Ezekiel (The Forms of the Old Testament Literature 19 (FOTL))

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.