G26   EZEKIEL

Ezekiel who prophesied to the Exiles in Babylon was a mystic visionary whose spiritual experiences are not easy to understand; but he had a valuable contribution to make to Israel's faith.

We read first a passage in which we encounter the figures that the Christian Church has adopted as symbols of the New Testament Gospel writers (a human being, a lion, an ox and an eagle) and the glory of the Almighty upon His throne. The word 'mortal' (man) in this version is a way of rendering Ben Adam (Son of Man) in earlier versions of the Bible.
Ezekiel 11.vv.14-20

In an inspired insight the prophet declares that the age-old conviction of Israel that God deliberately "visits the sins of the fathers upon the children" is to be replaced by a sense of personal responsibility.
Ezekiel 36.vv.22-36

One of the most powerful images the prophet gives us is that of the "Valley of Dry Bones" with its spiritual awakening. Whether we use the interchangeable words "wind", "breath" or "spirit", (ruach) the meaning of this passage is crystal clear.
Ezekiel 37.v1-14, v24-28

The book closes with detailed instructions for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the ordinances and ritual to be observed in its worship.