EZEKIEL
“God will strengthen.” (a) Descendant of Aaron. His family became the twentieth class of priests (1 Chron. 24:16).
(b) Son of Buzi; priest and one of the four great prophets. He was taken into exile with King Jehoiachin in 597 BC, eleven years before the destruction of Jerusalem, and dedicated himself to labor among the captives for twenty-two years.
He faithfully performed his duties, sometimes uttering harsh rebukes, but giving encouragement with gracious words. His prophecy is full of symbolism and imagery.
Upon the death of his wife, he was forbidden, as a prophetic sign, to express any pain or mourn (Ez. 24: 15-18).
He not only proclaimed his prophecies, but he was commanded to act out some of them, so that they might be seen as well as heard.
His style is vigorous and fast. For more chronological details of his ministry, see the article about his book.