God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained

Welwyn Commentary #25

by Derek W.H. Thomas

Ezekiel's name means. 'God strengthens.' Every time the prophet's name was mentioned, God's people were assured of his help and reminded of his promise to 'blind up the injured and strengthen the week'.Ezekiel lived in times of great political turmoil and witnessed the final collapse of Judah to the Babylonian empire. His total, unquestioning willingness to do God's will, often at great cost to himself, during the long years of his faithful ministry in exile, is a shining example to Christian workers everywhere.The message of Ezekiel is one of God's faithfulness to his covenant, both in carrying out judgement on sin and in the restoration and blessing of a remnant through the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The prophet's final vision looks forward to days of great blessing, encompassing not only the restoration from exile, but the blessings of the new convenant and the final glory of heaven.

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1993

About the author

Originally from Wales, Dr. Derek Thomas is the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi. After pastoring for 17 years in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dr Thomas returned to the USA in 1996 where, in addition to his work at the seminary, he serves as the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.

In addition to serving in the pastorate, Derek has served as editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian, a monthly denominational magazine. A 1978 graduate of RTS, he gained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Lampeter, in Calvin’s preaching on the book of Job. He has written numerous books, including The Storm Breaks: Job Simply Explained, Wisdom: the Key to Living God’s Way, and God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained, Making the Most of Your Devotional Life based on the Ascent Psalms, and Praying the Savior’s Way, based on the Lord’s Prayer. Recently he published Let’s Study Revelation (Banner of Truth), Let’s Study Galatians (Banner of Truth), and Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God (Christian Focus). He also co-edited, Give Praise To God: A Vision for Reforming Worship (P & R).

His interests include the music of Anton Bruckner, Richard Wagner and Gustav Mahler as well as a passion for good coffee.

He has been married to his wife, Rosemary, for almost 30 years. They have two adult children, Ellen and Owen.

Reviews

[Mark Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This commentary changed my life as a troubled grade 12 high school student. One of the key influences leading me towards Calvinism. I WILL REMOVE YOUR HEART OF STONE!

[Ben Hegan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to give it more than two stars because I generally enjoy Derek Thomas' teaching. However I read it alongside the Duguid NIVAC commentary and it was night and day. I know this is meant to be shorter and so forth but it just wasn't great. He quoted Calvin so much in the first portion (Calvin only got to chapter 20 in his commentary) and not once did he disagree with him - that's ok but it makes me wonder and leads to deeper questions. He makes so many exegetical assumptions that Iain Duguid simply doesn't make in his more responsible exposition. I can't recommend this. Instead get the NIVAC commentary by Iain Duguid and enjoy exploring this wonderful book of Scripture.

[Joe Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book for a chapter by chapter personal study through the book of Ezekiel. Thomas is simply without dumbing down the content. This is the perfect companion to any study of Ezekiel. Excellent!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent excellent commentary on Ezekiel. Does not break down each verse but provides a pretty specific overview with background information and helps the reader finish the book with a very well-rounded knowledge.

[Landon Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Derek Thomas' commentary on Ezekiel to be a tremendous resource. Written by a preacher-scholar, the book focuses on the big issues while not ignoring the curious details - much like Thomas' commentary on Revelation. This was perhaps my favorite commentary on Ezekiel.

[Jonathan Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful, applicable commentary. Not particularly technical, instead focusing on how each section fits into the grander narrative of the bible, and what it means for our lives.

[Mike Conroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent commentary on Ezekiel. It's pretty brief. If you are preaching through Ezekiel, then you will probably want a commentary with more detail.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as a bible study devotional alongside studying the book of Ezekiel. Beautiful.