Visions, Vocation, and the Voice of God: Ezekiel’s Divine Commission
- Be God's Glory
- Aug 31
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 1
Welcome to Day 243 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Ezekiel. The opening chapters of Ezekiel introduce us to one of the most vivid prophetic experiences in the Bible, emphasizing God’s holiness, sovereignty, and the weight of His calling. Ezekiel, a priest exiled in Babylon, receives a remarkable vision of God’s glory, featuring living creatures, wheels within wheels, and an overwhelming sense of divine presence. These chapters highlight the prophet’s preparation for a mission that will be both challenging and spiritually demanding. God commissions Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel, giving him authority and responsibility to speak His words faithfully, even in the face of resistance. Through these chapters, readers gain insight into the awe-inspiring majesty of God, the seriousness of prophetic responsibility, and the necessity of obedience to God’s calling.
Ezekiel 1
Ezekiel 1 begins with a striking vision of God’s glory by the Kebar River in Babylon. Ezekiel sees a stormy wind and a great cloud filled with fire, from which four living creatures emerge, each with four faces (man, lion, ox, and eagle) and four wings. Beside each creature is a wheel, intersecting and full of eyes, symbolizing God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The creatures move in perfect synchrony, guided by the Spirit of God, reflecting divine order and power. Above them, Ezekiel sees a sapphire throne and a radiant figure—“the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord”—representing God Himself. This chapter emphasizes God’s transcendence, holiness, and the mysterious nature of His ways, preparing Ezekiel for his prophetic calling and revealing that God is sovereign even in exile.
Ezekiel 2
In Ezekiel 2, God speaks directly to Ezekiel, commissioning him as a prophet to the rebellious people of Israel. God describes Ezekiel as a “son of man,” emphasizing his humanity and the weight of his calling. Despite Israel’s obstinate nature, Ezekiel is to deliver God’s messages faithfully, whether the people listen or resist. God reassures him that the Spirit will empower him to speak boldly and endure opposition. The chapter underscores the prophet’s responsibility to be a faithful watchman, highlighting God’s holiness and the seriousness of accountability. Ezekiel’s obedience is not optional; it is essential for the spiritual welfare of Israel, demonstrating the link between divine authority and human responsibility.
Ezekiel 3
Ezekiel 3 focuses on the commissioning of Ezekiel as a watchman, emphasizing the dual responsibility of receiving God’s words and delivering them accurately. God instructs Ezekiel to eat a scroll, which tastes as sweet as honey but contains words of lamentation, mourning, and woe—symbolizing the complex and often painful nature of his message. The chapter stresses the prophet’s accountability: if Ezekiel warns the wicked, their lives can be spared, but failure to warn them makes him responsible for their fate. God strengthens Ezekiel, promising the Spirit’s empowerment and guidance. This chapter highlights the gravity of God’s message, the necessity of obedience, and the intimate relationship between the prophet and God. Ezekiel’s mission is both a privilege and a burden, requiring total devotion and courage in the face of Israel’s rebellion.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Ezekiel comes from the Hebrew name Yehezqel, which means “God strengthens” or “God is my strength.” This meaning is significant in the context of the book because Ezekiel is called by God to strengthen the faith of Israel and uphold God’s authority in the midst of the nation’s exile and rebellion.
Purpose of the Book:
The book of Ezekiel was written primarily to warn, convict, and comfort the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon (c. 593–571 BC). Its purposes include:
Warning of Judgment: To declare God’s judgment on Israel for their idolatry, rebellion, and unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 5:5–17).
Encouraging Repentance: To call the people to repentance and restore hope for the remnant who return to God (Ezekiel 18:30–32).
Revealing God’s Sovereignty and Glory: Through vivid visions, symbolic acts, and prophetic messages, the book emphasizes that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel (Ezekiel 1:26–28; 36:22–23).
Promising Restoration: Ezekiel concludes with promises of renewal for Israel, including the vision of the valley of dry bones and the restored temple, symbolizing spiritual revival and national restoration (Ezekiel 37:1–28; 40–48).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The book of Ezekiel is attributed to the prophet Ezekiel, a priest and prophet among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Evidence for his authorship includes:
Biblical References:
Ezekiel repeatedly identifies himself in the text as the recipient of God’s visions and messages (Ezekiel 1:3, 2:1, 3:4).
The Book of 2 Kings 24–25 provides historical context about the Babylonian exile, confirming the timeframe of Ezekiel’s ministry.
Extra-Biblical Support:
The Jewish historian Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews (Book 10, Chapter 10) references Ezekiel as a prophet active during the Babylonian exile, confirming the traditional attribution.
The Talmud (Babylonian Talmud, tractate Megillah 14b) also recognizes Ezekiel as the author of the prophetic book that bears his name.
Internal Evidence: The first-person accounts, vivid visions, and symbolic actions consistently present throughout the book strongly suggest a single author with intimate knowledge of priestly practices and the Babylonian exile experience.
