What is the context?
Ezekiel opens among the exiles by the River Kebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He identifies himself as a priest, the son of Buzi. The heavens open, he sees visions of God, and the Lord’s word comes directly to him.
The date is tied to the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile. The opening also mentions a thirtieth year without explaining what event begins that count.
The repeated location matters: the Lord’s hand is upon Ezekiel there, among the displaced people. The book begins with God making Himself known in the place of exile, before describing the message Ezekiel must carry.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry and Wesley emphasize that God brings His word to people in affliction. Ezekiel’s priestly background does not prevent the Lord from calling him to serve as a prophet among the exiles.
The thirtieth year has more than one explanation. The USCCB notes list Ezekiel’s age and the anniversary of the discovery of the law during Josiah’s reign as possibilities, while acknowledging the uncertainty. Wesley adopts the connection with Josiah.
The uncertainty about that count does not obscure the stated setting: the vision comes during Jehoiachin’s exile, and the Lord addresses His people where they are.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.