The Mesopotamian Context of Ezekiel

This scholarly article examines the extensive influence of Mesopotamian culture on the composition and imagery of the text of Ezekiel. It identifies three primary avenues through which this influence manifests: comparative literary motifs, iconographic parallels, and philological connections. The study highlights how the prophet's exile in Babylon exposed him to local religious traditions, literary forms, and artistic representations, which are reflected in his visions and symbolic acts. By analyzing these elements, the work demonstrates that the prophet's messages are deeply rooted in the cultural and religious milieu of Mesopotamia, offering a nuanced understanding of the text's development within its historical context.