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Introduction to the Book of Ezekiel

Julian Spriggs M.A.

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Interpreting OT Prophets The Babylonian empire
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Ezekiel the prophet

There is very little doubt about Ezekiel being the author of the book. It has many characteristic phrases, dated prophecies and is written in the first person (except for a single verse - 1:2). His name means 'God strengthens'.

Ezekiel was the son of Buzi, a Zadokite priest, so he had a priestly family background, and would have become a priest at the age of thirty had he remained in Jerusalem. A priest normally served from age thirty to fifty. He had a broad political and cultural knowledge, quoting popular proverbs. He had a heart for the people, being painfully aware of their situation. He had great love for the temple, and concern for purity of devotion and worship. He burned with zeal for God. He was a pastor, a priest and a prophet.

At the age of twenty-five, Ezekiel was taken into captivity in Babylon with the second group of exiles in 597 BC. King Jehoiachin was taken at this time along with 10,000 captives (2 Kg 24:14). This was eight years after Daniel was taken captive and eleven years before the city of Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. The prophecies are dated from 598 BC, the exile of Jehoiachin (1:2). This would indicate he was born around 623 BC, during the reforms of King Josiah. As he grew up, he would witness the decline and fall of Assyria, the growing power of Babylon, Egyptian control of Jerusalem (609 BC), the defeat of Egypt at Carchemish (605 BC), and the first deportation of able men from Judah, including Daniel, by Nebuchadnezzar (603 BC).

He spent five years in Babylon, while he was too young to become a priest. When he was thirty, although he could not become a priest because he was in Babylon, God called him to be a prophet and watchman to the exiles in Babylon. He was God’s spokesman announcing the end of the old temple, and the establishment of a new, more glorious temple, as a symbol of a transformed nation. Ezekiel stood as a bridge between the old age, and the new age at a critical point in Israel’s history.

Situation of the Jews in Exile

The Jews exiled to Babylon lived in relative freedom. They were allowed to have their own social organisation of elders in their community. Marriage, communication with Jerusalem (Jer 29), agriculture and worship were all allowed. They lived in their own houses made of mud bricks and had freedom to wander. Although they were poor, and short of food, it was not a situation of severe bondage. The Jewish community lived south of the city, in the country by the River Chebar in Tel Abib (1:1,3, 3:15). The River Chebar could be the name of an irrigation canal carrying water from the Euphrates in a loop from Babylon. Tel Abib was probably the name of a ruined site where the exiles were allowed to build their community.

Ezekiel’s contemporaries

Ezekiel was contemporary with Daniel and Jeremiah. As Daniel was part of the Babylonian government, he lived a privileged, sheltered, elite existence in the palace, so probably had no contact with Ezekiel. Daniel was probably quite well known, and Ezekiel clearly knew about him (14:14,20). Daniel and Ezekiel were almost exactly the same age. Daniel came to Babylon, in 605 BC, eight years before Ezekiel. Jeremiah was much older than Ezekiel, who had probably heard Jeremiah's messages in the temple, and even may have been taught by him. There are great similarities between the messages of the two prophets. For example, they both stated that God's remnant were the exiles in Babylon (Jeremiah's good figs). Jeremiah had remained behind in Jerusalem when Ezekiel was taken and continued to prophesy to the Jews remaining there.

Conflict with false prophets

Ezekiel acquired quite a reputation among the elders in exile who came to his house to listen to him (8:1) and to watch his strange actions. These elders were not godly men, they had false hopes of a short exile and that Jerusalem would not be destroyed. They expressed the popular view that hoped that the restoration would soon occur. This false hope was aroused through the preaching of false prophets, who deceived the people with their positive message. Ezekiel spoke against them as follows: "They misled my people, saying, 'peace', when there is no peace ... (13:10). These prophets had not been sent by the Lord (v6), but follow their own spirit (v3), so will come under judgement. (13:1-16). As a result of their preaching, the people distrusted Ezekiel’s message, becoming cynical, saying “The days are prolonged, and every vision comes to nothing” (12:22).

Ezekiel brought a message of bad news of a long exile and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (similar to Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Jer 29). He spoke against sin and idolatry, brought in people's hearts to Babylon. The people listened to him for amusement and to satisfy their curiosity, being eager to hear him, but did not repent or do what he said (33:30).

