Ezekiel2
New Living Translation
1“Stand up, son of man,” said the voice. “I want to speak with you.”
2The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words.
3“Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day.
4They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’
5And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.
6“Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels.
7You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious!
8Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.”
9Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me. It held a scroll,
10which he unrolled. And I saw that both sides were covered with funeral songs, words of sorrow, and pronouncements of doom.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Ezekiel 2.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The prophet is directed what he is to do. (1-5). And encouraged to be resolute, faithful, and devoted. (6-10).
vv1-5
Lest Ezekiel should be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, he is put in mind that still he is a son of man, a weak, mortal creature. As Christ usually called himself the Son of man, it was also an honourable distinction. Ezekiel's posture showed reverence, but his standing up would be a posture of greater readiness and fitness for business. God will speak to us, when we stand ready to do what he commands us. As Ezekiel had not strength of his own, the Spirit entered into him. God is graciously pleased to work in us whatever he requires of us. The Holy Spirit sets us upon our feet, by inclining our wills to our duty. Thus, when the Lord calls upon the sinner to awake, and attend to the concerns of his soul, the Spirit of life and grace comes with the call. Ezekiel is sent with a message to the children of Israel. Many might treat his message with contempt, yet they should know by the event that a prophet had been sent to them. God will be glorified, and his word made honourable, whether it be a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death.
vv6-10
Those who will do any thing to purpose in the service of God, must not fear men. Wicked men are as briers and thorns; but they are nigh unto cursing, and their end is to be burned. The prophet must be faithful to the souls of those to whom he was sent. All who speak from God to others, must obey his voice. The discoveries of sin, and the warnings of wrath, should be matter of lamentation. And those acquainted with the word of God, will clearly perceive it is filled with woe to impenitent sinners; and that all the precious promises of the gospel are for the repenting, believing servants of the Lord.
Key Words
אָמַר: to say (used with great latitude)
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
אָדָם: ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
עָמַד: to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עַל: above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֶגֶל: a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
דָבַר: perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
רוּחַ: wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)
בּוֹא: to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
שָׁמַע: to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Ezekiel 2John eating the little book parallels Ezekiel's command to eat the roll of a book.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
The Spirit enters Ezekiel and sets him on his feet, repeating this enabling act.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
When the judgments come, the rebellious house will know that a prophet has been among them.
Supported by JFB
The title 'Son of man' is applied to Daniel as a weak, mortal creature before heavenly glory.
Supported by JFB
Wicked men are compared to thorns that cannot be taken with hands but must be burned.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Jeremiah 'eating' God's words, symbolizing full digestion and assimilation of the divine message.
Supported by JFB
A book written 'within and on the backside' echoes the roll written 'within and without'.
Supported by JFB
Stephen charges the Jews with being stiffnecked and resisting the Holy Spirit, like their fathers.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Explicit cross-reference to Israel being hard-faced ('impudent') and stiff-hearted ('stiff-hearted').
Supported by JFB
God commands Jeremiah not to be afraid of their faces, promising deliverance.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Christ giving power to tread on serpents and scorpions, matching Ezekiel dwelling among scorpions.
Supported by JFB
Ezekiel fell on his face in worship before being commanded to stand.
Supported by Matthew Poole, Calvin, JFB
Wickedness burning like fire, consuming briers and thorns, symbolic of rebellious people.
Supported by JFB
A hand is sent to touch the prophet's mouth, conveying the divine words directly.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Zechariah beholding a flying roll, representing the curse and judgment written against wickedness.
Supported by Matthew Poole