In his twelfth year, king Josiah began a religious cleanup of the nation of Judah. Down came the altars of Baalim; the images were either cut down or broken to pieces; and the priests of Baal were killed. By the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah had not only purged the land, but the house of God as well.
In the same year, the repair of the temple complex began. In the course of repairing the temple, a wonderful discovery was made: the “book of the law of the LORD given by Moses” was found. For the first time in many years, the nation celebrated Passover. Thus began a religious reformation that would last 13 years.
In the same year, Ezekiel was born. What a glorious time for a young man to grow up, particularly a priest! Temple worship had again become an important fact of life and the priests of Yahweh would have to be instructed in the way of the Lord. While the sons of the priests were being instructed in proper worship and service, many of the young nobles would receive instruction in the law. Included in this latter group would be a young man who would become renowned for his wisdom: Daniel. It is likely that Ezekiel and Daniel knew one another.
Cause for concern
With all the wonder, there would be cause for worry and concern. In the same year Ezekiel was born, a prophecy of dark implications was given. Huldah, the prophetess, said, “Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah.”
In his early years, Ezekiel would concentrate on his studies in preparation, he thought, to do the work he had been born to do. Near Ezekiel’s 13th birthday, Josiah died and “…the LORD turned not from the fierceness of His great wrath, wherewith His anger was kindled against Judah because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked Him withal.”
Three or four years following the death of Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar invaded. He took captive many of the young nobles, including Daniel, and carried them away to Babylon. Eight years later, Nebuchadnezzar came again. This time Ezekiel was taken captive. At 25 years old, the man who was prepared for sweet service to God found himself making the long journey to exile. He was taken to a settlement of which he knew nothing, Tel-abid by the river Chebar. Ezekiel must have felt like a vessel prepared for a useful purpose, now smashed to the ground.
Time for service
In the fifth year of Jehoiachin’s captivity, Ezekiel was 30 years old. This was the age when he would have begun to serve as a priest (Num. 4:3). At that age, he was shown a vision of the majesty and sovereignty of God. Following this vision, he was called to become God’s prophet to the house of Judah in exile.
“Son of man…stand upon thy feet.” For the first time, Ezekiel bears the title that was to be used more of him than anyone else until Jesus was born. The phrase is used of Ezekiel over 90 times. Both Ezekiel and Jesus (the Son of Man) began their ministry at 30 years old; both became a sign to their people; both came at a time of impending national disaster which included the destruction of Jerusalem; both lived when their homeland was under a foreign king and the people were soon to be scattered; both spoke of the glories of the age to come; both were called to be priests; both were witnesses to the glory of God and both endured great suffering in fulfilling their work.
House of rebellion
Most of Ezekiel’s contemporaries were as rebellious in captivity as they had been in the land. The “house of Israel” had become the “house of rebellion.” The exact phrase, “rebellious house,” is used of the people 13 times in Ezekiel.
“Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me.. .they are impudent children and stiffhearted.” (Ezk. 2:3,4) What could be the purpose in going to this stubborn and rebellious group? How could Ezekiel succeed? These people were going to ignore him anyway.
Called to faithfulness
But Ezekiel had been called to faithfulness in this task, not to success as the world might conceive it. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (I Cor. 4:1,2) It is in adverse conditions that a faithful steward proves his worth. God is always looking for people who will listen to Him, who will stand before Him, ready, girded, prepared to do His work. It is an honor to be selected by God to do a difficult task.
Do not be afraid
The people are likened to briers, thorns and scorpions, yet in 2:6, Ezekiel is told four times, “do not be afraid.” Because God would be with him, there would be no need to fear the people. Thus, while Ezekiel was told in unmistakable terms that his experience would be unpleasant, he is encouraged to faithfulness through the help of God.
There would be no hope for the people if Ezekiel refused to carry God’s message. Ezekiel accepted the task, however, and nearly 60 years later a prepared remnant would return to Jerusalem.
Made equal to the task
“The spirit of the LORD lifted me up, and the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.” God set Ezekiel on his feet. What God wants from us today is for us to show courage; to stand up and reaffirm our love for Him and our faith in His word, both in our lives and our words. God can work wonders through the lives of those who are willing to commit their efforts to His service. In whatever capacity we have opportunity to serve, He can make us equal to His task.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One