Ezekiel the priest

As a future priest from a priestly family, Ezekiel would have been trained in the laws of the temple and sacrifices. This background would explain his interest in the future of the temple, the symbol of the presence of God, and his rule, and the covenant with Israel. On the day he would have become a priest, he was called to be God’s prophet to the Jews in exile.

Ezekiel called to be prophet(ch 2)

Ezekiel, the priest, had a vision of God’s glory in exile. Israel was being cast away from the presence of God. Ezekiel was overcome with the glory of God (1:28b), fell down, but was raised up by the spirit (2:1). He was commissioned to speak to God’s people in exile (v3-4), a rebellious people, who will not listen, in the same way as those left in Judah. God promised to strengthen him and protect him (v6-7), and to harden him like flint against the people (3:6-7). His first symbolic action was to eat the scroll containing words of lamentation, mourning and woe (v10), showing that there was no hope. This was the message of doom he had to bring to the exiles.

Ezekiel as prophet-watchman(3:17-21)

Ezekiel was called to be God's watchman for Israel, being held accountable to the people to give them God's warnings. He had to warn them what God was about to do to Jerusalem, and call them to repent. In his oracles of judgement (ch 5-7), he declared that Judah’s suffering was because of long-standing apostasy. The people were not allowed to blame the sin of their fathers for their suffering, as each person is responsible for themselves (ch 14, 18, 33). Once he had warned them, they were held responsible. If he did not warn them, then he remained responsible before God.

Ezekiel suffering with his people

In a similar way to Jeremiah, Ezekiel was called to suffer on behalf of his people. Even though Ezekiel was already in exile, he had to undergo the siege, deportation and exile that Judah was about to experience. These dramatic actions would have a profound impact on the exiles witnessing them. No one could accuse him of rejoicing in the destruction of Jerusalem, because he identified so directly with the adversity of his people. Even if people refused to listen to his word, they must have wondered why he was willing to inflict himself with such suffering.

He made great use of dramatic symbolism. He had to lie on his side for 390 days, be bound with ropes, and eat food defiled (ch 4). He had to shave off his hair and divide it into three piles (ch 5), one third of the population of Jerusalem would burned, on third killed with the sword, and another third exiled.

He became dumb, except when he had a word to speak from the Lord, from the time of his call, until the city fell (from 3:26 until 24:27). He was not permitted to associate with his people in the normal way. Ezekiel was married, but on the day when Jerusalem came under siege, his wife died and he was told not to mourn her publicly (ch 24). He had to remain silent, groaning only within himself, until the exiles heard of the fall of Jerusalem, and mourn over the death of their fellow Jews. The prophet had to live out his message, however painful it was.

Even though Ezekiel used powerful forms of communication, his listeners dismissed them, saying, “Is he not a maker of allegories?” (20:49), “The days are prolonged, and every vision comes to nothing.” (12:22), and, “To them you are like a singer of love songs, one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; they hear what you say, but they will not do it.” (33:22)

His last dated prophecy was in the twenty-seventh year (29:17), when he was fifty-two years old, so his ministry lasted at least twenty-two years. We know nothing of his life after this time or how or when he died.

Son of man

Ezekiel is called 'son of man' ninety-three times. The Hebrew is 'Ben Adam', meaning son of Adam. This expression only occurs in Ezekiel and Daniel in the OT. Daniel is also once called 'son of man' (Dan 8:17). It basically means 'human being', translated 'mortal' in the NRSV It is used differently in Dan 7:13, to describe the Messianic figure who comes to the Ancient of Days in great glory, a phrase used by Jesus to describe himself during his ministry.

Literary Form

Ezekiel has a unique literary form, and is best appreciated by creative and artistic people. The book was designed to encourage people to visualise life in exile, God’s judgement on Jerusalem, and the promised restoration. Ezekiel paints pictures with words , so our interpretation will always seem less rich than the original words & descriptions.

