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Ezekiel 1–24

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Ezekiel 1–3. Ezekiel Was Appointed by the Lord to Be a Watchman for the House of Israel Ezekiel saw a glorious vision of the Lord sitting upon a throne (see Ezekiel 1). The Lord called Ezekiel to speak the word of God unto the house of Israel (see Ezekiel 2:1–3:14, 22–27). Ezekiel was told that he would be responsible for Israel’s sins if he failed to warn the people (see Ezekiel 3:15–27).	Religion 302 student manual, 26-1 through 26-15. Ezekiel 33:1–9. What are the duties of the Lord’s watchmen? Jacob 1:19. What responsibility must prophets bear if they fail to teach as they have been instructed? Exodus 3, Isaiah 6, Jeremiah 1. These scriptures show that God calls his prophets and gives them authority to speak for him. Ezra Taft Benson, in CR, Apr. 1973, pp. 49–50. Who are the Lord’s modern watchmen and what are their responsibilities?
Ezekiel 4–13. Ezekiel Prophesied the Judgments of the Lord upon Jerusalem and the House of Israel Ezekiel predicted siege, famine, destruction, and the scattering of the inhabitants of Jerusalem because of their wickedness (see Ezekiel 4–7). Ezekiel was shown in vision the idolatry of Israel (see Ezekiel 8). Ezekiel foresaw the slaughter, destruction, and eventual captivity of the Jews, beginning at the house of God (see Ezekiel 9). Ezekiel saw another vision like the one recorded in Ezekiel 1 (see Ezekiel 10). Ezekiel prophesied the captivity of Judah by the Babylonians, the scattering of the Jews throughout the nations, and their eventual gathering (see Ezekiel 11). Ezekiel portrayed Jerusalem’s impending downfall by two symbolic acts (see Ezekiel 12). Ezekiel prophesied against the false prophets, sorcerers, and diviners of ancient Israel (see Ezekiel 13).	Religion 302 student manual, 26-16 through 26-39. Hosea 13:1–4. What warning did the Lord give about idolatry in Hosea’s time? Ezekiel 23:46–49. What did the Lord say would result from Judah’s idolatry? D&C 1:14–16. What is the word of the Lord to modern Church leaders respecting idolatry? Isaiah 9:13–16. What happens spiritually to people who heed false prophets? (see also Jeremiah 23:13–22). Helaman 13:24–29. How do the wicked respond to prophets? to false prophets? TPJS, p. 271. Rejection of the gospel and of the prophets who teach it brings upon men the judgments of God.
Ezekiel 14–20. Ezekiel Decried the Wickedness of Judah and Said Her Punishments from God Were Justified Ezekiel called his people to repentance and gave an allegory to show Jerusalem’s ripeness for destruction (see Ezekiel 14–15; JST, Ezekiel 14:9). Ezekiel reminded Jerusalem of God’s goodness to her and of how she had proved unfaithful to the Lord (see Ezekiel 16:1–34). Ezekiel prophesied woes upon Jerusalem and said that she was worse than Sodom and Samaria (see Ezekiel 16:35–63). Ezekiel delivered and interpreted a parable about Judah’s being taken captive by Babylon (see Ezekiel 17). Ezekiel taught that men will be punished for their own sins but that they can avoid spiritual death by repenting (see Ezekiel 18). Using allegories, Ezekiel lamented Israel’s condition, saying that it resulted from her failure to keep her covenants with God (see Ezekiel 19:1–20:32). The Lord will yet accept his chosen people, but only when their punishment has been completed (see Ezekiel 20:33–49).	Religion 302 student manual, 26-40 through 26-53. Luke 13:3. What is God’s decree for those who, having had the chance, refuse to repent? (see also 1 Nephi 14:5; Alma 9:12). Deuteronomy 29:12–29. What did Moses say would happen if Israel broke her special covenant with God? TPJS, p. 55. Who is the source of goodness for all people? What makes it possible for them to partake of his goodness? AF, p. 59. When and why is punishment for sin meted out? DBY, p. 55. Why does God send plagues and destructions upon nations? AF, pp. 60–61. What is the duration of punishment for any sin?
Ezekiel 21–24. Ezekiel Forcefully Prophesied of the Conquest of Jerusalem The Lord commanded Ezekiel to prophesy of Babylon’s success in the siege against Jerusalem (see Ezekiel 21). Ezekiel cataloged the sins of the Jews (see Ezekiel 22). Israel and Judah were likened by Ezekiel to two harlots whose lovers became their conquerors (see Ezekiel 23; JST, Ezekiel 23:17, 22, 28). The parable of the boiling pot portrayed the siege and captivity of Jerusalem (see Ezekiel 24:1–14). Ezekiel was commanded not to mourn for his wife when she died (see Ezekiel 24:15–27).	Religion 302 student manual, 26-54 through 26-64. Jeremiah 52. Jeremiah gave an account of the overthrow of Jerusalem and the desecration of the temple (see also Jeremiah 39; 2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36:14–21). Ezekiel 33:21–22. How did Ezekiel learn that his prophecies of the downfall of Jerusalem were fulfilled?

