt isolated (Ezekiel 3:25-27)

God restricted him from speaking at certain times.

e) Biblical Example: Moses also struggled with isolation (Exodus 33:7).

7. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF EZEKIEL

a) God calls people even in difficult circumstances (Ezekiel 1:1)

Ezekiel was called while in exile.

b) Obedience to God requires sacrifice (Ezekiel 24:18)

Ezekiel lost his wife as part of God’s message.

c) God’s word brings both judgment and restoration (Ezekiel 37:14)

He punishes sin but also redeems.

d) True servants of God must stand firm against opposition (Ezekiel 2:6)

Ezekiel remained faithful despite rejection.

e) Biblical Example: Paul also endured hardships for God’s message (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

CONCLUSION

Ezekiel’s life was a testimony of unwavering obedience and faithfulness to God. He ministered to a rebellious nation, delivering both warnings of judgment and promises of restoration. His prophecies pointed to the coming of a new covenant, a spiritual renewal, and the future glory of God’s kingdom.