Hashem gave Ezekiel a dual assignment. He was to present a scathing picture of the sins that were causing the Destruction, and he was to comfort the despondent nation with the assurance that their enemies would be punished and Israel would emerge from exile with unprecedented eminence. Ezekiel prophesied in Babylonia, warning the exiles not to repeat the sins of Jerusalem, but assuring them that Hashem was with them even in exile. His message applies to us, as well, because the key to Israel's survival and success is Hashem - and, as in Ezekiel's time, that depends on how sincerely we repent and how loyally we serve Him.

The underlying message of Ezekiel is that destruction will be followed by redemption and the eternal Third Temple. Israel will always survive and thrive again. There may be a Nebuchadnezzar, but there will also be a Messiah. Israel's enemies will disappear in ignominy. And no matter how far Israel may fail - they always remain the people of Hashem and Hashem remains their God. So ultimately Ezekiel is a Book of hope and inspiration.