The Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 1-24

The New International Commentary on the Old Testament

by Daniel I. Block

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.

Genres: Theology, Reference, Old Testament, Nonfiction, Biblical Studies

909 pages, Hardcover

First published August 26, 1997

About the author

Daniel I. Block (DPhil, University of Liverpool) is Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He is the author of several books and numerous essays and has written commentaries on Deuteronomy, Judges-Ruth, and Ezekiel. He has also been involved in the production of the New Living Translation of the Bible and lectures and preaches around the world.

Reviews

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have come to expect sound Biblical commentary from the NICOT series and Ezekiel Chapter 1-24 by Daniel Block is no exception. The reader will find a good balance between technical writing and pastoral wisdom throughout. The "Theological Implications" provided in each segment of the book are very helpful when summarizing and applying them to the wide range of information provided. I will be starting the second volume of this work immediately and recommend this one highly.

[Jared Mcnabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of three commentaries I used while preaching Ezekiel. This is probably the best evangelical commentary on Ezekiel. I didn’t always follow his interpretation and conclusions, but Block attention to the text was always insightful and helpful.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps you have noticed the widespread praise that has been heaped upon this commentary. No doubt, scholars across the spectrum can’t deny its success. Not only do many reviewers list it as the best commentary available on Ezekiel, but I’ve even seen reviews that say it is the greatest commentary in print on any Old Testament book. After reviewing it myself, it’s easy to see why scholars are impressed. There are simply no weaknesses in all the categories we expect to be addressed in a major exegetical commentary. What I would like to add to all that press is that I believe pastors can also be greatly enriched by both these volumes Mr. Block has given us on Ezekiel here in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT) series.
Pastors, you will love Mr. Block’s passion for Ezekiel and his prophecy. In addition, you will love his high view of Ezekiel’s God. Instead of just listing copious facts, of which there is plenty in this commentary, this impressive array of information is marshaled to say something to us about Ezekiel, his prophecy, and his God.
His Introduction runs 60 pages. He begins with a background of Ezekiel’s world. Covering the political and social environments, he draws a vivid portrait for us. Next, he discusses author, purpose, and methods. The discussion of Ezekiel’s methods is really an exercise in rhetorical criticism. From there, Block jumps into the literary style of the book. He interacts with other scholars and attempts to explain the structure of the individual oracles. Look for the interesting chart on pages 28 and 29. Since it is so important in studying the Book of Ezekiel, he explains what he calls the formulaic framework. It’s in this detailed section that you discover so much of what is especially unique about Ezekiel. It’s amazing the amount of work that must’ve gone into preparing the information in this section. After a brief section considering the text, he discusses Ezekiel in Jewish and Christian tradition. The final section is a probing look at the theology of Ezekiel. He realizes a past, present, and future aspect of Ezekiel’s vision. The outstanding introduction is followed by a lengthy bibliography.
The commentary in volume 1 covers chapters 1-24. It’s extremely well done. It misses nothing on the exegetical level, draws careful parallels, and is sensitive to theology.
Besides being a seminal academic work, this commentary is easily in the “must-have” category for pastors. It would be a mistake not to secure your own copy!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Aaron Mcilhenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

genuinely a banger

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely thorough, if not massive commentary on the first 24 chapters of the Old Testament book of Ezekiel by Wheaton Old Testament professor, Daniel Block. Block's thematic summary is that the people of God are being judged for four pillars of spiritual pride: trust in the Davidic/Kingship covenant, Yahweh's abiding presence in Jerusalem, Israel the Land, and Yahweh's unique covenant with the people of the Land. Without a foundation of faith and obedience, this pride produced bloodshed, injustice and spiritual harlotry. Block unravels the unique literary style of Ezekiel - a pattern of "halving oracles," the two parts linked by a literary coda. My only critique was that I wished for more New Testament references as this book is foundational for understanding books like the Book of Revelation as well as prophecies regarding the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Overall, however, this is an excellent commentary. I especially appreciated the weighty analysis and the practical "Theological Implications" at the end of each unit. I am now anticipating studying Block's second volume in the commentary on chapters 25-48.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellect work. Block gives me all the detail I need, but also states things in a way that is easy to read. So far I have just hit certain sections of this book. I look forward to reading it in more careful detail.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This commentary on Ezekiel actually takes up two books and goes for a combined 1,800 pages. It's more reference material, then. It is one of the best commentaries out there, period.

[Will Dilbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best commentary on Ezekiel and probably one of the best O.T. commentaries period.

[Andy Dollahite · Rating 4 out of 5]

This formed the bedrock of my morning devotional reading through the mid summer. Block treats Ezekiel with the gravity it merits and helps unpack a rather mysterious but fascinating OT prophet. I would love to see more Christological application, however.

[Neil White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really solid resource for understanding both the textual translation and the historical background of Ezekiel. Very detailed commentary, probably longer than most readers want for this difficult book but incredibly helpful for approaching the first half of Ezekiel.

[Mike Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best commentary on Ezekiel out there right now.

[Jeff Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This set on Ezekiel is my second favorite commentary I have ever read on any biblical book. Block is very, very helpful. Exegetical, faithful, and good application throughout! Get it and devour it.

[Thomas Carey]

Very good book of the bible