Bible Figure
Ezekiel
biblical prophet and main figure of the Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel was a priest and prophet among the Judean exiles in Babylon whose ministry interpreted Jerusalem's coming destruction and proclaimed God's future restoration.
Biography
Ezekiel son of Buzi was among the exiles by the Kebar River when he received his prophetic call in a majestic vision of God's glory. His ministry began before Jerusalem's fall and included dramatic symbolic actions, visions, and oracles exposing Judah's idolatry and covenant rebellion. He portrayed himself as a watchman responsible to warn the people. After news arrived that Jerusalem had fallen, the tone increasingly turned toward hope: God would gather His people, give them a new heart and spirit, restore them like dry bones brought to life, defeat hostile powers, and establish a renewed order centered on God's presence. Ezekiel was married; his wife's sudden death became a painful prophetic sign.
Biblical Significance
Ezekiel demonstrates that God's presence and sovereignty were not confined to the Jerusalem Temple. His visions of divine glory, individual responsibility, the new heart, the dry bones, the shepherd, and the restored sanctuary profoundly shape biblical themes of judgment, restoration, and hope.