Introducing the Old Testament Books by Paul D. Weaver

Author:Paul D. Weaver [Weaver, Paul D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Old Testament Introduction, handbook, Religion, bible study
Publisher: Paul D. Weaver
Published: 2014-12-31T23:00:00+00:00

Ezekiel provides a plethora of dates and events to help the contemporary reader know the chronological events and dates (1:2; 8:1; 20:1; 24:1; 29:1, 17; 30:20; 31:1; 32:1, 17; 33:21; 40:1).[347] Ezekiel’s final prophecy is recorded in 570 BC (29:17). Although many of these prophecies would have probably been written down previously, the final composition of the book bearing his name was probably completed shortly after 570 BC from Babylon.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Due to repeated rebellion and covenant violations, God disciplined His chosen people by sending them into exile at the hands of Gentile nations. In 722 BC, this happened to Israel (the northern ten tribes). The world power at the time, Assyria, took Israel into captivity. Judah, for another 136 years had relative autonomy although they were considered a vassal-state to Assyria, and then Egypt.[348] Over time the Assyrian empire declined in its power. Ashurbanipal’s death was the final straw. The Egyptian threat also diminished.

At the same time that the Assyrian and Egyptian empires were in decline, a new Babylonian empire was on the rise. This dynasty was established on the military achievements of Nabopolassar. His son, Nebuchadnezzar, was first a general and then, after the death of his father, took control of the empire. The height of the empire must be credited to Nebuchadnezzar.[349]

In 605 BC, Nebuchadnezzar made Judah a vassal-state of the Babylonian empire (cf. 2 Ki. 24:7).[350] This did not sit well with Jehoiakim, the king at the time (see list of Kings in 1 & 2 Kings). He rebelled in 598 BC. As a result of a three month siege, Nebuchadnezzar forced Judah into submission and executed Jehoiakim (Jer. 22:18-23; 36:30). Jehoiachin, son of Jehoiakim, was placed as king (2 Ki. 24:8-17). Very soon thereafter, Jehoiachin also rebelled by seeking the assistance of the Egyptians (2 Ki. 24:7). Nebuchadnezzar responded and once again Judah was forced into submission. At this time (597 BC), many captives were taken and huge amounts of wealth was exported, including the temple treasures. Ezekiel was among those deported. Zedekiah, the youngest son of Josiah was installed as king (2 Ki. 24:17-18). He, too, rebelled in 589 BC. Nebuchadnezzar had enough with the revolts of Judah and destroyed Jerusalem and its temple. The prophet Jeremiah (see the book of Jeremiah) told Zedekiah to save the city of Jerusalem, his life, and the lives of his family by surrendering to Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 38:17-18). Zedekiah did not listen. The city was destroyed, Zedekiah’s sons were killed, his eyes were gouged out, and he was taken to Babylon (Jer. 39:5-9).

Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry began in the fifth year of his exile (1:1-2), and his last message was in the 27th year (29:17). Therefore, his messages were delivered both before and after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

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