Ezekiel 2:3

KJV

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, [even] unto this very day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto me, Son {H1121} of man {H120}, I send {H7971} thee to the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, to a rebellious {H4775} nation {H1471} that hath rebelled {H4775} against me: they and their fathers {H1} have transgressed {H6586} against me, even unto this very {H6106} day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me.

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to nations that are rebellious, which have rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me even unto this very day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 2:3 marks a profound moment in the prophet Ezekiel's divine commission, as God explicitly sends him to the exiled "children of Israel," a people unequivocally characterized by deep-seated and generational rebellion against their divine covenant partner. This verse immediately follows God's awe-inspiring appearance and the command for Ezekiel to stand, signifying his readiness for a challenging ministry to a nation whose disobedience has persisted without abatement "unto this very day." It sets the daunting stage for a prophetic ministry rooted in confronting chronic unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the direct articulation of Ezekiel's prophetic mandate, immediately following the overwhelming vision of God's glory in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel's Inaugural Vision") and the subsequent command for the prophet to stand. After falling prostrate in awe at the divine manifestation (implied by the Spirit's entry in [Ezekiel 2:1](/ezekiel/2-1 "Ezekiel 2:1 - The Spirit Enters Ezekiel")), Ezekiel is empowered by the Spirit to receive and deliver God's word. [Ezekiel 2:3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3 - God Commissions Ezekiel") is thus the inaugural statement of his specific mission and the nature of his audience, transitioning abruptly from the sublime encounter with divine majesty to the harsh reality of human sin and the arduous task awaiting the prophet. It establishes the immediate context for the difficult messages that will follow throughout the book, highlighting the divine initiative behind the prophetic office.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophetic ministry unfolds among the Jewish exiles in Babylon, specifically by the Chebar Canal, following the first deportation from Jerusalem in 597 BC. The "children of Israel" to whom he is sent are not the entire nation, but the captive community who, despite experiencing the initial consequences of national sin, largely remained unrepentant and resistant to God's warnings. Culturally, this was a people who had a long history of covenant disobedience, frequently adopting pagan practices and rejecting the admonitions of previous prophets. This historical backdrop of persistent rebellion, culminating in the current state of exile, profoundly underscores the gravity of God's assessment of them as a "rebellious nation." Their suffering was presented as a direct, deserved consequence of their continued defiance, not an arbitrary act, highlighting a deep-seated spiritual malaise that even national catastrophe had not cured.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 2:3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Commission") introduces and reinforces several critical themes that permeate the entire book of Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Commission and Authority** is paramount, as God sovereignly chooses and "sends" Ezekiel, underscoring the divine origin and inherent authority of the prophetic message, irrespective of the messenger's human frailty or the audience's reception. Secondly, the verse starkly establishes the pervasive theme of **Israel's Persistent Rebellion and Transgression**, describing them as a "rebellious nation" whose defiance has continued "unto this very day." This deep-seated spiritual stubbornness is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, also powerfully articulated in passages like [Jeremiah 7:25-26](/jeremiah/7-25-26 "Jeremiah 7:25-26 - Israel's Disobedience and Stubbornness") and [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2-4 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Corruption"), underscoring their chronic unfaithfulness to the covenant. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **The Prophet's Burden and Rejection**, foreshadowing the immense difficulty and spiritual resistance Ezekiel will face. He is sent not to an ignorant people, but to an actively defiant one, setting the stage for a ministry marked by confrontation and spiritual opposition, as further detailed in [Ezekiel 3:7](/ezekiel/3-7 "Ezekiel 3:7 - Israel's Hardness of Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This recurring address (H1121, H120) for Ezekiel throughout the book emphatically highlights his humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty of the God who speaks to him. "Ben" (H1121) denotes a son, often in relation to a builder or family lineage, while "adam" (H120) refers to a human being, individual, or mankind. Thus, "son of man" underscores Ezekiel's creaturely status, his frailty, and his representative role as a human messenger delivering a divine word to fellow humans. It serves to humble the prophet while simultaneously affirming his identity as one who shares the common human condition of those he is sent to address, making him relatable yet distinct from his divine caller.
* **Rebellious (Hebrew, _mârad'_):** This primitive root (H4775) signifies a breaking away from just authority, an act of trespass, apostasy, or quarrel. When applied to Israel, it conveys a profound sense of obstinacy, defiance, and open revolt against God's covenant and commands. It is not merely a passive state of error or ignorance, but an active, willful resistance, painting a vivid picture of Israel's spiritual posture as one of deliberate insubordination against their divine King. The powerful repetition of this root in the verse ("rebellious nation that hath rebelled") intensifies the description of their deep-seated and persistent defiance, emphasizing its ingrained nature.
* **Transgressed (Hebrew, _pâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H6586) carries the sense of breaking away from rightful authority, specifically in a moral or legal sense. It denotes an act of rebellion, revolt, or trespass against a superior. In the context of the covenant, "transgressed" implies a deliberate violation of the terms and laws established by God, highlighting a breach of trust and a crossing of boundaries. The combination with "rebellious" underscores the severity and intentionality of Israel's sin, indicating a pattern of active defiance rather than accidental misstep. It speaks to a profound and intentional breach of relationship and obligation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me, Son of man":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine speaker, Yahweh, and the recipient of the message, Ezekiel, addressed by his distinctive and humbling title. The address "Son of man" serves as a constant reminder of Ezekiel's human limitations and mortality in the face of God's overwhelming glory and authority, emphasizing that he is a mere mortal chosen to convey a divine message, thereby highlighting the message's divine origin rather than the messenger's power.
* **"I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me":** This segment precisely defines Ezekiel's mission and characterizes his challenging audience. God explicitly states His sovereign initiative ("I send thee"), underscoring that the prophetic ministry is a divine appointment, not a human endeavor. The destination is "the children of Israel," God's chosen people, but they are immediately qualified by a damning description: "a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me." This highlights their consistent and active defiance against the very God who called them and entered into covenant with them, emphasizing the deep spiritual decay and active insubordination within the nation.
* **"they and their fathers have transgressed against me, [even] unto this very day":** This final clause powerfully underscores the generational and persistent nature of Israel's sin. Their current rebellion is not an isolated incident but a continuation of a deeply ingrained pattern of transgression inherited from and perpetuated by their ancestors. The phrase "unto this very day" emphasizes the unbroken continuity and pervasive nature of their disobedience, indicating that despite past judgments and their present state of exile, their hearts remain hardened and unrepentant, making Ezekiel's prophetic task all the more daunting and seemingly futile from a human perspective.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 2:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the Hebrew root for "rebel" (_mârad_). The phrase "rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me" (H4775) intensifies the description of Israel's spiritual state, emphasizing not just a characteristic but an active, ongoing, and deeply ingrained process of defiance. This repetition serves to underscore the pervasive and stubborn nature of their disobedience, leaving no doubt as to their culpability. **Apostrophe** is evident in God's direct address to Ezekiel, "Son of man," which not only identifies the prophet but also constantly reminds him of his human frailty and mortality in stark contrast to the divine power and majesty of the speaker. Furthermore, the use of **Hyperbole** or strong emphasis in "unto this very day" highlights the pervasive and persistent nature of Israel's transgression, suggesting a continuous, unbroken chain of rebellion across generations. This paints a stark and almost overwhelming picture of the spiritual landscape Ezekiel is entering, emphasizing the depth of the nation's spiritual sickness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 2:3 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's relationship with His covenant people and the enduring reality of human sin. It reveals God's unwavering commitment to His word, even when delivered to a deeply resistant audience, and His sovereign choice of a messenger. The persistent rebellion of Israel, spanning generations and described with such intensity, underscores the deep-seated fallenness of humanity and the absolute necessity of divine intervention beyond mere human effort or prophetic warnings. It powerfully highlights the inherent tension between God's perfect faithfulness to His covenant promises and Israel's chronic unfaithfulness, setting the stage for themes of inevitable judgment, the necessity of radical restoration, and the ultimate need for a new heart, a transformation beyond human capability. This verse implicitly sets the stage for the New Covenant, where God promises to write His law on hearts of flesh, directly addressing the very problem of generational rebellion and hardened hearts.

