The Prophetic Book of Ezekiel (II): Chapters 25-48

The lecture continues the presentation of the remaining chapters of the Book of Ezekiel, by concentrating on the oracles against the nations, the restoration of Israel and Israel’s new Temple. Theological themes are also mentioned: the sovereignty of God and human responsibility, the presence of God, sin, judgment, purification, salvation, that is a radically new beginning, Zion and Eden, and political/formal and spiritual religion, that is Ezekiel as prophet and priest. Further topics and questions to be discussed include: the oracles against nations as rhetoric, on the reinterpretation of prophecies, roles of priests and Levites, is God the author of evil and finally the topic of holiness. The lecture concludes with an exploration of the rhetorical intention of the book of Ezekiel.

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