The book of Ezekiel is generally dated to around 593–571 BC. This date range reflects the period during which Ezekiel prophesied among the Jewish exiles in Babylon and the way the book carefully dates many of his visions.
Approximate writing period
The most common way to state the time of writing for Ezekiel is as an approximate range: around 593–571 BC. This is tied to the book’s own character as a collection of prophetic material that is carefully dated in connection with Ezekiel’s visions. Because the book includes many dated visions, its timeframe is presented not as a single moment but as a span associated with Ezekiel’s prophetic activity.
Setting among exiles
The date is also linked to the setting explicitly associated with Ezekiel’s ministry: he prophesied among the exiles in Babylon. The audience is identified as the Jewish exiles in Babylon, and the book is described as a priest-prophet’s dramatic visions delivered in that context. The timeframe around 593–571 BC is therefore understood in relation to that exilic situation and the book’s internal attention to dating the visions given to Ezekiel.
Authorship and first-person voice
The book’s dating is commonly discussed alongside its authorship claims. Ezekiel is identified as “Ezekiel the priest,” and he names himself while writing largely in the first person about his visions. His authorship is widely accepted. One piece of evidence cited for this identification is the statement:
“The word of Yahweh came to Ezekiel the priest” (Ezekiel 1:3)
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This emphasis on named, first-person visionary material supports the usual presentation of the book as coming from Ezekiel’s prophetic activity during the period reflected in the dated visions.
What the book is
Ezekiel is described as “the book of a priest-prophet’s dramatic visions among the exiles in Babylon.” This description highlights both the content (visions) and the context (exiles in Babylon). The careful dating of many visions is part of what grounds the approximate writing range of around 593–571 BC, since the book itself is structured to anchor prophetic experiences in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the book of Ezekiel written?
The book of Ezekiel is commonly dated to around 593–571 BC, corresponding to the period in which Ezekiel prophesied among the exiles in Babylon and the book’s pattern of carefully dating many visions.
Who wrote the book of Ezekiel?
The author is identified as Ezekiel the priest. The prophet Ezekiel names himself and writes largely in the first person about his visions, and his authorship is widely accepted.
What evidence connects the book to Ezekiel?
One explicit piece of evidence is the book’s own wording:
“The word of Yahweh came to Ezekiel the priest” (Ezekiel 1:3)
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Where did Ezekiel prophesy when the book was written?
Ezekiel prophesied among the exiles in Babylon. The book is described as dramatic visions delivered in that exilic setting.
Who was the intended audience?
The audience is identified as the Jewish exiles in Babylon.