* [Deuteronomy 9:7](/deuteronomy/9-7 "Deuteronomy 9:7 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")
* [Isaiah 30:9](/isaiah/30-9 "Isaiah 30:9 - A Rebellious People")
* [Acts 7:51](/acts/7-51 "Acts 7:51 - Stephen's Rebuke of Stubborn Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 2:3 offers profound and sobering insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's truth often confronts deep-seated resistance, even within the community of faith. Just as Ezekiel was sent to a "rebellious nation," we are called to live and speak truth in a world, and sometimes within our own spiritual communities, that may be resistant to God's ways. This verse challenges us to engage in honest self-examination: are we truly responsive to God's word, or do we, perhaps subtly, carry on a legacy of generational rebellion through apathy, pride, selective obedience, or a persistent clinging to self-will? It underscores the enduring patience and faithfulness of God, who continues to send messengers, warnings, and opportunities for repentance, even when met with profound defiance. Our call is not to achieve humanly defined success, but to be faithful in delivering God's message, trusting Him with the outcome. It also reminds us that genuine repentance involves a radical breaking from inherited patterns of sin and actively turning towards God with a humble, contrite, and obedient heart, acknowledging that true transformation is a divine work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I, or my Christian community, exhibit "rebellion" or "transgression" against God's word in subtle or overt forms today?**
* **How does understanding Israel's persistent, generational rebellion inform my perspective on the challenges of evangelism or discipleship in resistant cultural or spiritual contexts?**
* **What comfort or challenge do I find in God's unwavering commitment to send His message and confront sin, even when faced with deep-seated disobedience and seemingly insurmountable spiritual hardness?**

