Copycat Copycat Where Have You Been? Imperial Rhetoric in the Book of Ezekiel

In recent years, increased attention has focused in on the influence of "Babylon" on the book of Ezekiel. Scholars have noted evidence of influence on the book in terms of its language (e.g. Stökl), theology (e.g. Kutsko; Stevenson; Strine), architectural horizon (e.g. Ganzel and Holtz), and even its royal ideology (e.g. Nevader). Perhaps most surprising, however, is the book`s imperial conceit. This paper looks at the nature and scope of imperial rhetoric in the book to examine how certain Judahite authors chose to engage with Babylonian hegemony by assuming the languages of empire.