The book of Ezekiel is named after a priest who was part of the people of Israel who were taken into captivity in Babylon. He was serving in Babylon from about 593 to 563 BC. The book is a collection of oracles or prophecies. The book was edited and expanded at some point after Ezekiel's death and the return of the people to Jerusalem.
One of the main themes of the oracles were to assure the people of Israel of the presence of God with them, even though they were in a foreign land. This was by no means a foregone conclusion. At this point in history most people believed in God's of place. So the fact that the God of Israel could be with the people while they were in Babylon was a rather new idea.
Ezekiel reminds the people that not only is the Lord with them but that the Lord is taking an active role in the events of their lives.
In Ezekiel we see God calling the prophet "mortal". This makes the distinction between God and humans. We are mortal, God is not.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment