Spirit Possession and Scribal Expansion in Ezekiel
Nathan Mastnjak
Vetus Testamentum October 6, 2026 DOI: 10.1163/15685330-bja10267 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the "spirit" (רוח) in Ezekiel functions thematically across compositional strata, with Ezek 37:1–14 modeling national renewal on prophetic spirit-possession, Ezek 39:29 connecting the vivifying spirit to standing in the divine presence, and the latest layer, Ezek 36:23c–38, synthesizing spirit-bestowal with calls for Israel's moral transformation. |
Abstract
Abstract Within the book of Ezekiel, the רוח , “spirit,” plays an important thematic role related both to the nature of prophecy and to the renewal of the people of Israel. Since these themes span compositional strata, it is possible to trace the development of ideas about the spirit through the growth of the book. Ezekiel 37:1–14 uses language from earlier passages (see Ezek 2:22; 3:24) to describe Israel’s renewal by the divine spirit as analogous to prophetic spirit-possession. Two later passages, Ezek 39:29 and 36:23c–38, provide interpretations of this vivifying spirit. Ezekiel 39:29 connects it to the nation’s capacity to stand in the divine presence. Only the latest addition, represented by Ezek 36:23c–38, synthesizes the vision’s account of the bestowal of the prophetic spirit on the nation with texts calling for the moral transformation of Israel (especially 11:14–21).