This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. Hals analyzes in detail the structure and intention of the unusually long prophecies of Ezekiel. Because this prophet genuinely qualifies for the designation "theologian," Hals devotes much attention to examining Ezekiel's theological perspective and style. He argues that Ezekiel, despite his proclamations of judgment, is not a prophet of despair. Rather, Ezekiel affirms the stubborn grace of Israel's sovereign Lord -- the God who follows his people into the death of exile and loss of nationhood and promises them life out of death via a new exodus, a new "peoplehood," and a new temple.

This book contains a collection of nineteen essays by Marvin A. Sweeney, some previously unpublished, that focus on the role of literary form and intertextuality in the study of prophetic and apocalyptic literature. The volume includes five major parts: Isaiah; Jeremiah; Ezekiel; The Book of the Twelve Prophets; and Apocalyptic Literature. Selected topics include the Book of Isaiah as Prophetic Torah; the role of Isaiah 65-66 as conclusion of the Book of Isaiah; the interpretation of the Masoretic and Septuagint forms of the book of Jeremiah; Jeremiah 2-6 and 30-31 in relation to Josiah's reform; Ezekiel's role as Zadokite priest and visionary prophet; the problems of theodicy and holiness in Ezekiel 8-11 and 33-39; the interpretation of the Masoretic and Septuagint sequences of the Book of the Twelve; and others.

How do we make sense of Ezekiel 40-48? Ezekiel's temple vision has long mystified Bible readers and scholars. Is this a temple that is going to be built in the future? Or is this merely symbolic? Why so many details? Is there any relevance to this section of the Old Testament at all? This book addresses these important questions, showing how Ezekiel's temple is more than just symbolic. Yet its ultimate fulfillment is not in any physical building, but, according to the New Testament, in Jesus and the new heavens and new earth. Not only will this book illuminate Ezekiel 40-48 for you, it will also help you understand important issues of interpretation in our day, such as typology, the role of the temple in biblical theology, and the New Testament use of the Old Testament. You will learn that yes, in fact, Ezekiel 40-48 is very relevant to the Bible's storyline.

"In the closing chapters of Ezekiel, a great Temple is described, one reminiscent of Solomon's but in fact like none ever built. From that Temple, a river flows through the land, with healing in its wake; within the Temple dwells the divine Glory, depicted here alone in Ezekiel as coming to rest, never again to be removed. All of these features of Ezekiel's grand vision are embedded in the core of Jewish and Christian devotional and mystical practice. Yet no less intriguing for the exegete is the legislation promulgated in this elaborate vision report. Here is found the only body of law in the Hebrew Scriptures not placed in the mouth of Moses. Laws regarding sacrifices and festivals, the conduct of the prince, the nature of the priesthood, and the division of the land all center upon the Temple, which is the one common reference for this rich, multifaceted material." From Chapter 1: The Unity and Theme of the Temple Vision.