Ezekiel (Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching | INT)
Overview
This major work explores the message and meaning of Ezekiel, one of the longest and most difficult of the prophetic books. An introduction explains what is involved in reading a prophetic book, and how the book of Ezekiel was put together and structured. It looks at the form of speech used and discusses Ezekiel's author and those who transmitted, edited, and enlarged upon what he had to say. The destruction of Jerusalem is a primary concern, and attention is focused on the political and social situation of the time in order to provide a clear understanding of the political and religious crisis facing the prophet's contemporaries.
- Detailed introduction
- Bibliography
Top Highlights
“Disconcertingly, perhaps, the criterion of discrimination is not religious orthodoxy or orthopraxy but care for the weak and disadvantaged—the hungry, thirsty, and sick, the prisoner and the stranger.” (Page 159)
“Since it would be very confusing to date according to two quite different systems, the reference is probably to the prophet’s age at the time of commissioning. Ezekiel belonged to the Zadokite priesthood, and, according to ritual law, thirty was the minimum age for assuming the office of priest (Num. 4:30). The mysterious divine effulgence (the kabod) which appeared to Ezekiel was also thought to appear at the climax of the ordination service (Lev. 9:6). So it is possible that Ezekiel was called to be a prophet in the same year in which he was ordained priest, perhaps during the act of worship accompanying the ordination.” (Page 16)
“For Ezekiel, spirit is an energy originating in the divine sphere which manifests itself as a force that propels (1:12, 20–21), lifts up (2:2; 3:12, 14, 24), transports (8:3; 11:1, 24; 37:1), and energizes and renews both individual and community (11:19; 18:31; 36:26–27; 37:14; 39:29). The spirit works with the raw material of humanity. Here and throughout the book (ninetythree times) Ezekiel is addressed as ‘mortal’ (literally, ‘son of man’), never by name. The reason may be that in his career, more than in other prophetic careers, it is the office or function rather than the person which is important.” (Page 24)
“The vision by the Chebar canal provided an answer in principle: Yahweh could appear and therefore be worshiped outside the land of Israel, just as, according to the Priestly author, he could appear to Moses in the land of Egypt polluted by idolatry (Exod. 6:28). It remained to work out the appropriate forms of worship in this interim period between the destruction of the old and the erection of the new temple.” (Page 12)
The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.
—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.
—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary
- Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Ezekiel
- Author: Joseph Blenkinsopp
- Publisher: John Knox Press
- Publication Date: 1990
- Pages: 242