### FAQ
**Why does God repeatedly call Israel a "rebellious nation" and emphasize their generational transgression?**

Answer: God's repeated description of Israel as a "rebellious nation" in [Ezekiel 2:3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3 - Israel's Rebellion") and elsewhere is not merely an insult but a precise theological diagnosis of their spiritual condition. It highlights their consistent and willful defiance against the covenant relationship they had with Him. This was not accidental sin or ignorance, but a deliberate turning away from His commands and a rejection of His authority, often manifested through idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apathy. Emphasizing that "they and their fathers have transgressed" underscores the deep, ingrained nature of this rebellion, showing it was a pervasive national characteristic, passed down through generations, rather than an isolated incident. This context is crucial for understanding why severe judgment, like the Babylonian exile, was necessary, as it was a direct consequence of their persistent unfaithfulness, as warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").

**What is the significance of God addressing Ezekiel as "Son of man"?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben-adam_) is God's primary address to Ezekiel throughout the book, appearing over 90 times. Its significance in [Ezekiel 2:3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3 - God Addresses Ezekiel as Son of Man") is multifaceted. Firstly, it profoundly emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality, contrasting him sharply with the glorious, transcendent God who speaks to him. This serves to humble the prophet and remind him that he is a mere mortal delivering an eternal, divine message. Secondly, it highlights his solidarity with the people he is sent to; he is one of them, a human being speaking to other human beings, making him relatable to his audience despite their rebellion. Thirdly, it underscores his role as a representative of humanity, a mortal chosen by God to stand before Him and convey His word. While later famously used by Jesus as a messianic title (e.g., [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), in Ezekiel, it primarily grounds the prophet in his human identity and limitations, making the divine call all the more remarkable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 2:3, with its stark portrayal of Israel's generational rebellion and the divine commission of a prophet to confront it, powerfully anticipates the ultimate "Son of Man" and the transformative nature of His ministry. Jesus Christ is the quintessential Son of Man, not merely in His humanity, but as the one who perfectly fulfills the role of God's commissioned messenger, sent to a people who, like their ancestors, were often deeply rebellious and resistant to divine truth ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). Unlike Ezekiel, who faced profound rejection and spiritual hardness, Jesus, through His perfect obedience and sinless life, lived out the very righteousness Israel failed to embody. He confronted the deep-seated sin and spiritual blindness of His generation, not just with words, but ultimately through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. The persistent "transgression" and "rebellion" described in [Ezekiel 2:3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3 - Israel's Rebellion") find their ultimate and complete remedy in Christ, who, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offers a new covenant. Under this new covenant, God promises to write His law on hearts of flesh, transforming rebellious wills into obedient ones ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Fulfilled")). Thus, Ezekiel's daunting commission to a rebellious people foreshadows Christ's mission to reconcile a fallen humanity to God, offering true freedom from the very rebellion that plagued Israel "unto this very day."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 3:25

We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.

1 Samuel 8:7

And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

1 Samuel 8:8

According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

Daniel 9:5

We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:

Daniel 9:13

As [it is] written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.

Deuteronomy 9:24

Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you.

Ezekiel 3:4

And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.