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

Ezekiel in Historical Perspective (Sections A–D)

Using the Religion 302 student manual, 26-2, and the Bible dictionary, s.v. “Ezekiel,” help students understand that Ezekiel prophesied of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity from Babylon where he was already a captive. Briefly review the historical events related to the captivity (see Religion 302 student manual, G-1 through G-4) to show that both Ezekiel and Daniel were taken captive several years before the final fall of Jerusalem (see 2 Kings 24:13–16; Daniel 1:1). Ezekiel 33:21–22 records that Ezekiel received word of the destruction of Jerusalem.

What Is the Prophet’s Role? (Section A)

A prophet is one commissioned by the Lord to speak on his behalf. Read Ezekiel 2 with the class, and point out that Ezekiel’s call resembled that of other prophets called at earlier times (see Exodus 3, Isaiah 6, Jeremiah 1). The phrase “having been commissioned of Jesus Christ” has more meaning than is sometimes realized.

A prophet is more than a spokesman; he is also a watchman. Write the word watchman on the chalkboard, and discuss the responsibilities of a watchman (see Religion 302 student manual, 26-14).

Ask students how a prophet is like an ancient watchman. Read Ezekiel 3:17–21, and point out that the prophet’s role is to warn by speaking forth the word of the Lord. Having been warned, the people are then responsible for their actions. Read Jacob 1:19 in the Book of Mormon; note how strongly Jacob felt about his responsibility (see also Jacob 2:2–3).

Point out that a prophet’s role as watchman is even greater than that of one who watches for the enemy at night. If an enemy overcomes a sleeping town, it can only physically destroy or capture the inhabitants. The failure of a living prophet to warn can result in Satan’s leading souls to eternal destruction. Discuss the importance of following closely the counsel of the Lord’s living prophet, who is the Lord’s watchman for us.

Ezekiel’s Use of Symbolism (Sections B–C)

Point out that Ezekiel, like many ancient prophets, employed symbolism and parable to convey his message. Although we may not understand the meaning of every symbol, we should strive to gain such understanding, for it will help us see more clearly the message of the scriptures. Examine a few symbols employed by Ezekiel and explain how they are used (see Ezekiel 8:7–18; 12:1–11; 13:1–16; Religion 302 student manual, 26-26; 26-38). Discuss other examples of symbolism (see Religion 302 student manual, 26-12; 26-18 through 26-20; 26-46; 26-61).

Men Will Be Punished for Their Own Sins (Section C)

Read Ezekiel 18:2–4. Note that the Lord rejected the proverb used in ancient Israel that taught that children were punished for their parents’ sins. Point out that while it is true that children sometimes suffer in consequence of evils committed by their parents, God will not hold the children accountable for any sins but their own. Now discuss Ezekiel 18:19–32. Bear testimony to the truth of Ezekiel’s teachings that men will be punished for their own sins and not for those of others. Indicate that because of the relationships existing in a society, however, innocent people sometimes suffer.