Re-Reading Ezekiel and Deutero-Isaiah

Re-Reading The Book of 

Ezekiel and Deutero-Isaiah

Prophetic Response in the time of the Babylonian Exile Period

(Mantosh Giri)

1. Introduction
When we read these two books   "Ezekiel and Deutero-Isaiah", sometimes it is very difficult to understand; the one causes may be it's the background. To understand any books in the bible, it's background and context is most important. Sometimes many preachers did big mistakes during delivering the word of God in churches. Without understanding the context and the proper background, hermeneutically they just delivering the word of God; so, many times the real message unable to enter into people's hearts. Though bible interpreting is a very difficult task and it takes so many times, but if we can able to understand it's context, then it will be easier for interpreting in our context. We all know that Hebrew is the original script of the Old Testament.  Slowly it has translated into our own language. Till now there are many words, we unable to translate into our own language. In this blog, I am going to deal with the topic, "prophetic response in the time of the Babylonian Exile period." I wrote here briefly the life and the prophetic ministry in the book of Ezekiel and Deutero-Isaiah from a social, political, spiritual, and contextual point of view. How a priest become the mouthpieces of Yahweh? How they started their journey in the midst of struggle? How they are brought God’s messages to their people?  How they challenged other nation's kings and their worldview? What kinds of challenges were before them?  And finally, how they become a blessing for their own people and glorified the name of God (Yahweh). Let's read deeply the book of Ezekiel and Deutero-Isaiah with me. 
2. Background of the Book of Ezekiel
The book of Ezekiel, one of the major prophetical books in the Old Testament. It called also The Prophecy of Ezechiel. Ezekiel received the prophetical call during the Babylonia exile period around, and it was written between BC. 592-570. The theme wise this book divided into three-part: threats against Judah and Jerusalem (chapters 1–25), threats against foreign nations (chapters 25–32), and prophecies of restoration and hope (chapters 33–44). Many scholars believe that the period of Ezikiels call  (593 BC) and the fall of Jerusalem (586 BC); the threats against foreign nations around (586-585 BC). This book helps us to understand the life of the Babylon exiles period; fully cut from Jerusalem and the crisis of their faith practices. Ezekiel attempting to help his exiles fellow, by continuing their faith practice and tradition, encouraging words and the promises of the restoration. 
3. Background of the Book of Deutero-Isaiah

The central message of Deutero-Isaiah the term of punishment is over (40:1-2); Israel punished because of their sin in Babylone, but now God forgives them.  The Glory of God shall reveal. Yahweh has spoken the message of hope and restoration through his prophet. God using Persian king Cyrus as an instrument to release Israel from Babylon.  Cyrus name we found in (44:28-45:1).   Deutero Isaiah using Israel’s creation tradition and using the sequence of Flood (54:7-10) “my steadfast love shall not depart from you, my covenant of peace shall not be removed”; as Yahweh spoke to Noah that he would never sand flood again to which the mankind. Deutero-Isaiah attached the name of Abraham and Jacob (41:8-13); because God promise began for salvation to Abraham and Jacob. This passage talks about, Abraham as Yahweh’s friend (literally, the one whom I love). Deutero Isaiah using the practical tradition in the period of Exile; another practical tradition, “your first father sinned” (43:27). Isaiah 52:11-12 talks about the exilic journey begin to their home. It is an Exodus tradition. In exodus, they went from Egypt but here they went from Babylon. Not only has that God provided them the divine Guidance (52:11-12 and 43:19-21). God will feed them 41:14-17, 48:21).  The propose of Yahweh, not only salvation of Israel, but is the manifestation of Yahweh’s glory to the world; the people will acknowledge that God’s hand did it, and they will praise Him (41:20, 43:21, 40:5).  We show how our God responds in the mix of trouble. He is a loving God, he is covenant-keeping God, but he heats sin and injustice. Surely He will Judge all wicket. But those who repent and come to Him, He will forgive and restore them. What is the Prophet?
The prophets played important roles in the history of the Israelites. They acted as a mouthpiece of God. The Hebrew word for Prophet is 'נבי' (Nabi). The Isreal's prophets are considered as; authorized messengers, a critique of the society, and announcer of the future.

Different types of prophets? 

The prophets are divided into two groups: Pre-Classical (not Writing) and the 
Classical (Writing) Prophets.  Samuel, Nathan, Elijah, and Elisha are the pre-classical prophets and the; Isaiah, Jeremiah Ezekiel (Mejor prophets) and  Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi (minor prophets) are called classical prophets. The pre-classical prophets addressed to individual persons like kings but the classical prophets addressed the whole community. 
The nature of Prophets?

What is the work of prophets?  
The prophets sent by Yahweh to carry Yahweh's message in the condition of Disobeying, Forgotten God and worshipping other God when they did injustice work, Speak about Judgement, restoration and the message of Hope. 

