Foreshadowing Jesus in the Book of Ezekiel
1. Introduction: Overview of the Book and Its Foreshadowing Themes
- Book Overview:
The Book of Ezekiel, written by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (6th century BC), is known for its vivid visions, symbolic actions, and powerful declarations of both judgement and restoration. Ezekiel prophesies to exiled Israelites, calling them to repentance, while offering hope of a new heart, a restored Temple, and a renewed covenant. Central themes include God’s holiness, Israel’s accountability, and the promise of future glory.- Key Verse:
Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.”
- Key Verse:
- Foreshadowing Themes:
Ezekiel foreshadows Jesus as the true Shepherd, the cleansing Fountain, the Restorer of Israel, and the indwelling presence of God. His prophecies of resurrection, new covenant transformation, and the return of divine glory find their ultimate fulfilment in Christ’s person and mission.- Key Verse:
John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
- Key Verse:
2. Historical and Theological Context
- Historical Context:
Ezekiel was among the first group of exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC. His ministry spanned approximately 22 years. Prophesying from Babylon, he addressed both the exiles and those remaining in Judah. He warned of the coming destruction of Jerusalem (fulfilled in 586 BC) and later proclaimed messages of hope.- Key Verse:
Ezekiel 3:17 – “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel.”
- Key Verse:
- Theological Context:
Ezekiel develops a theology centred on God’s transcendence, justice, and desire for genuine repentance. The book also introduces the promise of internal spiritual renewal and the re-establishment of God’s presence among His people—preparing for the incarnation and indwelling of Christ.- Key Verse:
Ezekiel 11:19 – “I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”
- Key Verse:
3. Narrative Structure and Christ-Centred Motifs
- Structure:
- Chapters 1–24: Oracles of judgement on Jerusalem and Judah
- Chapters 25–32: Oracles against foreign nations
- Chapters 33–48: Messages of hope, restoration, and visions of a future Temple
- Christ-Centred Motifs:
- The Glory of the LORD: Initially departs from the Temple, later returns—fulfilled in Christ’s incarnation and Spirit.
- The Good Shepherd (Ezekiel 34): Condemns false shepherds and promises one true Shepherd.
- A New Heart and Spirit: The promise of spiritual regeneration through the Holy Spirit.
- The Valley of Dry Bones: Resurrection imagery pointing to both spiritual awakening and bodily resurrection.
- The New Temple (Chs. 40–48): Symbolic of God’s perfect dwelling with humanity—fulfilled in Christ and His Church.
4. Typology and Symbols of Christ
- The Glory of God Departing and Returning (Ezekiel 10, 43) – God’s glory leaves the Temple due to sin and returns in a future vision.
- Fulfilled in: John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we beheld His glory.”
- The Good Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23) – “I will place over them one shepherd, My servant David.”
- Fulfilled in: John 10:11 – Jesus as the Good Shepherd
- The New Heart and Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26–27) – Promise of inward transformation.
- Fulfilled in: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.”
- The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37) – Resurrection and national restoration.
- Fulfilled in: John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”
- The River of Life from the Temple (Ezekiel 47) – A life-giving stream that heals the nations.
- Fulfilled in: Revelation 22:1 – The river of life flowing from God and the Lamb.
5. Messianic Prophecies and Previews
- One Shepherd, One King (Ezekiel 37:24–25) – A servant King from David’s line will shepherd God’s people forever.
- Fulfilled in: Luke 1:32–33 – “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David… and His kingdom will never end.”
- A Covenant of Peace (Ezekiel 37:26) – God will establish an everlasting covenant with His people.
- Fulfilled in: Hebrews 13:20 – “Through the blood of the eternal covenant…”
- A Sanctuary Among Them (Ezekiel 37:27) – “My dwelling-place will be with them.”
- Fulfilled in: Revelation 21:3 – “Now the dwelling of God is with men.”
6. Theological and Christological Significance
- Jesus as the Glory of God Revealed – The visible glory that departs in Ezekiel returns in the incarnation of Christ.
- Christ the True Shepherd and King – He gathers the scattered sheep, heals the broken, and rules with justice.
- The Spirit of Christ Brings New Life – Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones comes to life by the Spirit; Jesus sends the Spirit to bring rebirth.
- Jesus as the Living Temple – The future Temple Ezekiel saw symbolises Christ, in whom God and humanity are united forever.
- Key Verse:
Colossians 2:9 – “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”
- Key Verse:
7. Redemptive Legacy and Christian Application
- Redemptive Legacy:
Ezekiel paints the Gospel through prophetic imagery—glory lost and restored, hearts of stone made flesh, death giving way to life. In Jesus, the promises of a new covenant, new creation, and eternal presence of God come true. The book moves from despair to divine indwelling. - Christian Application:
- Let God transform your heart: Christ brings newness through the Spirit.
- Follow the true Shepherd: Trust Jesus for guidance, care, and protection.
- Proclaim resurrection hope: Like Ezekiel, speak life into dry bones.
- Live as God’s Temple: Let His glory dwell in and through you.
- Key Verse:
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
✅ Summary Statement:
Ezekiel offers one of the most vivid prophetic portraits of redemption. In its imagery of exile, restoration, and divine glory, it foreshadows the full work of Jesus Christ. He is the Good Shepherd, the Restorer of hearts, the Giver of the Spirit, and the true Temple through whom God’s glory fills the earth forever.