Comparsion of Passages in the Book of Ezekial and the Book of Revelation

This term paper will attempt to compare specific biblical passages from the book of Ezekiel to specific passages in the book of Revelation. These passages are comparable due to their similar use of language, visions, and symbolism.

The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel who was a priest. The New American Standard Study Bible suggests this book was written approximately between 597—586 B.C. It is generally divided into three sections following the introduction. The first section, chapters 4—24, discusses the judgment on the nation of Judah. The second section, chapters 25—32, expresses judgment on the surrounding nations. The third section, chapters 33—48, encompasses the future blessing of God’s Covenant People. Visions and symbolism are frequently used throughout the book. (Barnes Notes, 1997)

The book of Revelation has been traditionally attributed to the apostle John and consists of 22 chapters (New American Standard Bible, 1997). According to the New American Standard Bible the book was written between 81—96 A.D. It is considered to be apocalyptic literature in that it talks of numerous visions using the power of symbolism. It generally depicts the end of the present age of man, great struggles and catastrophic events, angels and demons, and the eventual coming of God’s Kingdom. It describes through symbolism the New Heaven and the New Earth. It ends with descriptions of what will happen throughout eternity and how God will be glorified. (New American Standard Bible, 1997)

Comparisons

Both Men in Exile

Now it came about in the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was by the river Chebar among the exiles . . . (Ezek. 1:1)

In examining Ezekiel 1:1, we note that the...

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...arnes, scholar’s debate the concept that God will be accompanied by angels or humans. The forehead was most likely chosen for the mark because it was conspicuous and would be easily seen when destruction comes upon the earth.

In both books, the Godly people have marks on their foreheads. Additionally in both passages the mark is placed by someone other than God. In both scriptures the mark will be given to the faithful people (BibleSoft, 2002).

Summary

In the above presentation we have seen similar commonalities in language like exiles and captives, wrath and judgment, scroll and book, and marks on the foreheads. For visions we noticed that God appeared and spoke to both to Ezekiel and John. They both were handed a book or a scroll by God. Symbolism was witnessed in using a mark on the foreheads and a double sided scroll or book conveying God’s thoughts.