Kinds of prophets
Nabi 
Seer

History of Babylonian Captivity 

According to Old Testament history, the Babylonian Captivity (Babylonian Exile) period lasted 70 years between 586-538 BCE. We found two major prophets work during this time Isaiah and Ezekiel. Babylonia was a state in ancient Mesopotamia, at present is located in Iraq.

2. The nature of Israel in the time of Ezekiel and Deutero-Isaiah

2.1. Religious dimensions:

The people of Israel used to practice debasing animal worship, which was common in Egypt. Israelites were disloyal to God. They adopted idolatry which is due to the secret thoughts and desires of the heart (Eze. 8:7-12). The offices of the Priest, the place, the posture, pictured the utmost contempt and disregard for God, and not only they debased religion but moral corruption as well. They loved the hills and the thick forests and they afford those places for idolatrous rites. And the sacrifices and offerings were combined with pagan observance as to be a mere heathen celebration. They practice Moloch worship where the children were burned in the fire to their god.

2.2. Social dimensions:

Israel has never been faithful to God. The classes of society have profaned the land officials, priests, prophets and ordinary citizens, all belong to the guilty (Eze. 22:23-31).

2.3. Economic dimensions:

God gave the leaders to take care of the poor and widows but they misused the power and make the orphans their prey (Isaiah 10:1, 2). The political leaders accept bribes (1:23) and even at the expense of exploiting widows and orphans.

2.4. Political dimensions:

The appointed leader of God was animated by the spirit of disloyalty and unbelief which is manifested itself in all the following history. The evil reign like Ahaz had immunized the common people with the various of paganism.

3. Prophetic Response of Isaiah

3.1. Background

The sixteen chapters (40-55) of the book of Isaiah usually known as Deutero-Isaiah or Second Isaiah.

3.2. Response

Isaiah had said that after a period of discipline Judah would go into captivity. The LORD will bring his people back into their own country. Through the turbulent years of his ministry, Isaiah boldly proclaimed his faith in the Jehovah of Israel.    Israel is a people chosen by a God of love, who will take care of all its needs. God's love turned to outrage. The God of Israel lacks the power to combat Babylon's attacks and its pantheon. God punishes Israel for their transgression. God doesn't love Israel anymore. It doesn't matter to God.  Some are advising them to turn to other deities at this time. Some thought blind fate is going to determine destiny so it's best to indulge at the moment in a mindless manner. The second Isaiah, however, strongly insists that life is not driven by certain external powers, but is directed by a loving God who remains true to a universal justice plan Isaiah 45:19 say I did not say the offspring of Jacob, “Seek me in chaos.” I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right.

Isaiah 40:1-8 almost summarizes the central message. The exiled are to take heart because their sins have now been atoned for and their punishment term is over (v1-2). Yahweh is now about to come so boldly to the rescue of his people that the whole world will be amazed at this glorious revelation (v 3-5). The promise of this message of hope and redemption is Yahweh's word spoken through the prophet, which is all-powerful and ludicrously weak in contrast with all human activity (v7-8).

Serious problems vexed the job of convincing people. Many were convinced that destinies had been determined by cosmic forces more powerful than Yahweh. The prophet, however, described a God who, like a mother, cannot forsake her young and a God whose compassion leads to a similarly passionate commitment to their needs.

More often Deutero– Isaiah took lessons from the history of Israel. The liberation of the ancestors of nations from slavery in Egypt, their crossing of the Red Sea, their journey under the guidance of Yahweh. These events have often been loosely referred to as the "exodus events," offering an obvious analogy to the picture that the prophet presented to the exiles of what was about to happen to them. Ezekiel had already touched on the theme (Ezek.20:32-44) but in a very different way. Deutero –Isaiah made it his own, his purpose was to convince the exiles of the truth of the promises of Yahweh concerning the immediate future by reminding them of his great deeds in the past, but he went beyond this. He taught that the ' new exodus ' would be even more dramatic and enduring in its impact than the first exodus; so much so that he might argue that Yahweh was saying (43:18-19) remembers not the former things, nor considers the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing.

4. . Prophetic ministry and response of the prophet Ezekiel

4.1. The book of Ezekiel

The book of Ezekiel is the third large collection of ancient Israel’s prophesies. It relates to one of the most critical periods in the history of Israel. The oracles in the book span a period of twenty- two years from 593 to 571 BC. As a whole the book of Ezekiel consist of initial warnings of calamity followed by promises of restoration. The issue of human responsibility occurs in several forms, an important theme of this book is the relationship of God to his people. Ezekiel’s oracle relates to one of the darkest periods in Israel’s history.

