Think Wink.

In an interview at Between Two Worlds with Dr. David Reimer on his notes on Ezekiel in the upcoming ESV Study Bible (ESVSB), Dr. Reimer says the prophet’s message can be summed up in one verse: Ezekiel 36:22. He says

4. How would you concisely describe what Ezekiel is about?

Living in a period of social and political upheaval and disorientation, Ezekiel speaks for a holy God to the people who both bear and profane God’s name. God’s own reputation is central to Ezekiel’s ministry: in Ezekiel’s oracles, God does not act primarily for the sake of mercy, or covenant, but because his own reputation is bound up with this people, Israel.

The concise expression of Ezekiel’s theology can be found in 36:22: “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came.” Pretty much the whole of Ezekiel’s thought can be derived from this verse.

John F. Hobbins at Ancient Hebrew Poetry summarizes Ezekiel in the following quote,

…for this prophet, the ultimate expression of God’s sovereignty – a theme as dear to Ezekiel as it is to any Calvinist – is irresistible grace.

Hobbins delves into this issue more in a post last summer entitled The Prophet Ezekiel: A TULIP before they were called such.

Related posts:

Stomaching Hard Truths

What does it mean to be “called”?

Sunday Morning Drive

No comments