The Theology of the Book

In fact, the prophet insists on this point with such vehemence that some modern readers are offended. The text locates the authority of the prophetic oracle in the Lord: the prophet is constantly referred to as "son of man," that is, mere human in comparison with God. The phrase "oracle of the Lord" occurs eighty-five times; the so-called recognition formula "that they may know that I am the Lord" occurs fifty-four times; and the assertion that the Lord acts so his name will not be profaned among the natiions is constant. Although at first reading they might suggest a self-centered deity, they actually make a positive statement, for they locate the reason for God acting in God's very self in the divine character. How dangerous it would be if God acted because of human righteousness! God acts because of who he is, not because of who Israel is. That is the basis of true hope, and it is why Ezekiel is so intent on destroying all human grounds for hope. True hope is based in God, not in human beings.

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