Ezekiel2

God commissions Ezekiel, addressing him as "Son of man" and empowering him with His Spirit. Ezekiel is sent to the rebellious house of Israel, who have transgressed against God for generations. He is commanded to speak God's words without fear, regardless of their reception, and is shown a scroll filled with lamentations, mourning, and woe.

Ezekiel Commissioned by the Spirit

1
He said to me, "Human being! Stand up! I want to speak with you!" ​
2
As he spoke to me, a spirit entered me and put me on my feet, and I heard him who was speaking to me. ​

Mission to Rebellious Israel

3
He said, "Human being! I am sending you to the people of Isra'el, that nation of rebels who have rebelled against me - they and their ancestors have been transgressing against me to this very day. ​
4
Because they are defiant, hardhearted children, I am sending you; and you are to tell them, 'Here is what Adonai ELOHIM says.' ​
5
Whether they listen or not, this rebellious house will still know that a prophet has been among them! ​

Do Not Fear the Rebellious House

6
"As for you, human being, don't be afraid of them or their words, even if briars and thorns surround you, and you sit among scorpions. Don't be afraid of their words or be upset by their looks, for they are a rebellious house. ​
7
You are to speak my words to them, whether they listen or not, for they are very rebellious.
8
But you, human being, hear what I am telling you: don't you be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth, and eat what I am about to give you." ​

The Scroll of Judgment

9
When I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me, holding a scroll. ​
10
He spread it out in front of me, and it was covered with writing front and back. Written on it were laments, dirges and woes. ​

Study Notes for Ezekiel 2

Verse 1

Son of man (Hebrew: *ben adam*) is God's characteristic address to Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and dependence on God amidst the divine glory he witnessed in Chapter 1.

Verse 2

The spirit entered into me highlights the necessity of divine empowerment for prophetic ministry, enabling Ezekiel to stand, receive, and physically deliver the message.

Verse 3

Ezekiel is sent to the children of Israel, identified as a profoundly rebellious nation whose transgression is deep-seated, spanning generations ('they and their fathers').

Verse 4

The description 'impudent children and stiffhearted' emphasizes their deep spiritual stubbornness and unwillingness to submit to God's authority (cf. Exod. 32:9).

Verse 5

This verse establishes the purpose of the mission: regardless of the people's response, they will inevitably know that a prophet (and thus God) spoke to them, validating the divine warning.

Verse 6

The imagery of 'briers and thorns' and 'scorpions' vividly portrays the hostility, danger, and spiritual corruption Ezekiel will encounter among his own people (the exiles).

Verse 8

Ezekiel is sternly warned not to imitate the rebellion of the exiles. The command to 'open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee' is a symbolic act of fully internalizing the divine word.

Verse 9

A hand presents a roll of a book (a scroll), symbolizing the authoritative, complete, and written nature of the divine message Ezekiel is about to receive.

Verse 10

Written 'within and without' suggests the message was comprehensive and voluminous, indicating the full measure of God's judgment. The content is summarized as 'lamentations, and mourning, and woe,' signifying inescapable sorrow.

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