DOCSLIB.ORG

EZEKIEL 18 Johan Lust for More Than a Century the Disputation in Chapter 18 of Ezekiel Has Been Seen As Occupyi

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
EZEKIEL 18 Johan Lust for More Than a Century the Disputation in Chapter 18 of Ezekiel Has Been Seen As Occupyi THE SOUR GRAPES: EZEKIEL 18 Johan Lust For more than a century the disputation in chapter 18 of Ezekiel has been seen as occupying a central position, not only in the Book of the said prophet, but also in the Bible as a whole. It has been argued that it contains a major contribution to the doctrine of individual responsibil- ity, perhaps the most significant contribution to be found in the Bible. In recent years most scholars have abandoned this view.1 Disagreement still persists, however, on several important text critical and exegetical issues. Here we will address some of them, especially 1 See the major commentaries: Walter Zimmerli, Ezechiel I (BKAT 13/1; Neukirchen: Neukirchener Verlag, 1969), 391–416; Moshe Greenberg, Ezekiel 1–20 (AB 22; Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1983), 325–47; Leslie C. Allen, Ezekiel 1–19 (WBC 28; Waco, TX: Word, 1994), 263–81; Daniel I. Block, The Book of Ezekiel: Chapters 1–24 (NICOT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 553–90; Karl-F. Pohlmann, Der Pro phet Hesekiel/Eze- chiel (ATD 22/1; Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1996), 257–76; see also the recent commentaries of Maarten Dijkstra, Ezechiël I: Een praktische bijbelverklaring (Tekst en toelich ting; Kampen: Kok, 1986), 167–83; Franz Sedlmeier, Das Buch Ezechiel: Kapitel 1–24 (Neuer Stuttgarter Kommentar Altes Testament 21/1; Stuttgart: KBW, 2002), 234–54; Margaret S. Odell, Ezekiel (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary; Macon GA: Smyth & Helwys, 2005), 217–31; see furthermore the following essays on the topic: Adrian Schenker, “Saure Trauben ohne stumpfe Zähne,” in Mélanges Dominique Barthélemy (OBO 38; Éditions Universitaires Fribourg; Fribourg/Göttingen, 1981), 449–70; Vic- tor Maag, Hiob (FRLANT; Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1982), esp. 70–72, 131–37; Paul Joyce, “Ezekiel and Individual Responsibility,” in Ezekiel and His Book (ed. Johan Lust; BETL 74; Leuven: Peeters & Univ., 1983), 317–21; Nelson Kilpp, “Ein frühe Interpretation de Katastrophe von 587,” ZAW 97 (1985): 210–20; Paul Joyce, Divine Initiative and Human Response in Ezekiel ( JSOTSup 51; Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1989), esp. 35–60; Gordon H. Matties, Ezekiel 18 and the Rhetoric of Moral Discourse (SBLDS 126; Atlanta, G: Scholars, 1990); Karl-F. Pohlmann, Ezechielstudien (BZAW 202; Berlin: de Gruyter, 1992), esp. 219–44; Henning Graf Reventlow, “Ezechiel 18,1–20: Eine prophe tische Botschaft für unsere Zeit,” in Recht und Ethos im Alten Testament: FS Horst Seebass (eds. Stefan Beyerle, Günter Mayer, and Hans Strauss; Neukirchen: Neukirchener Verlag, 1999), 155–65; Andrew Mein, Ezekiel and the Ethics of Exile (Oxford Theological Monographs; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001), esp. 177–213; Katheryn Pfisterer Darr, “Proverb Performance and Transgenerational Retribution in Ezekiel 18,” in Ezekiel’s Hierarchical World (Symposium Series; Atlanta: SBL, 2004), 199–223; Jurrien Mol, Collectieve en individuele verantwoordelijkheid: Een beschrijving van corporate personality naar Ezechiël 18 en 20 (Veenendaal: Universal Press, 2002); Gilbert N. Alaribe, Ezekiel 18 and the Ethics of Responsibility: A Study in Biblical Interpretations and Political Ethics (ATSAT 77; St Ottilien: EOS, 2006). 224 johan lust those concerning the meaning of the proverb put in the mouth of Eze- kiel’s opponents: “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge” (Ezek 18:2, nrsv), and those concerning the identity and whereabouts of these interlocutors. In this context, special attention should go to the preposition l[ in the phrase larcyAtmdaAl[ (18:2). Does it tell us that they are living ‘in (l[) the land of Israel,’ or does it indicate that their proverb deals with a situation ‘concerning (l[) the land of Israel’? With this short contribution I like to pay tribute to a most distin- guished colleague for her important and painstaking work in the field of textual criticism and translation technique, particularly, on Hebrew semi-prepositions and their renderings in the Septuagint. First Approach Context, Parallels, and Structure In its final edition, Ezek 18 is a complex disputation speech2 culminat- ing in an appeal for repentance. Unlike the surrounding chapters it is not a poetic composition formulated as an allegory or mashal (lvm 17:2; 19:14) or qîna (hnyq 19:1, 14). On the other hand, it quotes