Ezekiel 1-24 (NICOT)

To most modern readers the book of Ezekiel is a mystery. Few can handle Ezekiel’s relentless denunciations, his unconventional antics, his repetitive style, and his bewildering array of topics. This excellent commentary by Daniel I. Block makes sense of this obscure and often misunderstood prophet and demonstrates the relevance of Ezekiel’s message for the church today.

An extensive introduction helps to orient readers of Ezekiel’s prophecies to the times, methods, and message of the prophet and to the special literary features of the book. Block then deals successively with each literary/prophetic unit of Ezekiel. The treatment of each unit consists of a fresh translation of the text accompanied by technical textual notes, a discussion of the style and structure of the pericope, a verse-by-verse commentary on the unit, and theological reflections on the significance of the unit. Throughout the commentary special attention is also paid to the rhetorical methods that the prophet employs to get his message across to his original audience.

A worthy addition to the NICOT series, this commentary will fast be recognized as an invaluable tool for the study of the Old Testament. In bringing questions of contemporary importance to the text of this ancient document, Block convincingly demonstrates not only that the message of Ezekiel can be understood but also that its message is desperately needed by the church in the 21st century.

Daniel I. Block is Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College. He has written numerous scholarly articles and reference works and served as a senior translator for the New Living Translation. His other books include The Gods of the Nations: Studies in Ancient Near Eastern Theology and The Gospel according to Moses: Theological and Ethical Reflections on the Book of Deuteronomy.