The book of Ezekiel is attributed to Ezekiel the priest, a prophet who names himself and reports many of his visions in the first person.
His authorship is widely accepted, and the book itself presents Ezekiel as the recipient of the word of Yahweh.
Named author
The author identified for the book of Ezekiel is Ezekiel the priest. The book presents him not only as a prophet but specifically as a priest-prophet, and it is characterized as a record of dramatic visions delivered among the Jewish exiles in Babylon.
One key internal piece of evidence is the way the book explicitly names him in connection with divine revelation.
“The word of Yahweh came to Ezekiel the priest” (Ezekiel 1:3)
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How the book speaks
The authorship claim is supported by the book’s voice and perspective: Ezekiel names himself and writes largely in the first person about his visions. This first-person reporting fits the description of the book as a priest-prophet’s account of what he saw and received.
Because the book’s content is presented through Ezekiel’s own self-identification and personal vision reports, the traditional attribution is not merely attached from outside the text but aligns with how the book introduces its prophetic message.
Acceptance of authorship
Within the facts provided, Ezekiel’s authorship is described as widely accepted. The combination of (1) the explicit naming of Ezekiel as the recipient of “the word of Yahweh” and (2) extensive first-person vision narration helps explain why that acceptance is common.
The given information does not describe major uncertainty about authorship; instead, it emphasizes that Ezekiel’s authorship is broadly received as the best explanation for the book’s self-presentation.
Date and setting
The book is dated around 593–571 BC. The date is tied to Ezekiel’s prophetic activity among the exiles in Babylon, and the book “carefully dates many of his visions.” That time frame and the book’s habit of dating visions contribute to its historical framing and show that the work is presented as rooted in a specific period of Ezekiel’s ministry among displaced people.
The setting is described simply and consistently: Ezekiel prophesied among the exiles in Babylon, and the audience is the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The book, as summarized in the provided facts, is therefore a record of a priest-prophet’s dramatic visions aimed at an exiled community in that location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is identified as the author of Ezekiel?
The book of Ezekiel is attributed to Ezekiel the priest, a prophet who names himself and writes largely in the first person about his visions. His authorship is widely accepted.
What internal evidence supports Ezekiel’s authorship?
The book itself states: “The word of Yahweh came to Ezekiel the priest” (Ezekiel 1:3). It also features Ezekiel naming himself and speaking largely in the first person about his visions.
When was the book of Ezekiel written or set?
The date given is around 593–571 BC. This is connected to the period when Ezekiel prophesied among the exiles in Babylon, and the book carefully dates many of his visions.
Where and to whom did Ezekiel prophesy?
The setting described is among the exiles in Babylon, and the stated audience is the Jewish exiles in Babylon.
What kind of book is Ezekiel?
It is described as the book of a priest-prophet’s dramatic visions among the exiles in Babylon, with many visions carefully dated and reported largely in the first person.