and rejects a mashal or proverb, and is, as such, a perfect parallel to 12:21–22. The proverb referring to the sour grapes is also quoted and coun- tered by Jeremiah (31:29–30). His treatment of the problem is more succinct. In contrast to Ezekiel he does not forbid the use of the proverb, but announces that the days are coming in which it will no longer be used. The proverb is said to be a figurative expression of the doctrine explicitly formulated in Lam 5:7: “Our ancestors sinned, they are no more, and we bear their iniquities.”3 The text of Ezek 18 is divided into two parts. In the first (vv. 1–20), Ezekiel’s opponents are quoted. They cite a proverb (v. 2) about sons suffering for their father’s misdeeds. The refutation follows in vv. 3–18. After the general proposition (vv. 3–4) that each (person or generation) 2 For the literary genre: see Adrian Graffy, A Prophet Confronts His People (AnBib 104; Rome: Biblical Institute, 1984), esp. 47–52; see also D. F. Murray, “The Rhetoric of Disputation: Re-examination of a Prophetic Genre,” in JSOT 38 (1987): 95–121. 3 Schenker, “Saure Trauben,” 457; Block, Ezekiel I, 501–3; compare Allen, Ezekiel I, 271; Zimmerli, Ezekiel I, 401–3..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • REPENT and LIVE! Ezekiel 18:1-32 Key Verse
    REPENT AND LIVE! Ezekiel 18:1-32 Key Verse: 31-32 “Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!” Today we’re going to begin a three part study of some highlights from the book of Ezekiel. Why Ezekiel? Ezekiel is alluded to heavily throughout Revelation, because the purpose of the book of Ezekiel was to help God’s people understand and respond to God’s judgment. In Revelation 16 we learned that all judgment is from God alone, and there were two reactions: God’s people say “just and true are your judgments” (Rev 16:5-7) and those belonging to the devil curse God and refuse to repent (16:9,11,21). It seems God has appointed us to study Revelation at this time. How are we responding to God’s judgment on the world? The simple truth is that sickness only exists in the world as a result of sin—my sin. In Ezekiel 18, God convicts his people to stop blaming others, take responsibility for their sin and respond correctly. Ezekiel gives us a unique glimpse into God’s heart and purpose in bringing judgment. It is such a relevant study for us today. According to 1:1-2 Ezekiel was a priest, the son of Buzi, and was among the exiles in Babylon. Because they had broken their marriage covenant with God and forgotten his love and grace, God brought up Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon against them who carried into exile some 10,000 plus of the nobility and middle class first in 605BC—which we can read about in Daniel—and the full exile in 597 BC which included Ezekiel and his wife.
    [Show full text]
  • The Blame Game (Ezekiel
    “The Blame Game” EZEKIEL 18 Baxter T. Exum (#1170) Four Lakes Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin June 17, 2012 Perhaps some of you have run across the story of a lame duck president meeting his successor in the Oval Office. They are working on the transition from one administration to the next, and on the day before the inauguration, the outgoing president presents the incoming leader with three numbered envelopes and tells him to open those envelopes in order whenever he faces a great difficulty. Well, after the new president had a pretty good honeymoon period with the press and the public, the economy took a serious downturn, and so the new president opened the first envelope. Inside Envelope #1 there was a very simple note that said, “Blame me.” And so over the next few days, the new president blamed the old president for all of the economic woes. Some time later, the new president faced a social crisis, and the crisis brought with it some very serious unrest. And so the president opened the next envelope. Inside Envelope #2 there was another very simple message, “Blame my party.” And so for the next several days, the president blamed the party of the previous administration. He turned it all political and got the two groups fighting against one another, and after a few weeks, the president was able to distance himself from that situation. And then, about a year later, the nation faced a serious foreign policy challenge, and as a last result, the president opened that final envelope, and in Envelope #3 there was also a very simple message, and the message said, “Prepare three envelopes.” It seems that we as a society love blaming other people for what we have done – from the president all the way down to little children playing in the back yard – most of us will do everything in our power to avoid taking responsibility.