4.2. Ezekiel’s response to the exilic community

Ezekiel was the prophet of exile, having been deported to Babylon in 597 B.C. at the time of the captivity of king Jehoiachin. He was a prophet who preached among the people, serving especially as a shepherd to the captives in the foreign land. He made at least a twenty-two-year span of prophetic service. The historical turmoil surrounding the life of Ezekiel underlined his unique personality and prophetic message. He was the son of the priest Busi (1:3) and genuinely loved the temple and the sacral ordinances. The exiles in Babylon was from the upper classes that ignored the previous prophetic warnings. In short, the exiles hoped for an expedient return to Palestine. Naturally, the people in exile despised Ezekiel for his prophetic message. The prophet himself identified the fate of his people by taking on the suffering and dramatizing their fate through personal anguish and agony. Yet, the people over time accepted their new home in Babylon and the message of Ezekiel.

Ezekiel was in every sense a true prophet. He had nothing in common with the time servers and men-pleasers- false prophets, who blinked the facts of Israel’s inequities and were not able to read the signs of the times. He viewed with serious serenity the nation’s long continuance in sin and said: “This thing cannot go unpunished. The worst is yet to be.”He adds that there is no easy remedy for sin. Only in the crucible of pain guilt can be removed. This is the doctrine of Ezekiel, and it is also the doctrine of the cross. The institution of religion were so corrupted by the spirit of the times that there was no hope except to tear down and build anew. History records that when nations have reached the limits of injustice God acts drastically. In the midst of his frightful predictions of the complete overthrow of Jerusalem, Ezekiel led a principle of religion for which the world had waited long. Each individual, he contended, is responsible for his/her own soul, one’s character is the essential thing. A righteous man stands among the trials and tribulations of time is secured and justified before God.

In the Old Testament, it was customary that people turned to their prophets in times of desperation. They needed words of explanation and comfort from their oracles. The prophetic utterances of the prophets were in many ways the direction that the people and their leaders needed in difficult times. Ezekiel had several visits from the elders of his community (cf. Ezk 8:1; 14:1; 20:1). The elders consulted him and his selfless identification with the people has gained him the respect of the spiritually discerning members of the community. He was a comforter to the fellow citizens in exile and also rendered a great service to the community and laid the foundation of the new Israel.

5. Theological Response:

Ezekiel was a man with a great mission; he crossed the geographical boundary, with God’s messages. He came to his own people with their own language, but they did not receive his message (Ez.3:5-7). Ezekiel did his mission in various labels, first his preparation, before the being called as a prophet; second the exilic context; thirdly his ministerial image as a watchman; It should be a contemporary Images and Character of today’s Pastor, Evangelist, and we theologians.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
 5.1.Ezekiel’s preparation: 
Ezekiel ben Buzi, son of Buzi  prophetic mission began the year of Thirty  with God appearance near the River Chebar (or Kebar Canal, near Nippur in what is now Iraq), but early-stage he going through preparation for this special task; though he was a priest’s son; educated since his childhood; in his young stage he has gone through various training about professional duties, sacrificial rituals, skills, all Levitical regulation, teach, administer law of Torah and Israel’s priesthood. His knowledge we can see as evidence in Ezekiel’s own Books (International Affairs, politics, economics, mythology, and Imagery). Two elements make him a priest and the significant understanding as a prophet:

4.1.1. God at center: 

We can see Ezekiel passion for Yahweh in his book (The mighty hand of Yahweh; the word of Yahweh, the spirit of Yahweh, the name of Yahweh, The holiness of Yahweh; the presence of Yahweh; and the Glory of Yahweh); that means his life dominated by Yahweh as God. Today’s context as a servant of God we should have God-centered life. (Luke 10:27) You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with your entire mind.

4.1.2. Ezekiel Spoken from God’s point of view:

 Ezekiel brought two ways of the message; the first one is against Sin and the second is God’s restoration. ‘Death’ of exilic to new life and future hopes in the land. Ezekiel brought God’s salvation to the lost one. We can see human needs and divine emotion in the book of exodus. God described his redemptive motivation Exodus 3:7 (Then the LORD said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings). In today’s context, it’s needed from God’s point of view: alienated should need to be reconciled, oppressed need justice and seek need to be healing. Most important is the glory of God and honor his name; though Ezekiel knew all tradition and scriptures, for him most important was god’s salvation for Israel. (Ezekiel 33:1) As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?).

4.2. Priest v. Prophet:

As we know Ezekiel was priest, which most respectable possession is Israel context; but God called him for the prophetic ministry in Babylon. It was not an easy task for any man; leave his own place and ministry in the enemy’s land. The mouthpiece of Yahweh was going through loneliness, friendlessness, and unpopularity. Today’s context many people clam themself as a prophet; but real prophetic ministry based on God’s task, which they need to fulfil in their life in any condition. Today’s prophets are asking money for prayer; they are longing for popularity. Now day’s theologians are also following these false prophets, but Ezekiel’s committed ministerial might change our ministerial view.

