Time period
6th Century BC (During the Babylonian Exile)
Cultural background
The Israelites were in exile in Babylon, having been taken captive after the fall of Jerusalem. This period was marked by a longing for restoration and a return to their homeland.
Political environment
Babylon was the dominant empire, having conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Jewish people were living under Babylonian rule.
Geographical setting
The vision takes place in a symbolic representation of the Temple in Jerusalem, though Ezekiel himself was in Babylon during the exile.
Societal norms
The Jewish people maintained their religious identity through practices such as prayer, dietary laws, and the observance of the Sabbath, despite being in a foreign land.
Significant figures
Ezekiel
Connected events