Translations
Original
Notes
The spirit of God would bring life and light from darkness and chaos (see Genesis 1:2). This would give people a new ability to follow God's rules and regulations.
In the past, God's Spirit empowered individuals for specific tasks in service to the Lord (see Judges 3:10; 1 Samuel 16:13).
In the future, God's Spirit would empower more people to live holy lives (see Joel 2:28–29). These renewed people would live in Israel, making it suitable for God's presence to dwell among them again.
Ezekiel reminded the people of their guilt and their need for God to change their hearts. In the future, God would cleanse his people.
In the Old Testament, objects and people are divided into "clean" and "unclean," "sacred" and "profane" categories (see “Clean, Unclean, and Holy” Theme Note).
God made Israel clean, but the Gentile nations remained unclean. Israel became unclean due to bloodshed and idolatry, which defiled the land. Because they acted like unclean nations, it was fitting for Israel to be scattered among them as punishment. In the future, God would make them clean so he could dwell among them again. Other nations, seeing his holiness in his people, would know he is the Holy One.
In the New Testament, God’s redemption through Christ redefines the lines between clean and unclean (see Acts 10:15). The Gentiles are no longer outside of God’s grace. They, too, can receive the Holy Spirit and become clean. Jews and Gentiles together now form the one people of God in Christ.
Those in Christ Jesus are not only clean but also holy because of his priesthood. Therefore, they can come boldly into God’s presence and experience his grace (Hebrews 12:18–29).
Events
- Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC
Parallels
Glossary
Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of New People of God Sin Temple
Topics
Blessing: Temporal, from God Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration