Ezekiel
About this date: A prophet's narrative setting, ministry dates, and the composition history of the book bearing a prophetic name are related but distinct.
Exiled priest and prophet of judgment and renewal.
Historical context
Prophetic books and narratives address covenant infidelity, injustice, worship, imperial crisis, judgment, and restoration. A traditional book title does not establish authorship of every passage.
Key points
- Exiled priest and prophet of judgment and renewal.
- Primary reading: Ezekiel 1–3; 37. Read the complete passage in its literary context.
- Read an oracle in its literary unit and historical horizon; a prophet's ministry and a book's final composition are distinct questions.
Scripture
- Ezekiel 1–3; 37 — Principal biblical passage cluster for Ezekiel; check the summary against the complete text.
Primary sources
In the valley vision, the Lord says:
Ezekiel's valley vision voices renewal through the promise of breath and restored life to the dry bones.
Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you will live.
Passage context and translation
In the valley vision, Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy to dry bones. The interpretation later identifies the bones with the house of Israel whose hope is lost.
Before the excerpt
You dry bones, hear Yahweh's word.
After the excerpt
I will lay sinews on you, and will bring up flesh on you
Sources and further reading
- USCCB introduction to Ezekiel
Literary and historical introduction; not independent verification of every narrated event.