    [Show full text]
  • A Commentary on the Book of Ezekiel by Pastor Galen L
    A Commentary on the Book of Ezekiel By Pastor Galen L. Doughty Southside Christian Church December 2014 INTRODUCTION: This commentary is based upon my personal devotional notes and reflections on the Book of Ezekiel. It is intended to help you better understand some of the background and issues in Ezekiel’s prophecy. It is not a technical commentary designed for academic projects. This material is intended for use by members and friends of Southside Christian Church, especially our Life Group leaders to help you lead your group in a verse by verse study of Ezekiel. However, I do not include discussion questions in the commentary. That I leave up to you as a group leader. In the commentary there are occasional references to the original Hebrew words Ezekiel used in a particular passage. Those Hebrew words are always quoted in italics and are transliterated into English from the Hebrew. I go chapter by chapter in the commentary and sometimes individual verses are commented upon, sometimes it is several sentences and sometimes a whole paragraph. This commentary is based on the New International Version and all Scripture quotations are taken from that version of the Bible. Books of the Bible, Scripture references and quotes are also italicized. KEY HISTORICAL DATES IN THE TIMELINE OF EZEKIEL: King Jehoiachim of Judah becomes a Babylonian vassal, 605. Jehoiachim rebels against Nebuchadnezzar; he sends troops to raid and punish Jehoiachim, 602. Nebuchadnezzar deports some Jews to Babylon from Jerusalem including a young man named Daniel, 602. Jehoiachim dies and is replaced by his son Jehoiachin; he reigns three months, 598.
    [Show full text]
  • Prophecy and Enervation in the American Political Tradition
    City University of New York (CUNY) CUNY Academic Works All Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects 10-2014 Right Without Might: Prophecy and Enervation in the American Political Tradition Jonathan Keller Graduate Center, City University of New York How does access to this work benefit ou?y Let us know! More information about this work at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/358 Discover additional works at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu This work is made publicly available by the City University of New York (CUNY). Contact: [email protected] RIGHT WITHOUT MIGHT: PROPHECY AND ENERVATION IN THE AMERICAN POLITICAL TRADITION by JONATHAN J. KELLER A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty in Political Science in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, The City University of New York 2014 © 2014 JONATHAN J. KELLER All Rights Reserved ii This manuscript has been read and accepted for the Graduate Faculty in Political Science in satisfaction of the dissertation requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. PROFESSOR COREY ROBIN _______________ __________________________________________ Date Chair of Examining Committee PROFESSOR ALYSON COLE _______________ __________________________________________ Date Executive Officer PROFESSOR ANDREW J. POLSKY PROFESSOR THOMAS HALPER PROFESSOR BRYAN TURNER PROFESSOR NICHOLAS XENOS __________________________________________ Supervisory Committee THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK iii Abstract RIGHT WITHOUT MIGHT: PROPHECY AND ENERVATION IN THE AMERICAN POLITICAL TRADITION by JONATHAN J. KELLER Adviser: Professor Corey Robin This dissertation examines the ways Old Testament prophecy has influenced American political thought and rhetoric. Although political scientists have long recognized the impact of the Scriptures on the ways Americans express and think about themselves, they have misunderstood this important part of America’s political tradition.
    [Show full text]
  • Turn and Live. Ezekiel 18. We Encounter Lots of Warnings in Life
    1 Turn and Live. Ezekiel 18. We encounter lots of warnings in life and there is Nothing wrong and everything right in giving warning of real dangers Some, especially where act and consequence are close, we obey. Very few of us play in electricity substations or make a habit of drinking labelled poisons. But others, especially where there is gap between behaviour and consequence, and especially where we are being warned against something we want to do, we enjoy doing, we find harder to heed. We may even find reasons not to act on the warning. Take smoking. The health risks of smoking are legion and well known. They are even advertised on cigarette packets. Go to the department of health website and it will tell you • Cancer Smoking causes most lung cancers and can cause cancer almost anywhere on the body. This includes the lips, tongue, mouth, nose, oesophagus, throat, voice box, stomach, liver, kidney, pancreas, bladder, blood, cervix, vulva, penis and anus. • Breathing problems and chronic respiratory conditions Smoking is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious, progressive and disabling condition that limits airflow in the lungs. Active smoking also worsens asthma in active smokers and is associated with an increased risk for asthma in adolescents and adults. • Heart disease, stroke and blood circulation problems Smoking is major cause of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke. Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, which block blood flow to the heart, brain or legs. Some smokers end up having their limbs amputated due to blood circulation problems caused by smoking.
