Ezekiel's Character Analysis

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When studying the life of Ezekiel, we find that he was a priest prior to his becoming a prophet and that he was held captive in Babylon from 597 B.C. (Youngblood, Bruce, & Harrison, 1995). In addition, Ezekiel often experienced vivid visions sent to him from God, as well as delivering his messages by acting them out rather than verbally speaking (Tullock & McEntire, 2012). Preparing the people for the fall of Jerusalem, and warning against the messages being delivered by the false prophets, comprised the largest part of Ezekiel’s ministry (Tullock & McEntire, 2012). However, later in his ministry, after Jerusalem was destroyed, Ezekiel’s message became one of hope for the return to Jerusalem and the restoration of the Temple (Tullock & McEntire, …show more content…

Beginning with his call to be a prophet, Ezekiel’s experience began as a severe thunderstorm with flashing lightning and became the background of the rest of his vision (Tullock & McEntire, 2012). Encountering four creatures with different faces symbolized mobility, strength, lordliness, and intelligence (Tullock & McEntire, 2012). Additional symbolism in his vision involves the number four meaning that God reaches all corners of the Earth, wings allowed flight in any direction, and fire reflects the cleansing power of God (Tullock & McEntire, 2012). In addition, wheels accompanied the creatures symbolizing that they were mobile in any direction and their eyes represented God’s knowing everything (Tullock & McEntire, 2012). Likewise, their flying movement sounded like thunder and when they came into God’s presence, they were quiet (Tullock & McEntire, 2012). Finally, when Ezekiel saw God, the brightness represented his almighty presence (Tullock & McEntire, 2012). Through all the symbolism, Ezekiel was convinced that God was over all the universe and not just a small portion of it, therefore, God alone could be anywhere (Tullock & McEntire,

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