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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Biblical Figure

Ezekiel

Ezekiel was an Israelite priest and prophet of the Hebrew Bible, active during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Ezekiel was an Israelite priest and prophet active during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE. The biblical Book of Ezekiel records his visions, symbolic actions, and messages of judgment and restoration.

What it is

Ezekiel is a major prophetic figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for vivid visions and symbolic acts. He was among the Judean elites deported to Babylon, where he delivered messages of judgment for covenant unfaithfulness and later hope for restoration.

Key details

Ezekiel is described as the son of Buzi and traditionally died around 570 BCE. His book includes famous imagery like the valley of dry bones and visions of divine glory. He is recognized as a prophet in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Why it matters

Ezekiel's writings address themes of exile, holiness, and renewal that remain influential in theology and religious education. In Canada, his book is studied in schools, universities, churches, and synagogues, shaping literature and spiritual thought.

In short

  • Ezekiel was a priest and prophet during the Babylonian exile.
  • The Book of Ezekiel contains visions, symbolic acts, and messages of judgment and restoration.
  • He is a major figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
  • His work influences Canadian religious education and literature.
Canadian angle

Ezekiel is a major figure in the biblical traditions studied in Canadian schools, universities, churches, and synagogues, and his book remains influential in literature, theology, and religious education in Canada.

Quick questions

Who was Ezekiel?
Ezekiel was an Israelite priest and prophet who lived during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE.
What is Ezekiel known for?
He is known for prophetic visions, symbolic actions, and messages about judgment and restoration recorded in the Book of Ezekiel.
Was Ezekiel a priest?
Yes. Sources describe Ezekiel as a priest, and also as a prophet.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel
    Supports: Ezekiel as an Israelite priest and prophet; association with the Book of Ezekiel; traditional death around 570 BCE.
  2. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Ezekiel-Hebrew-prophet
    Supports: Ezekiel as a 6th-century BCE prophet-priest of ancient Israel and subject/part author of the biblical book.
  3. Bible Odysseyhttps://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/ezekiel/
    Supports: Ezekiel as a priest taken into Babylonian exile and functioning as a prophet during the exile.
  4. Chabad.orghttps://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/112374/jewish/The-Story-of-Ezekiel-in-the-Bible.htm
    Supports: Traditional Jewish presentation of Ezekiel as a prophet, his Babylonian setting, and major visions.
  5. EBSCOhttps://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/ezekiel
    Supports: Ezekiel's exile in Babylon, priestly background, prophetic career, and themes of restoration.