Seminaries and Institutes
Ezekiel 1–3

“Ezekiel 1–3,” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Resource Manual (2003), 186

“Ezekiel 1–3,” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Resource Manual, 186

Ezekiel 1–3

Introduction

Ezekiel 1–3 is a record of a vision given to the prophet. While Jeremiah was preaching of impending destruction to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Ezekiel was delivering the same message in Babylon, warning the people of Judah to change their wicked ways or be destroyed.

Some Important Gospel Principles to Look For

Suggestions for Teaching

Ezekiel 3:17–21. Our priesthood leaders are like watchmen. They protect those they serve by watching over and warning them of impending danger.

(35–45 minutes)

Invite students to imagine living in an ancient city that is surrounded by a large wall. Ask:

  • What might be the main purpose of the wall?

  • How would the wall offer protection?

  • What added protection would there be if the wall had a watchtower with a full-time watchman?

  • What qualifications would you want the watchman to have? (For example, alertness, good vision, a loud voice, the ability to communicate clearly, and mature judgment about what would bring danger and what was of little consequence. List several on the board.).

Have students read Ezekiel 3:16–17 and identify who the Lord appointed as His watchman. Read Ezekiel 1:1–3; 2:1–8; and 3:4–11 and look for Ezekiel’s call and some of his qualifications. Have students read Ezekiel 3:18–21. Discuss Ezekiel’s responsibilities as a watchman to the house of Israel by asking questions such as the following:

  • In verse 18, what did the Lord say Ezekiel must tell the people?

  • What did the Lord say would happen to Ezekiel if he did not warn them?

  • In verses 19–21, what did the Lord say would happen to Ezekiel if he warned them but they did not listen?

  • What did the Lord say would happen to the people? (see also Jacob 1:19–2:11).

Encourage students to look for ways the prophet fulfilled his charge from the Lord as they read the book of Ezekiel.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 1:4, 17, 19–28, 32–33, 37–38 with students. As you read, discuss the following questions. (See the commentary for Ezekiel 3:17–21 in Old Testament Student Manual: 1 Kings–Malachi, p. 267.)

  • Who are the Lord’s watchmen today? (see v. 4).

  • What are we to warn the people about?

  • What happens to us if we fail to warn others?

  • What happens if the people do not heed the warning?

  • Who was the first watchman of this dispensation? (see v. 17).

  • What does the Lord want the gospel message to do in these last days? (see vv. 19–28, 32–33).

  • How would the message be any different if the Lord Himself spoke to us? (see vv. 37–38).

Then ask:

  • From what you know of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s life, did he serve as an effective watchman?

  • Read Doctrine and Covenants 135:3. What does this verse say about how well the Prophet Joseph fulfilled his calling?

Share your testimony that the current prophet is our watchman today. Ask students what the prophet has warned against and to think about how well they heed his words.

Review the current prophet’s latest available general conference talk and list what he specifically asked us to do. Read Doctrine and Covenants 1:14 and encourage students to always follow the prophet’s counsel.