Key People:
Ezekiel – The prophet and main figure, called by God to deliver messages of warning, judgment, and hope.
God (YHWH) – Central figure of the book, revealed in powerful visions and messages.
King Jehoiachin – King of Judah taken into Babylonian exile, mentioned in Ezekiel 1:2 and 24:1–2.
Other Israelites – The people of Israel, often depicted as rebellious and in need of correction (Ezekiel 2:3–5; 18:2–3).
Foreign Nations – Babylon, Tyre, Egypt, Ammon, Moab, and Edom, who are often referenced in prophecies of judgment (Ezekiel 25–32).
Conclusion
The book of Ezekiel concludes with a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God’s enduring presence. Despite Israel’s rebellion and judgment, God promises to gather His people, cleanse them from sin, and restore them to their land. The final chapters (Ezekiel 40–48) present a vision of a renewed temple and a reestablished covenant community, symbolizing spiritual revival and the assurance that God remains faithful to His promises. The overarching theme is that God is holy, sovereign, and faithful, and He works through judgment and restoration to fulfill His purposes for His people.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
Ezekiel 1
God’s character in Ezekiel 1 is revealed as holy, majestic, and sovereign. He is depicted as enthroned in glory above the cherubim, demonstrating His supreme authority over creation and the nations, even in exile. His power is evident in the living creatures and the wheels full of eyes, showing that God is all-seeing, all-knowing, and perfectly ordered in His ways. The lesson for us is to recognize God’s majesty and holiness, to approach Him with reverence, and to trust His sovereign control over circumstances beyond our understanding.
In Ezekiel 1, a specific Hebrew name of God is not directly mentioned; however, His presence is described as “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” (kabod YHWH), emphasizing His divine glory and holiness. The lesson God teaches is that His glory is powerful and overwhelming, and that His plans and purposes extend beyond human comprehension, reminding us to honor and fear Him in all situations.
Ezekiel 2
In Ezekiel 2, God’s character is shown as patient, authoritative, and empowering. He calls Ezekiel to be a prophet to a rebellious people, acknowledging their stubbornness but providing the strength to fulfill the mission. God demonstrates both justice and mercy by sending a messenger to warn Israel of the consequences of sin while giving Ezekiel the courage to speak boldly. The lesson here is that God equips those He calls, even for difficult tasks, and expects faithfulness in obedience despite resistance.
No specific Hebrew name of God is mentioned in Ezekiel 2. The chapter focuses on God’s role as the one who strengthens and commissions His servant, teaching us that His power and Spirit enable us to carry out His purposes faithfully, regardless of opposition.
Ezekiel 3
In Ezekiel 3, God’s character is depicted as holy, just, and relational. He emphasizes accountability, showing that He cares about human choices and their consequences. God’s interaction with Ezekiel demonstrates that He guides, sustains, and instructs His servants, ensuring that they are capable of fulfilling their calling. The lesson for us is that God values obedience and faithfulness, and He equips us with the Spirit to faithfully deliver His messages, even when they are difficult to hear or deliver.
No Hebrew name of God is directly mentioned in Ezekiel 3. The chapter underscores God’s role as a guiding and sovereign Lord, teaching that His instructions are life-giving and that we are responsible to share His truths with others, reflecting His justice and mercy in our obedience.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Ezekiel 1 reveal God’s holiness and majesty through His vision of the living creatures and the throne?
What do the wheels full of eyes in Ezekiel 1 teach us about God’s omniscience?
In Ezekiel 2, how does God demonstrate patience and empowerment toward His prophet?
How does God’s authority over rebellious Israel reflect His sovereignty in Ezekiel 2?
In Ezekiel 3, what aspects of God’s character show His concern for human accountability?
How does God’s guidance and instruction to Ezekiel in chapter 3 reveal His relational nature?
How do Ezekiel 1–3 collectively portray God as both just and merciful?
Questions About Themes:
How does the theme of God’s glory manifest in Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 1?
How is the theme of divine calling and commission emphasized in Ezekiel 2?
In what ways does the theme of human rebellion versus divine authority appear in chapters 2 and 3?
How do Ezekiel’s visions underscore the theme of God’s sovereignty over nations and creation?
How is the theme of accountability for one’s actions reflected in Ezekiel 3?
How does the book introduce the recurring theme of God preparing His servants to face resistance?
How does the theme of God’s Spirit empowering His servants appear across these chapters?
Reflective Application Questions:
How can recognizing God’s majesty in your own life inspire deeper reverence and worship?
How do you respond when God calls you to a challenging task, like He called Ezekiel?
What steps can you take to trust God’s guidance even when the task seems overwhelming?
How can you remain faithful in speaking truth when others may resist or ignore it?
In what ways does God’s accountability principle in Ezekiel 3 encourage you to take responsibility for your actions?
How can you rely on God’s Spirit to strengthen you in fulfilling your daily responsibilities?
How does reflecting on God’s justice and mercy in these chapters change your perspective on your own obedience and service?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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