A few weeks ago, I was interviewed on the book of Ezekiel for the Word Processing Podcast hosted by Pastor Josiah Boyd. Josiah is doing a series of podcasts called Cover-to-Cover where each episodes covers one book in the Bible. He invited me to talk about the book of Ezekiel.
Here are the questions he asked in our 36 minute conversation:
- When we come to Ezekiel, where are we in the storyline of Scripture?
- Like Isaiah and Jeremiah before it, Ezekiel is a big, intimidating book. Before we get into some of the details, is there a discernible outline that may help us get our minds around the whole?
- In the opening three chapters we read of Ezekiel’s call to ministry. What happened here and how is it significant in setting the tone for the book as a whole?
- As we may expect of a prophet of God, Ezekiel does spend time preaching to God’s people. But there are also moments when his ministry looks more like “street performance.” Could you give an example or two of these sign acts, their purpose and affect?
- Chapter 11 is often identified as key to the book as it contains both promised judgement and restoration establishing a predictive pattern for the rest of the book. Could you say a word about the theme of judgement in Ezekiel (i.e., toward Israel, the nations) as well as the hope-filled promises of restoration that follow (to Israel, the nations, the world)?
- You recently published eBook on Ezekiel in which you helpfully point out two threads that weave their way through the book: Visions of God and words to watchmen. I want to pull on those one at a time starting with visions of God. What would you say are some of the main facets of God’s character and work that are highlighted in Ezekiel?
- The second thread is words to watchmen. First, maybe explain what you mean by that phrase and then perhaps touch on some of the big lessons this book provides along those lines.
- What would you say is the main thrust of Ezekiel? Why would God preserve it for us?
- During your study of this inspired book, what has God taught you personally through Ezekiel? How has he used them to “teach, reproof, correct, or train you in righteousness”?
If you’d like to listen to the podcast, you can find it here:
At the end of the interview, I refer to a free eBook on Ezekiel that gives chapters summaries and spiritual lessons from this amazing book in Scripture. You can download a copy of the eBook here:
Rick and Linda Reed 