    [Show full text]
  • Individual Responsibility in Ezekiel 18, 1-32
    INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY IN EZEKIEL 18, 1-32 Paskalis Edwin N. Paska STFT Widya Sasana Malang Abstract: Persoalan apakah anak mewarisi dosa orang tuanya atau apakah Allah menghukum seseorang karena kesalahan orang tuanya telah menjadi perdebatan yang seru di kalangan umat kristiani, para klerus maupun para ahli Alkitab. Beberapa teks Alkitab, seperti Kel. 20:5; 34:7; Bil. 14:18; Ul. 5:9; Yer. 32:18 sepertinya memang menekankan adanya dosa warisan. Namun banyak teks Alkitab lainnya, seperti Ul. 24:16; Yer. 31:29-30; Yeh. 18:4 menyangkal hal itu dan menandaskan tanggung jawab pribadi. Ada yang menduga bahwa terjadi perkembangan atau perubahan dalam paham Israel tentang dosa. Pada mulanya Israel meyakini adanya dosa warisan, namun sejak abad ke-6 paham ini mulai diformulasi ulang dan puncak perubahannya ada pada Yehezkiel. Analisa atas konteks dan isi Yeh. 18:2-4 menunjukkan bahwa Yehezkiel memang menolak ide hukuman warisan. Namun apa yang dibuatnya bukanlah menyangkal teks- teks Alkitab yang sepertinya berbicara tentang hukuman warisan melainkan penafsiran dan pemakaian yang salah atas teks-teks tersebut. Keywords: The sour grapes proverb, repentance, individual responsibility, co- llective responsibility, awareness of sinfulness, fatalism. The existence of inherited punishment, that is, the passing of divine punishment from one generation to the next, is nebulous and has caused controversies. For example, believing in inherited punishment, some Chris- tian charismatic groups in Java (Indonesia) organize what they call the “fam- ily tree” retreat (retret pohon keluarga). The main aim of this retreat is to heal or to free participants from the sickness, sufferings or curses which are believed to be caused by their parents’ or grandparents’ sins.
    [Show full text]
  • Combined Notes for Lectures 13-25 (41 Pgs)
    The Hebrew Bible: Notes for Lectures 13-25, Shaye J.D. Cohen !1 of !41 Lecture 13: D and Deuteronomy.! Reading: Deuteronomy 4; 10:12-11:32; 28 (Deuteronomy’s theology of history);" Deuteronomy 12 (centralization of the cult);" Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 31:7-13 (the writing and studying of the Torah);" Kugel 296-316." Topics:! • Contrast P and D. " • Which is earlier: P or D? What is at stake in this debate? " ! • What are the distinctive hallmarks of D? " D = the book of Deuteronomy; " Dtr = the Deuteronomist = the narrator of Joshua-Judges-Samuel-Kings (MBS: ! Deuteronomy through Kings was originally one long book)." The book of Deuteronomy: a series of farewell discourses of Moses: survey of Israelite history; sermons; laws (12-26); blessings and curses (27-28); two final poems (32-33); !death of Moses (34)." !Is the book a unity? Is Moses the author of “these words” (1:1)?" MBS link D to the discovery in the temple of “the book of the Torah” (2 Kings 22:8), and !the subsequent religious reform under Josiah (ca. 621 BCE) (Kugel)." The speeches are attributed to Moses → the book of Deuteronomy is attributed to Moses (Joshua 8:31 citing Deuteronomy 27:6) → the entire Torah is attributed to Moses !(Nehemiah 8:1)." MBS: D has complex and diverse origins:! 1. Jerusalem priests: centralization of sacrificial cult in “the place in which God shall cause his name to dwell” (Deut 12):" • Permission for secular slaughter:" ✦ Contrast with Leviticus 17 which requires that all slaughtered cattle sheep and goats must be brought to the altar, apparently for the disposition of the blood.
