Ezekiel’s name in Hebrew contains the word for strength. And that is what the Lord’s people needed when Ezekiel was preaching. As we study the Come, Follow Me chapters in the book of Ezekiel this week, look for how the Lord gives us the strength we need. And think about the places you look for God’s strength to appear in your own life.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
Ezekiel 2:3-7 (It will be a hard call)
Ezekiel 33:11, 34:15-16 (God will always seek after us)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
Ezekiel 1:1-3 (Who is Ezekiel)
Ezekiel 2:1 (Ezekiel, Son of man)
Daniel 7:13 (Son of man, title of Christ)
Moses 6:57 (Man of holiness)
Translations:
Ezekiel = God strengthens (Hebrew)
Quotes:
[Ezekiel] received five specific charges from the Lord: 1. He was to warn Israel… 2. He was to speak only to Israel; even though they would ignore him… 3. He was to receive, understand, and proclaim to the exiles all that the Lord told him. 4. He was to be a watchman to Israel. 5. He was to return home and be dumb (not speak) until he received word of Jerusalem's destruction. (Victor Ludlow, Unlocking the Old Testament, p. 485)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
Ezekiel 1:5-25 (Ezekiel’s vision)
Ezekiel 1:28 (The brightness and glory of God)
Isaiah 6:1-8 (Isaiah sees the Lord)
1 Nephi 1:6-14 (Lehi sees God descend)
Daniel 7:1-14 (Daniel sees beasts of men and Christ’s throne)
D&C 110:3-4 (Joseph Smith’s bright description of God)
CR: The Living Christ
Ezekiel 3:17-19 (Duty to warn the people)
Study Helps:
It is very difficult, if not impossible, for a mortal to convey in writing the message and spirit of a vision or other revelation from God so that the reader will have a complete understanding of what took place and what was communicated. (Old Testament Student Institute Manual Kings-Malachi, “Chapter 26: Ezekiel: Watchman of Israel”)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
Ezekiel 3:17 (Make a watchman)
Ezekiel 33:2-7 (Set up a watchman)
Ezekiel 33:11 (The true desire is to turn to truth)
Ezekiel 34:1-6 (Shepherds feed the flock)
Ezekiel 34:23 (The one good shepherd)
Study Helps:
Watchmen were sentries stationed on a wall or in a tower in order to look out for and warn of dangers approaching from afar. They were employed to protect cities as well as vineyards, fields, or pastures. (“Watchmen on the Tower”, April 2016 New Era)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
Ezekiel 36:8-11 (Strength God will give us)
Ezekiel 36:26 (A new heart)
Ezekiel 36:36 (What the Lord speaks, He will do)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
Ezekiel 40-47 (Vision of the Temple)
Ezekiel 47:1 (The waters flowing from the Lord’s house)
Ezekiel 47:7,12 (Water springs life)
Read the transcript here.