Ezekiel was a prophet who spoke from Babylonian exile during the destruction of the First Temple. He had visions about God's chariot, dry bones coming to life, a future Temple, and more. According to Jewish tradition, accounts of his visions make up the book of Ezekiel.
Notable Sources
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Ezekiel's Vision by the Chebar Canal
TANAKH
Ezekiel's vision by the Chebar Canal appears at the outset of the book of Ezekiel. The prophet receives divine visions while among the exiles by the Chebar Canal, setting the stage for his prophetic mission.
The Spiritually Lifeless in Ezekiel's Prophecy
TALMUD
The Talmud explores the question of who the dead in Ezekiel's prophecy of dry bones are meant to represent. One opinion presented is that they are a symbol for those who are devoid of commandments.
Ezekiel and the Year of the Temple's Destruction
TALMUD
The Babylonian Talmud in tractate Yevamot presents a teaching that the First Temple was destroyed in a year after the sabbatical year. The Talmud then challenges that statement based on a verse in the book of Ezekiel.
The Controversy of the Divine Chariot
CHASIDUT
Rambam's interpretation of Ezekiel's vision of the divine chariot sparked significant controversy and opposition among Jewish scholars. Rabbi Gershon Chanokh Leiner of Radzin, in his 19th-century Chasidic work, delves into Rambam's approach.
The Nature of Resurrection
JEWISH THOUGHT
Jewish thinkers have long debated what a future resurrection might look like. In his 15th-century philosophical work, Sefer HaIkkarim, Rabbi Joseph Albo explores diverse rabbinic opinions on resurrection, incorporating Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones.
The Mystical Vision of Ezekiel
MUSAR
Ezekiel's vision of the divine chariot can be interpreted as a mystical experience that connects earthly offerings to their celestial counterparts. Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz, in his 17th-century work Shenei Luchot HaBerit, delves into the metaphysical symbolism of Ezekiel's vision.
The Mystical Chariot
COMMENTARY
In traditional rabbinic literature, teaching Ezekiel's vision of the chariot in public is prohibitted. The 14th-century Kitzur Ba'al HaTurim commentary by Rabbi Jacob ben Asher draws a parallel between the restrictions on teaching the 'story of the chariot' and the 'story of creation.'
The Siege and the Fast
HALAKHAH
God's revelation to Ezekiel helped to solidify the tenth of tevet as a day of mourning the siege of Jerusalem. The Arukh HaShulchan, a comprehensive 19th-century halakhic digest, discusses the significance of the tenth of Tevet and its origins in Ezekiel's prophecy.
The Defilement and Dispersion of Israel
TANAKH
The actions of the people of Israel led to the defilement of their land and their subsequent exile, which in turn profaned God's holy name. The bBook of Ezekiel addresses themes of divine judgment and the sanctity of God's name during the Babylonian exile.
Commentary on Ezekiel 1:21, manuscript by RaDaK - Rabbi David Kimhi, approximately 1160-approximately 1235.
Commentary on Ezekiel 1:21, manuscript by RaDaK - Rabbi David Kimhi, approximately 1160-approximately 1235.
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