    [Show full text]
  • Year 1, Chapter 30
    PARALLEL GUIDE 30 Ezekiel Summary: While considerable controversy surrounds the life of Ezekiel, his mes sage seems to reflect the spirit of the time. His gloomy oracles predict destruction by famine, sword, and pestilence. He introduces the revolutionary concept of individual responsibility and concludes with the ultimate hope that YHWH, “the Good Shepherd,” will restore the nation. Learning Objectives • Read Ezekiel • State Ezekiel’s notion of individual responsibility • State the meaning of the vision of the “dry bones” • State two features of the restored Jerusalem which Ezekiel envisions Assignments to Deepen Your Understanding 1. By now you should be thoroughly familiar with the four-source model for theological reflection. Using this model take the passage in Ezekiel 37:1-14 and analyze the sources Ezekiel uses to develop his vision. 2. Read Ezekiel carefully and identify the messianic symbols or motifs which occur again in the New Testament. What comes from each of the four sources: Tradition, Culture, Position, and Action? Preparing for Your Seminar Ezekiel used “enacted symbols” to prophesy. Make up an enacted symbol to convey a message to the members of your seminar group about your life together. Additional Sources Joseph Blenkinsopp, Ezekiel, Interpretation Series (John Knox Press, 1990). Moshe Greenberg, Ezekiel 1-20, The Anchor Bible Series (Doubleday, 1983). Carl G. Howie, The Book of Ezekiel, The Layman’s Bible Commentary, vol. 13 (John Knox Press, 1961). Herbert G. May and E. L. Allen, The Book of Ezekiel,The Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 6 (Abingdon Press, 1956). 513 Page 514 left blank Chapter 30 EZEKIEL After the first fall of Jerusalem in 597 BCE, the prophet Ezekiel warned from Babylon of the disaster yet to befall the city.
    [Show full text]
  • Ezekiel Notes Studies Completed with Joe Focht, Chuck Smith, Damian Kyle, Jon Courson, Warren Wiersbe, Matthew Henry, and NIV Study Bible
    Ezekiel Notes Studies completed with Joe Focht, Chuck Smith, Damian Kyle, Jon Courson, Warren Wiersbe, Matthew Henry, and NIV Study Bible. Introduction: Ezekiel means “God strengthens.” - Ezekiel was written between the 2nd and 3rd deportations of Jerusalem. Jerusalem had not yet been completely destroyed. Many of the Jewish captives in Babylon seemed to expect that they would soon return to their homeland. Ezekiel ministered for 22 years; from July, 593 BC to April, 571 BC. - According to Jewish tradition, Ezekiel was put to death by the captives in Babylon. It is stated that they dragged him upon the stones until his brains were dashed out. Theme: “Then they will know that I am the Lord.” - This phrase (or variations of it) is found 65 times in Ezekiel. Outline: Ezekiel 1-24 Ezekiel’s prophecies against the nation of Israel (Judah). Ezekiel 25-32 Ezekiel’s prophecies against the nations. Ezekiel 33-48 Ezekiel’s prophecies for the future restoration of Israel and the Millennial Reign of Christ. Chapter 1: 1:1 – “thirtieth year” – Many believe this is Ezekiel’s 30th year. - As a son in the priestly line, Ezekiel would have started his priestly work during his 30th year. (Num. 4:1-3,23) - “among the captives” – What must Ezekiel be thinking and feeling at this point? Was he disappointed that now that he was of age to begin his ministry, he finds himself a captive in a foreign land? - Before God calls Ezekiel, He convinces him there is nothing he can do. - “Chebar” – A canal on the Euphrates River.
