Question 1

Who is Ezekiel in this passage and what is his role?

Accepted Answer

Ezekiel is introduced as “the priest, the son of Buzi,” living among the Jewish captives in the land of the Chaldeans. He has priestly background, but here God begins using him as a prophet. While he is by the river Chebar with the other exiles, the heavens open, he sees visions of God, and the word of the LORD comes to him very clearly. From this point on, his role is to speak God’s messages to a people who are far from their land and tempted to lose hope.

Question 2

What is meant by the “thirtieth year” in Ezekiel’s opening line?

Accepted Answer

The “thirtieth year” has been understood in more than one way. Some connect it to Ezekiel’s age, since priests began their full service around that time, which would fit his description as a priest. Others link it to thirty years from an important past event in Israel’s history. The passage itself does not explain the exact starting point, but the detailed dating shows that God’s call came at a specific, remembered time, tying Ezekiel’s personal story and Israel’s history together in exile.

Question 3

What are the “visions of God” that Ezekiel saw when the heavens were opened?

Accepted Answer

When the text says Ezekiel saw “visions of God,” it means God allowed him to see what human eyes normally cannot see. The heavens were opened, and God showed him pictures and scenes that revealed God’s glory and plans. These were not ordinary dreams, but God-given visions that made God’s presence and rule known in a powerful way. They begin with the vision that follows these verses and set the tone for all the messages Ezekiel will share with the exiles.

Question 4

What does it mean that “the word of the LORD came expressly” to Ezekiel?

Accepted Answer

The phrase “the word of the LORD came expressly” stresses that God’s message to Ezekiel was real, clear, and direct. This was not Ezekiel’s own thoughts or guesses about their situation. God spoke to him in a way that left no doubt that this was truly God’s word. In a time when many false voices were giving the exiles false hope, this wording underlines that Ezekiel’s messages carry God’s authority and are meant to be trusted and obeyed.

Question 5

What is the significance of the “hand of the LORD” being upon Ezekiel?

Accepted Answer

When the passage says “the hand of the LORD was there upon him,” it is describing God’s power and presence resting on Ezekiel. This points to God strengthening him, seizing hold of him for service, and giving him the spirit of prophecy. Ezekiel is not just watching events; God is actively moving him, giving him the courage and ability to see the visions and later speak hard truths to the people. It shows that God equips the one he calls, even in exile.

Question 6

Why does God call Ezekiel while he is among the captives by the river Chebar?

Accepted Answer

God calls Ezekiel right where he is, among the captives by the river Chebar, to show that God has not abandoned his people in exile. The people were far from Jerusalem and the temple, tempted to think God’s presence stayed behind. By opening the heavens there and putting his hand on Ezekiel there, God shows he is present and speaking in a foreign land. He raises up a prophet in the middle of their suffering so they can be corrected, warned, and also given hope.

Question 7

What was happening historically when this vision came to Ezekiel?

Accepted Answer

This vision comes “in the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity.” Jehoiachin, also called Jeconiah, had reigned only a short time in Jerusalem before the Babylonian king carried him, Ezekiel, and many others away to Babylon. They are now settled as exiles in the land of the Chaldeans. Some among them were restless and confused about their future. Into this setting of loss, judgment, and false hopes, God begins to speak through Ezekiel about both coming disaster and future restoration.

Question 8

What does this passage show about God’s character and presence in suffering?

Accepted Answer

These opening verses show that God does not stop speaking when his people are suffering. Even while Ezekiel is sitting among captives in a foreign land, God opens the heavens, sends his word, and places his hand on him. God is not tied to a place or a building. He is present in judgment, but also near to guide and correct his people. This passage shows God as sovereign over history and close enough to reach his people in the lowest and most distant places.

Question 9

Why is the exact dating in these verses important for readers?

Accepted Answer

The passage carefully notes the thirtieth year, the fourth month, the fifth day, and the fifth year of Jehoiachin’s captivity. This detailed dating roots Ezekiel’s call in real history. It reminds readers that God’s actions are not vague stories but took place at specific times, among real exiles in a known land. It also shows that God’s timing is purposeful. At a set point in their captivity, God chose to begin speaking through Ezekiel, addressing their sins, confusion, and deep need for guidance.

Question 10

How can this passage about Ezekiel’s call speak to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This short passage can steady people who feel far from home or weighed down by trouble. It shows that God can speak clearly and powerfully in hard places, not only in comfortable or “holy” settings. Just as God opened heaven to Ezekiel among the captives, he is able to meet people today in seasons of loss, confusion, or discipline. It encourages believers to remember that God knows where they are, sees their situation, and is able to guide, correct, and strengthen them even there.

Ezekiel 1:1

Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

Ezekiel’s Vision by the River Kebar

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Ezekiel 1:1

Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

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Ezekiel’s Vision by the River Kebar

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