Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B;
[13][a] The first three verses form a superscription of the book, containing the identity of the prophet as well as the time and place that the prophecy was received and delivered.
[15] The first verse of the book announces that the writer received 'visions of God' while he was among the exiles 'by the river Chebar' in 'the thirtieth year'.
[18] The date corresponds to July 24, 568 BCE, based on an analysis by German theologian Bernhard Lang.
[19] Ezekiel's first vision comes when a stormy wind blew in from the north, bringing with it a shiny cloud that contains 'Yahweh's chariot borne by supernatural creatures'.
[24] The whole report of the vision uses 'the unmistakable symbols of Yahweh's presence for an Israelite reader'.