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The literary structure of Ezekiel is arranged by how long the exiles have been in Babylonia after the 597 b.c. deportation of Jehoiachin and those with him (8:1; 20:1; 24:1; 26:1; 29:1; 31:1; 32:1; 40:1). The expatriates are counting the days until they can return to their ancestral lands in order to rebuild the temple. If Ezekiel is 30 years old when he has his initial vision, he is about 50 years old when he has the temple vision (chapters 40–48).

The word of the Eternal One came to Ezekiel the priest (Buzi’s son) near the Chebar Canal in the land of the Chaldeans. It was there that the hand of the Eternal settled on him.

I looked up, and I saw a ferocious and stormy wind coming from the north—a monstrous cloud filled with the constant dance of lightning, surrounded by a glowing, all-encompassing light. At the center of the lightning flashes was something that looked like gleaming metal, and within that otherworldly scene were what looked like four living creatures. The creatures had a form that resembled humans,

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the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel(A) the priest, the son of Buzi, by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians.[a] There the hand of the Lord was on him.(B)

I looked, and I saw a windstorm(C) coming out of the north(D)—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal,(E) and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures.(F) In appearance their form was human,(G)

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Footnotes

  1. Ezekiel 1:3 Or Chaldeans