The Book of Ezekiel has some noticeable use of symmetry: Chapters 1-11 are parallelled with chapters 40-48. Ezekiel has a vision of God’s glory departing from the temple, showing that the former era is characterised by disgrace, defilement, and opposition to kingdom of God. This is contrasted with his vision of the return of God’s glory in a new temple, and the presence of God among his people. The new era will be characterised by glory, consecration, and close relationship between Yahweh and his people, between Yahweh and the prince-Messiah. On two occasions, Ezekiel is called to be God’s watchman (3:16-21, 33:1-20), once near the beginning of the book and once towards the end. The oracles and allegories predicting Jerusalem’s fall (ch 12-24), are balanced with Ezekiel’s vision of the restoration of the people to the land (ch 34-39). The centre is the section of oracles to nations. These make a separation between the oracles of judgement and oracles of salvation (ch 25-32).

Dates

Ezekiel has carefully dated many of his prophecies to the exact day and the month, all counted from the year of exile of King Jehoiachin in 597 BC. Apart from the oracles to the nations, all the dated prophecies are in chronological order, from 593 to 573 BC. The book was probably compiled soon after that.

Chapters 1-24: From Ezekiel’s call to the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem (593 - 588 BC) Prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem. Early messages in first six years (before Jerusalem fell) from fifth to eleventh year of captivity. Messages of doom, judgement and call to repentance, in contrast to false prophets. Messages also to people in Jerusalem from Babylon.

Chapters 25-32: Oracles to nations, but not in chronological sequence. Some dated from time of Jerusalem’s siege and destruction (24:1, 26:1, 29:1, 30:20, 31:1). Others shortly after fall of Judea (32:1,17, 33:21). One much later (571 BC) (29:17). These are prophecies against pagan nations, who gloat over Jerusalem. After Jerusalem fell, other nations were also judged by Nebuchadnezzar. Most nations already condemned by Isaiah or Jeremiah. Edom is addressed later in the book, in chapter 35.

Chapters 33-48: Oracles of salvation following Jerusalem’s fall.The exiles received news of Jerusalem’s fall - no hope of a speedy return (33:21). Then there is a transition from a message of judgement to proclamation of hope and glorious future for the remnant

Omitting the oracles to the nations, the rest of the book falls into six dated sections, which are in chronological order: It is likely that all material following each date was given on that date.

Ch 1-7 593 BC Vision of glory of God in exile
Ch 8-19 592 BC Vision of idolatry in the temple
Ch 20-23 591 BC The Lord’s sword against Jerusalem - a message to elders
Ch 24 588 BC Jerusalem besieged
Oracles to nations (586 - 571 BC)
33:21 - ch 39 585 BC News of Fall of Jerusalem
Ch 40-48 573 BC Vision of temple & glory returning

Four significant visions

Each one describes the hand of the Lord being on Ezekiel. The first is the appearance of likeness of glory of Lord appearing to Ezekiel in Babylon (ch 1). The second is when he is transported in the Spirit to Jerusalem and witnesses the glory departing from the temple (ch 8-11). Third is the valley of dry bones (ch 37), and finally the vision of the restored temple (ch 40-48).

Literary style

Much of the book of Ezekiel is in apocalyptic style, using visions, symbols and special numbers. This style is common during a time of oppression and persecution. Patterns of fours and sevens are found in the book. These include: four living creatures (cherubim) (1:5); a reproach, a taunt, a warning and a horror (5:15); four places of worship being destroyed: high places, altars, incense altars, and the slain before your idols (6:4); another four places of worship: every high hill, on all the mountain tops, under every green tree, and under every leafy oak (6:13); and four sore acts of judgement: sword, famine, evil beasts and pestilence (14:21). Seven nations are condemned (ch 25-32); there are seven oracles against Egypt (ch 29-32); and seven parts to the Gog and Magog section (ch 38-39).

Acted parables

Ezekiel is well known for his strange actions, making him one of most colourful of the prophets. He often acted out his message, using very memorable actions, which would have made a striking impression on the original viewers, probably far more than to us. For some of them, there is not enough detail for us to completely re-create what he did. Other prophets used this style, but Ezekiel far more than any others.

There are twelve acted parables in Ezekiel
1) Bound with ropes and struck dumb (3:25)
2) Laid siege works against brick (4:1-3)
3) Lying on brick for 390 days and 40 days (4:4-8)
4) Bread baked on dung (4:9-17)
5) Hair divided into three (5:1-12)
6) Stamping, clapping hands and crying out (6:11)
7) Exiles’ baggage and digging through wall (12:1-16)
8) Eating bread quaking (12:17-20)
9) Groaning in mourning (21:6)
10) Signpost for Nebuchadnezzar (21:20)
11) Death of his wife, and not mourning for her (24:15-27)
12) Two sticks: grace and union (37:15-28)

Spoken parables

These tend to be long winded and repetitive. There are six of them, in three categories:
1) Jerusalem is fit to be burned for its worthlessness and iniquities
    a) 15:1 Useless vine
    b) 24:1 Rusty cauldron
2) King's of Judah - going to captivity
    a) ch 17 Jehoiachin, Zedekiah and coming Messiah
    b) ch 19 Jehoahaz, Jehoiachin & Zedekiah
3) Harlotry of nation, idolatry = breaking marriage covenant
    a) ch 16 Rescued waif becomes unfaithful wife
    b) ch 23 Oholah (Samaria) & Oholibah (Jerusalem)

Influence from Jeremiah

These two prophets had very similar messages, although they make no mention of each other, and though Jeremiah was in Jerusalem and Ezekiel was in Babylon. For both, the future of Israel lay with exiles in Babylon, and both brought severe criticism of shepherds who failed to care for their flock. Both emphasised the need for individual repentance, personal responsibility for sin, a long period of exile followed by restoration & godly leaders. Both predicted the destruction of the city and temple, and promised the establishment of a new covenant which will be inward and personal. Both battled against false prophets, who were, “saying peace, peace when no peace”. Ezekiel often takes a small idea from Jeremiah and expands it: the cooking pot (Jer 1:13, Ezek 24:3-14), the two unfaithful sisters (Jer 3:6-11, Ezek 23) and the proverb of the fathers eating sour grapes setting the children’s teeth on edge (Jer 31:29-30, Ezek 18:2-31)

Main Themes of Ezekiel’s Message

The Glory of God (Kabod)

The book begins with a magnificent and awe-inspiring vision of the glory of God, described as, “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of God” (1:28). The significance of this first vision is that the glory of Yahweh appeared in exile in Babylon. This shows his sovereignty, and freedom to move. God cannot be restricted to one place, not even to the temple. Many aspects of this vision emphasise the freedom of rapid movement. The second vision (ch 8-10) of the idolatry taking place in Jerusalem, and even in the temple, explains why the Lord will abandon his people and his temple, leaving them unprotected and facing immanent disaster & judgement (11:22-25). Ezekiel sees the glory of the Lord leaving the temple.

The mobility of God would show the exiles that he is not limited to Jerusalem, and is present with the exiles in Babylon. God is free to be anywhere, so his presence is available to anyone who calls on him, wherever they are. Therefore there is hope even in the midst of judgement. Yahweh himself is the hope of Israel. In the fourth vision of the temple, Ezekiel sees the glory of God return to the renewed temple (ch 43). The book ends with the name of the city “the Lord is there” (48:35)

“I am the LORD" (Yahweh)

The hope for Israel lies in the name of God, 'I am Yahweh', 'I am the LORD'. The statement, 'They (or you) shall know that I am the Lord', occurs over seventy times. This demonstrates God’s covenant lordship, and is rooted in the Exodus and conquest of the land (emphasised in ch 20 - 'I am the LORD your God'). God’s name guaranteed the fulfilment of the promises he made to Israel. He reminds them that, “I swore to them saying , I am the LORD your God” (20:5). On the basis of his name, he expected total loyalty (no idols) (20:7). His name was the basis of the called obedience, especially expressed in the keeping of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant relationship (20:19). On the basis of his name he will purge those who revolt and rebel, and they will not enter the land. (20:38). Yahweh is faithful, and his name is his guarantee of hope to those who seek him, even in the midst of judgements, whether Judah (29 times in ch 1-24) or the nations (24 times in ch 25-32). God’s name is also the basis for covenant renewal (20:44), and for the restoration to the land (20:42).

Yahweh’s faithfulness to his own name is related to his glory and holiness as the King over the whole earth, not just Israel. He delivers his people, provides for them, and blesses them. The name of Yahweh is a testimony to the nations. The nations witness God’s faithfulness in judgment, as well as restoration. The restored Israel is a testimony to the nations that Yahweh is Lord, the One True God.

The sinfulness of Israel

Various theories were currently being circulated to explain what had happened. The punishment was over and all they had to do was wait to go back. They were being punished for what their forefathers had done. Yahweh couldn't do too much without losing face with the heathen. He had already lost face and was now powerless to help. Ezekiel tries to answer these & point them to true repentance. He tells the story of Israel's history of unfaithfulness (chapters 16, 20 & 23) deliberately trying to shock them into repentance. In chapter eight he focuses on idolatry, animal worship, nature worship & sun worship. Punishment like Passover plagues (9:5) or Sodom (10:2). For Ezekiel, profaning Yahweh's name was worse than anything else.

Individual Responsibility

The answer to Israel’s problems is personal commitment to Yahweh, from the heart. Ezekiel focuses on individual responsibility in the face of corporate judgment, wanting his people to turn to him and live, to receive a new heart and new spirit (18:1-29)

Promise of Restoration

Ezekiel’s ministry was not successful in changing the attitude and opinion of his contemporaries. They preferred the message from the false prophets (ch 13). Ezekiel describes them as worthless shepherds who are feeding themselves instead of the flock (34:2-3), and predicted God’s judgement on them (v4-10). He also announced a future time when God will be the faithful shepherd of the remnant (v11-22). He will gather the flock and care for them. God himself will set up one shepherd, my servant David (v23f).

The new age of hope comes through the acts of Yahweh, who will restore a new people to himself. His acts include: Renewal of the covenant relationship (37:26), Israel’s restoration to the land (ch 36), the spiritual transformation of the people: a new heart, and a new spirit within them (36:26-27), victory over their enemies (ch 38-39), restoration of the Davidic King, the Messiah, the shepherd (37:24-25), and his presence in the temple forever (37:26-27).

These new acts are in fulfilment of all the covenants, especially those made with Abraham, Moses and David. The transformation involves both the redeemed community and creation, enabling God’s people to enjoy his blessings.

In his final vision, Ezekiel saw God’s blessing on the restored land (ch 47-48), and the presence of God with his people (43:6-11), when the glory returns. Both heaven and earth are transformed by the presence of God. The New Jerusalem is the symbol of restoration, as the city was called, “The Lord is there” (48:35).

The Renewal of the Covenants

God promised to bring a faithful remnant of the nation to himself, and from them raise up a new people of God. Ezekiel proclaimed to the exiles that God will renew the people and restore them to be his people (37:12-13), so all nations will recognise his holy name (39:7). The new people of God are those who are purified by the Spirit, and who serve him as witnesses to the nations. The land will also be restored, as given to Abraham and his descendents.

The presence of the Spirit

The Spirit is the representative of the presence of God. The Spirit is God’s agent of transformation. He renews people, and internalises God’s law giving them new freedom (36:26). The Spirit within them will give them life, restoration to the land, and relationship with God (37:14).

Israel’s restoration is in relation to the nations

God’s judgement is pronounced on nations (ch 25-32) before the oracles of salvation begin, and oracles against nations continue in the middle of oracles of salvation (ch 35, ch 38-39). The oracle against Gog (ch 38-39) is set between oracles of salvation. It shows opposition to the work of restoration God is doing in establishing his kingdom. It show the tension between the new and the old that still continues in the era of restoration. “The nations shall know that I the Lord sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary is among them forevermore” (37:28). The response from the nations is opposition and attack, to protect their interests and fight against God’s coming kingdom on earth (ch 38). It then concludes with, “I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations shall see my judgement that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid on them” (39:21)

Renewal of the Mosaic Covenant

The book finishes with a description of restored temple & return of God’s glory (ch 40-46). The glory which first came to destroy the city (ch 8), now returns (43:2-5). The presence of God returning shows the remnant that God will renew grace and forgiveness to his people. The old community contained a rebellious minority and a godly minority (remnant), but the new community has the Spirit of God, and is united, having been transformed by the Spirit. The renewing of Spirit - linked with restoration to land (37:14).