4.3. The context of Ezekiel’s mission: Ezekiel lived among the displaced people, those who loosed their land, Identity and far away from their relatives; they suffered emotionally, psychologically, physically and spiritually. They are going through shame, fear, and bondage. Slavery was their identity. In today’s context, because CAA and NRC (Citizenship Amendment Act & National Register of Citizens) many people may going to lose their Identity; according to US Congressional Research Service (CRS) following bill may affect Muslim minority in India. The Hindutwa agenda is the problem. This kind of mentality is going to harmful to all minorities’ communities. Another issue, in the name of development many people forcefully displaced from their own land, forcefully government occupied their land; which is for their lifeline. People are moving to the city, staying in unhealthy places, platforms. To feed their child and family member they are working slavery, involve in prostitution work; some places children are working as labor. As we know Israel lived in Babylon, and they surrounded by pagan religion (Isaiah 40-55 and book of Ezekiel), but we can see Yahweh’s presence power and glory over Babylon’s gods. It shows the universality sovereignty (kingship) of Yahweh.  In today’s context, we also surrounded by religions, practice, culture and different kinds of traditions. These are like boundaries to enjoy this gift of life. (Galatians 5:13-14) says God called us to be free. God is the God of hope for Israel in Babylon.

4.4. Ezekiel was a watchman

Ezekiel was the prophets like watchman (Ez. 3:16-27; 33:1-20) Over Israel. To be watchman (sentry or Lookout) was a huge responsibility. In today’s context, a pastor or missionary or evangelist or theologian should be a watchman; they should do their work in a responsible way.  Ezekiel did this work in a very responsible way.

4.4.1. His works of a pastor: 
He lived among his people in their time of suffering; second, he becomes co-sufferer with his people. Thirdly He continually gave them comfort and hope for the future.  A pastor's work is not just preaching on Sunday or not just prayer but they should help believers with their various pastoral care; because of Ezekiel Israel, people are able to understand the situation and to God. At first, Ezekiel told about the full scale of the Judgment (reality or Full distraction of Jerusalem); in short, the end has come (Ez. 7:2, Ch 4-7, 12); because until the understand and faces of full judgment the might not true repentance of restoration. Second Ezekiel brought the logic behind judgment; it’s happening because of the covenant relationship in the light of Israel's history. Sin deserves punishment; God will punish the wicked (5:5-7, Ch. 16, 20, 23). We need to understand God heats all kinds of sin Injustice, misuse of power. Sin in Temple 8:6-18, Worshiping other Gods 8:10-12,  and sin among the leader, Sin among prophets 13:1-23; Sin of The king 17: 1-21; The Sin of princes, priests and nobles 22:23-29; corporate and individual sin 18, 22). In today’s context everyone wants power and position, but the same way many misusing of power. Whatever we are today it is God’s gift we should use it in a responsible way. On 27th November 2019, Wednesday night. 26-year-old Dr. Priyanka Reddy, a veterinary doctor from Shamshabad, Hyderabad was raped, murdered and then burnt by four men. Men and Women should respect one other. Thirdly Ezekiel has a pastoral heart; he could not leave them without hope. He brought Yahweh’s salvation and restoration to them (Ez. 9:4, 33:10, 37:1-14, Ch 34-37, 40-48).

4.4.2. Ezekiel’s work as evangelist: as a watchman, he gave them warning repentance and change. Firstly the convection of sin, he has faced the people who refuse to acknowledge their sin (Ez. 16, 20 and 23). Secondly Ezekiel as Apologetic (Theodicy). The situation of the exilic period; everyone blaming God for their situation, but Ezekiel bringing the desire of God and trying to remove all misconception (18:2; 33:12-20); so they return to god. An evangelist must be an Apologetic. Finally, Ezekiel brought the Divine grace and the assurance of life through the repentance (Ez. Ch. 20; Exodus 6:6-8, Ez. Ch 36, 18:21-32, 33:14-1537:12-14). This is the work of evangelist faithful to commission as a watchman; leading them into everlasting life and get out of them from the shadow of death. God's purpose would continue. Ezekiel fulfilled both evangelist and pastoral role among them. 

Deutero-Isaiah (Ch. 44-55)

Conclusion

In this paper we able to see from the Deutero-Isaiah and book of Ezekiel; how prophets are reacted from god’s point of view in the mixed on the struggle. Ezekiel was the prophets as like watchman (EZ. 3:16-27; 33:1-20) Over Israel and how he impacts on his Societies through his faithful ministry. Today also, Both Isaiah and Ezekiel’s messages and their faithful life is impacting and applicable for today’s human society.