EZEKIEL: The Writing Prophet

Ezekiel’s writing realm was intense.

We know this, simply from reading the first chapter of the biblical book named after him! From a writing perspective, however, there is so much we can glean from him.

First, his WRITING REALM is opened up through a vision in Ezekiel 1. This is very important. This is an excellent example of how we can identify a “writing prophet” in the seer realm. There prophetic unction WILL OPEN UP with either a dream or a vision. Those who are committed to their calling will immediately enter into the writing realm with intentionality – whether they understand it or not. It will be like an automatic response like breathing, not an afterthought.

Secondly, we see that Ezekiel is taking the time to record the date, state his location, and give us some background on the captivity of his people. This is a clear sign that he is INTENTINALLY WRITING AN ACCOUNT of his calling so that when it is read, others will understand it. This proves that he is thinking beyond just releasing a word and into a place where preservation of this experience, the vision and the prophecy is on his mind.

Thirdly, we notice that Ezekiel is EXTREMELY detailed. It is important to him that readers not only comprehend his message but have all the facts needed to relate to it properly. Also note that the detail of the vision is so specific, that an artisan could easily paint, sculpt, or sketch the descriptions and not have to worry about getting it wrong.

We also see that this prophet describes his response to the word, and then IMMEDIATELY RECEIVES the interpretation and a CLEAR ASSIGNMENT CONCERNING WHO TO CARRY THE MESSAGE TO AND WHEN.

So, God declared that Ezekiel was to speak this word. HOWEVER, as you read… you will come to see the command to EAT THE SCROLL AS WELL. For me, I see this particular encounter in three ways: (1) Ezekiel was commissioned to become the SCROLL or become the book; (2) His calling as a seer was confirmed by God and he was SENT to a particular group of people - the exiled Jews; and (3) Becoming the scroll encompassed the full mandate of the WRITING PROPHET to not only speak the word, but to make a permanent record of it and preserve it for generations to come.

By becoming the embodiment of the word God gave him, we would also see Ezekiel demonstrate God’s word visually to the people of Israel over the course of his ministry in some very unusual ways. Today, we can see the Lord using those demonstration in television, film, theatre, etc. as it relates to writing in the lives of writing prophets. By the way, Ezekiel operated in the

Read Ezekiel 1- 4. Then discuss other “CLEAR” evidence in Ezekiel’s life that reveals the prophetic writing dimension. For example, what do you think is meant by "scroll tasted like honey" to Ezekiel. Discuss what you discover inside the CITY OF LETTERS. (This is optional, but recommended.)