Renewal of Davidic Covenant

The restoration will also mean the renewal of the covenant with David, “I will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them” (34:23-24). The Messiah is the Royal Shepherd who will be in fellowship with God, and establish his kingdom in righteousness. “My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd, and they shall follow my laws. my servant David shall be their price forever” (37:24-25). The Messiah is God’s servant who leads his people into righteousness. The prince will lead the people in worship of Yahweh in the temple (45:16-17,22, also ch 46).

God will make a covenant of peace (34:25). The land will be more fruitful (v25-31), all the blessings of Deuteronomy. There will be a more glorious and permanent covenant. All the tribes will share equally in the new covenant (ch 47-48), all are subjects of the shepherd king, and shepherd prince. Even Gentiles (aliens) have a place in Israel (47:22-23). The theocracy is more permanent because the people have been transformed.

All three members of the Trinity will work together: Yahweh, the Shepherd-King; Jesus, the Shepherd Prince, the Davidic descendant; and The Spirit. This will be a time of transformation of Israel, the nations and of creation. The river flowing from the presence of God (47:1-12) is a metaphor of transformation. It changes death to life, sickness to healing, adversity to prosperity. The river symbolises life, blessing and restoration of God’s people, but this transformation is for people who have experienced spiritual change. So the process of restoration has several stages: return from exile, renewal of covenant, restoration of kingdom, refreshing by the Spirit, the ministry of Messiah / Shepherd / Servant / Prince, and the presence of God.

The Davidic king is central to the relationship between Yahweh and his people, as the shepherd and the sheep. As the Davidic king submits to the great King, creation itself is renewed. The vision of the temple is the symbol of God’s presence. It describes a world in miniature which points to the real presence of God in heaven in the heavenly temple.

The Bible

Pages which look at issues relevant to the whole Bible, such as the Canon of Scripture, as well as doctrinal and theological issues. There are also pages about the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha and 'lost books' of the Old Testament.

Also included are lists of the quotations of the OT in the NT, and passages of the OT quoted in the NT.

Why These 66 Books?
Books in the Hebrew Scriptures
Quotations in NT From OT
OT Passages Quoted in NT
History of the English Bible
Twelve Books of the Apocrypha
The Pseudepigrapha - False Writings
Lost Books Referenced in OT

Old Testament Overview

This is a series of six pages which give a historical overview through the Old Testament and the inter-testamental period, showing where each OT book fits into the history of Israel.

OT 1: Creation and Patriarchs
OT 2: Exodus and Wilderness
OT 3: Conquest and Monarchy
OT 4: Divided kingdom and Exile
OT 5: Return from Exile
OT 6: 400 Silent Years

New Testament Overview

This is a series of five pages which give a historical overview through the New Testament, focusing on the Ministry of Jesus, Paul's missionary journeys, and the later first century. Again, it shows where each book of the NT fits into the history of the first century.

NT 1: Life and Ministry of Jesus
NT 2: Birth of the Church
NT 3: Paul's Missionary Journeys
NT 4: Paul's Imprisonment
NT 5: John and Later NT

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Numbers Deuteronomy

Joshua Judges Ruth
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Ezra & Nehemiah Esther

Job Psalms Proverbs

Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations
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Obadiah Jonah Micah
Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah
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Hebrews James 1 Peter
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Revelation

Old Testament History

Information about the different nations surrounding Israel, and other articles concerning Old Testament history and the inter-testamental period.

Canaanite Religion
Israel's Enemies During the Conquest
Syria / Aram
The Assyrian Empire
Babylon and its History
The Persian Empire
The Greek Empire
The 400 Silent Years
The Ptolemies and Seleucids
Antiochus IV - Epiphanes

Old Testament Studies

A series of articles covering more general topics for OT studies. These include a list of the people named in the OT and confirmed by archaeology. There are also pages to convert the different units of measure in the OT, such as the talent, cubit and ephah into modern units.

More theological topics include warfare in the ancient world, the Holy Spirit in the OT, and types of Jesus in the OT.

