Historical Background Of Ezekiel

Ezekiel was deported to Babylon with the second group of exiles, including King Jehoiachin in 597 BC (1:1-2). There he prophesied to the remnants of a shattered nation. He showed them that Jerusalem would be destroyed for her sins, but offered them comfort and hope that they would eventually be restored to their homeland (33-48).

The Jewish people lived as captives in Babylon, but were treated as colonists not slaves. They increased in numbers and accumulated great wealth. Some of them (Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego) rose to the highest offices. In Babylon, they actually had religious freedom, but the future of Jehovah worship was in crisis. The prosperity of Babylon and the gods of the nation that conquered them could have easily drawn them away from God. Daniel and Ezekiel helped influence a remnant to remain faithful during this period.

Mission Of Ezekiel

Ezekiel was the prophet of the captivity. He lived among the captives and kept many of them from being overcome by Babylonian paganism.