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used of the attempt to do the same with such a book as Ezekiel? The imagery
is so involved that the words of chapter 1:16 'A wheel in the middle of a
wheel' almost describe the impression that one receives upon first reading
this great prophecy. Regarding Ezekiel 10:13, which reads in the Authorized
Version 'It was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel', it is thought by
some that these words 'O wheel' would be better translated 'roll on' -- as
though the imagery of these wheels within wheels, these wheels of which it
could be said 'when those went, these went', linking the wheels with the
living creatures or cherubim -- as though they were designed to exhibit the
supreme direction of the Lord in the accomplishment of His purposes, which,
even though wrapped in mystery, roll on with certainty and unerring precision
to their glorious goal.
Ezekiel was a priest,
and was carried away captive with Jehoiakim to
Babylon, and his prophecies
deal with the impending judgments that are about
to fall, both upon the Jews
and surrounding nations, and with the final
deliverance and restoration
of His people.
The structure provided in The Companion Bible covers the ground, and
exhibits the general movement of the book. We use this as our basis, but in
order to make this outline of the greatest service, we add a series of
supplemental notes.
Ezekiel
A
1:1 to 12:28.
Desolation
The Cherubim.
The glory departing.
The Signs:
(a)
The Tile.
(b)
Bread.
(c)
The Razor.
(d)
The Chain.
B
13:1 -23.
Prophets
(a)
Men.
Symbol 'daub with
untempered mortar'.
(b)
Women.
Symbol 'sewing pillows'.
C
D
14:1 -11.
Elders polluted.
'A sign and a proverb'.
E
14:12 to 15:8.
Land and City
Symbol 'The Vine'.
F
16:1 -63.
Jerusalem
Symbol
'Child, Mother, Daughter'.
G
17:1 -24.
Babylon Parable 'A great eagle'.
H
18:1 -32.
Proverb
'Sour Grapes'.
I
19:1 -14.
Lamentation Waste.
C
D
20:44.
Elders polluted.
'A sign'.
E
20:45 to 22:31. Land and City
Parable 'The Fire'.
F
23:1 -49.
Jerusalem
Symbols
Two sisters.