OT People Confirmed by Archaeology
OT People Search
God the Creator
The Importance of Paradox
The Jewish Calendar
Holy War in the Ancient World
Talent Converter (weights)
Cubit Converter (lengths)
Ephah Converter (volumes)
The Holy Spirit in the OT
Types of Jesus in the OT

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A series of articles covering studies in the five books of Moses. Studies in the Book of Genesis look at the historical nature of the early chapters of Genesis, the Tower of Babel and the Table of the Nations.

There are also pages about covenants, the sacrifices and offerings, the Jewish festivals and the tabernacle, as well as the issue of tithing.

Are chapters 1-11 of Genesis historical?
Chronology of the Flood
Genealogies of the Patriarchs
What is a created kind?
Table of the Nations (Gen 10)
Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9)

Authorship of the Pentateuch
Chronology of the Wilderness Years
Names of God in the OT
Covenants in the OT
The Ten Commandments
The Tabernacle and its Theology
Sacrifices and Offerings
The Jewish Festivals
Balaam and Balak
Tithing
Highlights from Deuteronomy
Overview of Deuteronomy

Studies in the Old Testament History Books (Josh - Esther)

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Dates of the Kings of Judah and Israel
King Solomon
The Kings of Israel
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The Syro-Ephraimite War (735 BC)
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah (701 BC)
The last years of Judah
King Josiah of Judah
Differences Between Kings and Chronicles
Chronology of the post-exilic period

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There are also a series of pages giving a commentary through the text of two of the books:
Isaiah (13 pages) and Daniel (10 pages).

Prophets and the Future
The Call of Jeremiah (Jer 1)
The Fall of Satan? (Is 14, Ezek 28)
Daniel Commentary (10 pages)
Isaiah Commentary (13 pages)
Use of quotations of Isaiah in NT
Formation of the Book of Jeremiah
Daniel's Seventy Weeks (Dan 9:24-27)

New Testament Studies

A series of articles covering more general topics for NT studies. These include a list of the people in the NT confirmed by archaeology.

More theological topics include the Kingdom of God and the Coming of Christ.

NT People Confirmed by Archaeology
God the Creator
The Kingdom of God / Heaven
Parousia (Coming of Christ)
The Importance of Paradox
Use of quotations of Isaiah in NT

Studies in the Four Gospels (Matt - John)

A series of articles covering various studies in the four gospels. These include a list of the unique passages in each of the Synoptic Gospels and helpful information about the parables and how to interpret them.

Some articles look at the life and ministry of Jesus, including his genealogy, birth narratives, transfiguration, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the seating arrangements at the Last Supper.

More theological topics include the teaching about the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete and whether John the Baptist fulfilled the predictions of the coming of Elijah.

Unique Passages in the Synoptic Gospels
The SynopticProblem
Genealogy of Jesus (Matt 1)
Birth Narratives of Jesus
Understanding the Parables
Peter's Confession and the Transfiguration
Was John the Baptist Elijah?
The Triumphal Entry
The Olivet Discourse (Mark 13)
Important themes in John's Gospel
John's Gospel Prologue (John 1)
Jesus Fulfilling Jewish Festivals
Reclining at Table at the Last Supper
The Holy Spirit as the Paraclete

Studies in the Book of Acts and the New Testament Letters

A series of articles covering various studies in the Book of Acts and the Letters, including Paul's letters. These include a page studying the messages given by the apostles in the Book of Acts, and the information about the financial collection that Paul made during his third missionary journey. More theological topics include Paul's teaching on Jesus as the last Adam, and descriptions of the church such as the body of Christ and the temple, as well as a look at redemption and the issue of fallen angels.

There are a series of pages giving a commentary through the text of five of the books:
Romans (7 pages), 1 Corinthians (7 pages), Galatians (3 pages), Philemon (1 page) and Hebrews (7 pages)

Apostolic Messages in the Book of Acts
Paul and His Apostleship
Collection for the Saints
The Church Described as a Temple
Church as the Body of Christ
Jesus as the Last Adam
Food Offered to Idols
Paul's Teaching on Headcoverings
Who are the Fallen Angels
The Meaning of Redemption
What is the Church?
Paul and the Greek Games

Romans Commentary (7 pages)

1 Corinthians Commentary (7 pages)

Galatians Commentary (3 pages)

Philemon Commentary (1 page)

Hebrews Commentary (7 pages)

Studies in the Book of Revelation

Articles containing studies and helpful information for the study of the Book of Revelation and topics concerning Eschatology (the study of end-times).

