Ezekiel 40
From Ezekiel's Chronicles
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My name is Ezekiel. I am a prophet living in Babylon. As a prophet, my job is to tell the people messages sent from God. Other Jews who live in Babylon with me are prisoners along of the powerful King Nebuchadnezzar, too. We serve as slaves for the Babylonian people.
One of my jobs is to keep record of what has happened to us. My people have lived here, as slaves, for twenty-five years.
Our beloved city, Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar's army fourteen years ago. I received word saying the Babylonian army had burned the city to the ground. Our homes. Our memories. Everything, destroyed. Even though I was not there, I can picture the destruction in my mind, and weep over our loss.
We celebrated another new year ten days ago. This day, the tenth day of the first month, was the same day Jerusalem fell into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. My heart was heavy. I long to go back to my home but know this is not yet God's timing.
We as a nation sinned and deserve this punishment. As I sat, by the brook, the hand of the Lord touched me. He took me to a very high mountain of Israel in a vision. A man stood there, his skin was bronze.
He stood in the gateway holding a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. The man said to me, "Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears and pay attention to everything I am going to show you. For that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see."
Of course I would. I listened to everything and watched closely as the man went about the city that looked like Jerusalem. He measured the east gate, the outer court, the north and south gates, the inner court, rooms set aside for preparation and room for the priests, the court and altar, the portico, outer sanctuary, Most Holy Place and side rooms. He measured the temple, decorations, table and doors--the place was huge.
The man took me to the east gate. There I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters. The land was radiant with his glory. What I saw was like the vision of His glory showing me the destruction of Jerusalem and the vision of the dry bones. I gasped and fell facedown, afraid.
The glory of the Lord entered the temple through the east gate. Even with my head down the light amazed me and caused me to feel even more afraid. Every part of me shook.
The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court. There I heard someone speaking to me from inside the temple. The voice said, "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever.
While I shook in fear, His voice, the voice of the glory of the Lord comforted me.
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1. What is Ezekiel's job?
2. Where does he live?
3. Why does he live there?
4. What did he see in his vision?
5. Why was he afraid?
6. Who comforted him?
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