Ezekiel 2
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1He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” 2The Spirit entered into me when he spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard him who spoke to me. 3He said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the children of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me even to this very day. 4The children are impudent and stiff-hearted. I am sending you to them, and you shall tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh.’ 5They, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse, for they are a rebellious house, yet they will know that there has been a prophet among them. 6You, son of man, don’t be afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you do dwell among scorpions. Don’t be afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house. 7You shall speak my words to them, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse; for they are most rebellious. 8But you, son of man, hear what I tell you. Don’t be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth, and eat that which I give you.” 9When I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me; and, behold, a scroll of a book was in it. 10He spread it before me. It was written within and without; and lamentations, mourning, and woe were written in it.
World English Bible (public domain)
“And he said to me, 'Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day.'”
Ezekiel 2:3
Summary
In Ezekiel chapter 2, the prophet Ezekiel is called by God and commissioned to be a messenger to the rebellious nation of Israel. The chapter begins with the Spirit of God entering Ezekiel as he is commanded to stand and listen to God's words. Ezekiel is to speak to the Israelites, who are described as a stubborn and rebellious people. Despite their resistance, he is charged to deliver God's message faithfully, whether they listen or not. This highlights the persistence of God's communication with His people, seeking to reach them and call them back to Him. Ezekiel's role as a prophet is underscored by his loyalty to God's commands over people's responses. A significant theme in this chapter is the authority and holiness of God's word, which must be proclaimed regardless of human obstinance. The image of a scroll with words of lamentation and mourning serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of remaining in rebellion against God. Overall, this chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in mission, trusting in the power of God's Spirit to accomplish His purposes through His servant. It sets the tone for Ezekiel's prophetic ministry as one of obedience in the face of opposition, highlighting God's relentless pursuit of His people.
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Chapter outline
How Ezekiel 2 unfolds
Ezekiel 2:1–2 Ezekiel's Call to Stand Up
God commands Ezekiel to stand and prepares him to receive His message through the Spirit.
Ezekiel 2:3–5 Commission to a Rebellious Nation
Ezekiel is sent to Israel, described as a rebellious people, to deliver God's message regardless of their response.
Ezekiel 2:6–7 Encouragement Amidst Opposition
Ezekiel is warned not to fear the people's reactions or their rebellious nature as he delivers God's words.
Ezekiel 2:8–10 The Scroll of Lamentation
Ezekiel is instructed to consume a scroll filled with lamentations, symbolizing the heavy message he is to proclaim.
Key verses
Ezekiel 2:3This key verse encapsulates Ezekiel's mission to confront Israel's rebellion with God's authoritative message.
Main themes in Ezekiel 2
Prophetic calling
The theme of prophetic calling emerges as God commands Ezekiel in verse 3 to speak to Israel. This command establishes the seriousness of Ezekiel's mission, emphasizing that he is chosen to deliver a difficult message to a stubborn and obstinate people. The chapter reveals God's unwavering commitment to reach His rebellious nation through appointed messengers, underscoring the weight of Ezekiel's calling and the urgency of his task.
Obedience
Obedience is crucial, as Ezekiel is instructed in verse 8 to consume the scroll and speak God’s words. The chapter presents a contrast between Ezekiel’s obedience and Israel's rebellion, emphasizing the necessity of fidelity to God’s commands. This obedience is essential for fulfilling the prophetic role despite the challenges that lie ahead.
Rebellion
Rebellion is a dominant theme in this chapter, as the Israelites are labeled a 'nation of rebels' in verse 3. Their ongoing disobedience not only highlights their hardened hearts but also illustrates the significant challenges Ezekiel faces as he delivers God's message. This persistent rebellion sets the stage for understanding the urgency and gravity of God’s communication through His prophet, emphasizing the need for repentance and the seriousness of their situation.
God's faithfulness
God's faithfulness is clearly evident as He seeks to engage with Israel through Ezekiel in verses 4-5, despite their ongoing rebellion. This chapter illustrates that even in the face of disobedience, God remains steadfast in His desire to communicate His will and call His people back to Himself. This unwavering faithfulness emphasizes the hope for restoration that persists amidst judgment, reminding the people of God's enduring commitment to them.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Ezekiel 2
- Ezekiel 3Ezekiel 3 further develops the theme of God’s commissioning of the prophet to speak to a rebellious house.
- Luke 10Luke 10 connects through the sending of messengers to proclaim God's message, highlighting the risks involved.
- Jeremiah 1Jeremiah 1 echoes Ezekiel's call and the challenge of speaking to a resistant audience.
- Revelation 10Revelation 10 develops the imagery of scrolls and the serious messages they contain for God’s people.
- Isaiah 51Isaiah 51 connects by addressing God's people in rebellion and the promise of His support.
- Ezekiel 33Ezekiel 33 echoes the role of the watchman, emphasizing the responsibility of the prophet to warn the people.
Study questions
Questions for studying Ezekiel 2
- What does God's command to Ezekiel signify about his role as a prophet?
- How does the description of Israel as a rebellious house affect Ezekiel's mission?
- What imagery is used to describe the message on the scroll?
- In what ways does God encourage Ezekiel as he faces opposition?
- How does the Spirit's action at the beginning of the chapter shape Ezekiel's readiness?
- What do the lamentations on the scroll reveal about the state of Israel?
- What can modern readers learn from Ezekiel's response to God's call?
Ezekiel 2: frequently asked questions
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