These include a description of the structure of the book, a comparison and contrast between the good and evil characters in the book and a list of the many allusions to the OT. For the seven churches, there is a page which gives links to their location on Google maps.

There is a page studying the important theme of Jesus as the Lamb, which forms the central theological truth of the book. There are pages looking at the major views of the Millennium, as well as the rapture and tribulation, as well as a list of dates of the second coming that have been mistakenly predicted through history.

There is also a series of ten pages giving a detailed commentry through the text of the Book of Revelation.

Introduction to the Book of Revelation
Characters Introduced in the Book
Structure of Revelation
List of Allusions to OT
The Description of Jesus as the Lamb
Virtual Seven Churches of Revelation
The Nero Redivius Myth
The Millennium (1000 years)
The Rapture and the Tribulation
Different Approaches to Revelation
Predicted Dates of the Second Coming

Revelation Commentary (10 pages)

How to do Inductive Bible Study

These are a series of pages giving practical help showing how to study the Bible inductively, by asking a series of simple questions. There are lists of observation and interpretation questions, as well as information about the structure and historical background of biblical books, as well as a list of the different types of figures of speech used in the Bible. There is also a page giving helpful tips on how to apply the Scriptures personally.

How to Study the Bible Inductively
I. The Inductive Study Method
II. Observation Questions
III. Interpretation Questions
IV. Structure of Books
V. Determining the Historical background
VI. Identifying Figures of Speech
VII. Personal Application
VIII. Text Layout

Types of Literature in the Bible

These are a series of pages giving practical help showing how to study each of the different types of book in the Bible by appreciating the type of literature being used. These include historical narrative, law, wisdom, prophets, Gospels, Acts, letters and Revelation.

It is most important that when reading the Bible we are taking note of the type of literature we are reading. Each type needs to be considered and interpreted differently as they have different purposes.

How to Understand OT Narratives
How to Understand OT Law
Hebrew Poetry
OT Wisdom Literature
Understanding the OT Prophets
The Four Gospels
The Parables of Jesus
The Book of Acts
How to Understand the NT Letters
Studying End Times (Eschatology)
The Book of Revelation

Geography and Archaeology

These are a series of pages giving geographical and archaeological information relevant to the study of the Bible. There is a page where you can search for a particular geographical location and locate it on Google maps, as well as viewing photographs on other sites.

There are also pages with photographs from Ephesus and Corinth.

Search for Geographical Locations
Major Archaeological Sites in Israel
Archaeological Sites in Assyria, Babylon and Persia
Virtual Paul's Missionary Journeys
Virtual Seven Churches of Revelation
Photos of the City of Corinth
Photos of the City of Ephesus

Biblical archaeology in museums around the world

A page with a facility to search for artifacts held in museums around the world which have a connection with the Bible. These give information about each artifact, as well as links to the museum's collection website where available showing high resolution photographs of the artifact.

There is also pages of photographs of important artifacts from the British Museum in London, the Louvre in Paris and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Search Museums for Biblical Archaeology
British Museum Photos
Israel Museum Photos
Paris Louvre Photos

Difficult Theological and Ethical Questions

These are a series of pages looking at some of the more difficult questions of Christian theology, including war, suffering, disappointment and what happens to those who have never heard the Gospel.

Christian Ethics
Never Heard the Gospel
Is there Ever a Just War?
Why Does God Allow Suffering
Handling Disappointment

How to Preach

These are a series of pages giving a practical step-by-step explanation of the process of preparing a message for preaching, and how to lead a small group Bible study.

What is Preaching?
I. Two Approaches to Preaching
II. Study a Passage for Preaching
III. Creating a Message Outline
IV. Making Preaching Relevant
V. Presentation and Public Speaking
VI. Preaching Feedback and Critique
Leading a Small Group Bible Study

Information for SBS staff members

Two pages particularly relevant for people serving as staff on the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) in YWAM. One gives helpful instruction about how to prepare to teach on a book in the SBS. The other gives a list of recommended topics which can be taught about for each book of the Bible.

Teaching on SBS Book Topics for SBS