    [Show full text]
  • Jeremiah and Ezekiel: Messages of Judgment and Hope He Is Not Here
    Adult Bible Study in Simpliied English Jeremiah and Teaching Ezekiel: Guide Messages of Judgment and Hope WRITER Bob Coder BAPTISTWAY PRESS Dallas, Texas baptistwaypress.org Introduction ● Page 2 Adult Bible Study in Simplified English Teaching Guide Jeremiah and Ezekiel Copyright © 2014 by BW P® ® All rights reserved. BW P First edition: February 2014 Permission is granted for a church to make as many M T copies of this publication as needed for use within its ministry. Copies of this publication are not to be sold, Executive Director distributed, or used in any other manner whatsoever Baptist General Convention of Texas without written permission except in the case of brief David Hardage quotations. For information, contact BAPTISTWAY PRESS, Baptist General Convention of Texas, 333 Director, Church Ministry Resources North Washington, Dallas, TX 75246-1798. Chris Liebrum ® BAPTISTWAY PRESS is registered in U.S. Patent Director, Bible Study/Discipleship and Trademark Office. Phil Miller Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations ® are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIFE Version, Publisher, BAPTISTWAY PRESS Copyright © 1969, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, Christian Scott Stevens Literature International, P.O. Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. Identified by “N.L.V.” L Adult Bible Study in Simplified English M T is published by BaptistWay Press. These quarterly studies follow the same curriculum plan as the Teaching Guide Writer BaptistWay Adult Bible Study curriculum. Jeremiah and Ezekiel: Messages of Teachers may wish to purchase BaptistWay Judgment and Hope Adult Bible Study materials as additional resources. Bob Coder, First Baptist Church These may be ordered through your church or Richardson, Texas directly: Teaching Guide Editor Order online at: baptistwaypress.texasbaptists.org Jeremiah and Ezekiel: Messages of Order by phone: (U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Ezekiel 18-19
    Ezekiel 18-19 • Let’s return to Chapter 18 and to the Lord’s response to Israel’s seventh excuse ○ The exiles of Israel sitting in captivity in Babylon had reasons they thought they could justifably ignore the Lord’s warnings of judgment • The Lord told them through Ezekiel that the city of Jerusalem was on the verge of total destruction at the hands of Babylon • And it was about to suffer this fate because of the many sins of Israel, perpetrated against God and their covenant through Moses ○ But the people wouldn’t believe that such a destruction was likely or even possible • So they told themselves eight excuses for why they could safely ignore the prophet’s warnings • Last week we looked at the sixth and seventh excuses, which were related to one another ○ Israel’s sixth excuse proposed that God would never hold the current generation of Israel accountable for the sins of prior generations • The Lord answered that objection by reminding the nation of how sinful they themselves were • They repeated the pattern of sin of prior generations • They had evil kings as did prior generations and they followed their kings into all manner of depravity • So this generation was equally guilty and therefore equally due judgment • But the Lord’s response simply prompted the people to give a new excuse, their seventh excuse ○ The people said that if judgment was truly coming, then there was no purpose in repenting as Ezekiel demanded • There was nothing to be gained in their repentance • They would pay for the sins of the nation regardless, since they couldn’t change the past © 2018 – Verse By Verse Ministry International (www.versebyverseministry.org) May be copied and distributed provided the document is reproduced in its entirety, including this copyright statement, and no fee is collected for its distribution.
    [Show full text]
  • Ezekiel Commentary-Daniel Woodhead
    Ezekiel Commentary-Daniel Woodhead The Book of Ezekiel INTRODUCTION TO EZEKIEL August 23, 2015 INTRODUCTION The Old Testament book of the Jewish Prophet Ezekiel is one of the so-called Major Prophets in the Christian Bible because of its length. The other four are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations and Daniel. The twelve so-called Minor Prophets follow these. They are designated minor due to their length. Therefore all the prophetic books are collected together in the Christian Bible. The Hebrew Bible, which is called the Tenach, arranges the books in a different order and assigns the Book of Ezekiel to third position in the category called the Latter Prophets (Hebrew, Neve’em). The other Later Prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah and the Twelve Prophets. The Jewish Talmud arranges the sequence of the books of the Latter Prophets to follow a chronological order. Beginning with Jeremiah, which is primarily concerned with the prophecies of Israel’s destruction following the narrative of the books of Kings. Ezekiel, which begins with destruction, ends with the consolation of the Messianic Kingdom. Isaiah follows that and is almost all concerned with prophecies of consolation. Jewish Order of Books (Tenach) Torah - The Law Bereshit - Genesis Shemot - Exodus VaYikra - Leviticus BaMidbar - Numbers Devarim - Deuteronomy Neviim - The Prophets Former Prophets Yehoshua - Joshua Shoftim - Judges Shmuel A - 1 Samuel Shmuel B - 2 Samuel Melachim A - 1 Kings Melachim B - 2 Kings Latter Prophets Yisheyah - Isaiah Yermiyah - Jeremiah Yechezchial - Ezekiel Treisar
    [Show full text]