Ezekiel 2:9

KJV

And when I looked, behold, an hand [was] sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book [was] therein;

KJV (with Strong's)

And when I looked {H7200}, behold, an hand {H3027} was sent {H7971} unto me; and, lo, a roll {H4039} of a book {H5612} was therein;

Complete Jewish Bible

When I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me, holding a scroll.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll,

American Standard Version

And when I looked, behold, a hand was put forth unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 2:9 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet Ezekiel's divine commissioning, immediately following his profound vision of God's glory and the command to stand. This verse describes the tangible manifestation of God's message: the appearance of a hand reaching out to Ezekiel, presenting him with a scroll. This imagery powerfully conveys the divine origin, authoritative nature, and comprehensive scope of the prophetic word that Ezekiel is about to receive and proclaim to a rebellious house of Israel, setting the stage for the challenging ministry ahead.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 2:9 is situated at a critical juncture in the prophet's call, serving as the climax of his initial encounter with the divine. It immediately follows the awe-inspiring vision of God's glory described in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Vision of God's Glory") and the direct command for Ezekiel to stand up and receive his commission in [Ezekiel 2:1-8](/ezekiel/2-1-8 "Ezekiel 2:1-8 - Ezekiel's Commission"). The preceding verses emphasize God's sovereignty and the prophet's submission, preparing him for a difficult ministry to a "rebellious house" ([Ezekiel 2:5-7](/ezekiel/2-5-7 "Ezekiel 2:5-7 - A Rebellious House")). The appearance of the hand and the scroll in verse 9 directly sets the stage for the content of the scroll, which is subsequently described as filled with lamentation, mourning, and woe ([Ezekiel 2:10](/ezekiel/2-10 "Ezekiel 2:10 - The Scroll of Woe")), and then consumed by Ezekiel ([Ezekiel 3:1-3](/ezekiel/3-1-3 "Ezekiel 3:1-3 - Eating the Scroll")), symbolizing his full reception and internalization of the divine message. This sequence underscores the direct, personal, and weighty nature of God's revelation to His chosen messenger.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel was a priest living among the Judean exiles by the Chebar River in Babylon, deported during the second wave of Babylonian captivity in 597 BC, alongside King Jehoiachin and the elite of Jerusalem. This period was marked by national despair, false hopes of a swift return, and a pervasive spiritual rebellion among the exiles who struggled to reconcile their circumstances with God's covenant promises. In this context, the "roll of a book" (a scroll) was the primary medium for recording and transmitting important texts, including legal documents, historical records, and prophetic oracles. The act of receiving a scroll directly from a divine hand would have profoundly underscored the authoritative, unalterable, and comprehensive nature of the message, distinguishing it from human pronouncements or mere opinions. It signaled that this was not a message of human origin, but a direct communication from the God who remained sovereign even in exile.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 2:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and prophetic literature generally. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Authority**, emphasizing that God's word is not merely human insight but a direct, tangible communication from the Almighty. The "hand" signifies God's active involvement and the divine origin of the prophetic message, much like God's powerful hand was seen in the [deliverance from Egypt](/exodus/3-20 "Exodus 3:20 - God's Mighty Hand"). Secondly, the "roll of a book" underscores the **Prophetic Mandate and the Burden of the Word**. It symbolizes the complete, pre-ordained, and often difficult message that the prophet is commissioned to deliver, emphasizing that Ezekiel is a faithful messenger, not an originator, of the divine word. This aligns with the call of other prophets who were given a specific word to speak, such as [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Touches Jeremiah's Mouth"). Finally, the image of a "roll of a book" points to the **Written and Enduring Nature of God's Word**. In a culture where scrolls preserved vital information, this imagery conveys that God's communication is precise, recorded, and meant to be faithfully transmitted and preserved, ensuring its lasting impact and accessibility, much like the Law given to [Moses](/exodus/24-12 "Exodus 24:12 - Tablets of Stone").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word refers to "the open one," indicating power, means, and direction. In this context, the "hand" is an anthropomorphic representation of God's direct involvement and active power in conveying His message to Ezekiel. It signifies divine initiative and authority, demonstrating that the revelation is not a product of Ezekiel's own mind but an external, divine impartation, symbolizing God's active agency.
* **roll (Hebrew, _mᵉgillâh'_):** Derived from the root "to roll," this term precisely denotes a "scroll" or "volume." It describes the physical form of the written document common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Its use here emphasizes that the divine message is not an abstract idea or a fleeting vision, but a concrete, complete, and tangible communication, meant to be unrolled, read, and fully comprehended.
* **book (Hebrew, _çêpher'_):** This word refers to "writing (the art or a document)" and by implication, a "book" or "scroll." When combined with _mᵉgillâh_ ("roll"), it reinforces the idea of a written, authoritative text. It highlights the structured, intentional, and preserved nature of God's revelation, indicating that the message is comprehensive and intended for faithful transmission and enduring remembrance, serving as evidence or a register of divine decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when I looked, behold,"**: This opening phrase immediately draws the reader into Ezekiel's experience, emphasizing the sudden and striking nature of the vision. The Hebrew verb for "looked" (H7200, _râʼâh_) signifies seeing, perceiving, or discerning, highlighting Ezekiel's receptive posture. The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) functions to signal something remarkable and unexpected, demanding immediate attention and underscoring the divine initiative.
* **"an hand [was] sent unto me;"**: This clause describes the direct, personal, and active involvement of God in the commissioning. The "hand" is a powerful symbol of divine agency and power, reaching out directly to Ezekiel. The verb "sent" (H7971, _shâlach_) implies a deliberate, purposeful dispatch, signifying that this encounter is not accidental but a divinely orchestrated event to convey a specific message and empower the prophet.
* **"and, lo, a roll of a book [was] therein;"**: This final clause reveals the content delivered by the divine hand. The "roll of a book" (Hebrew: _mᵉgillâh çêpher_) is a scroll, the ancient form of a written document. Its presence within the hand signifies that the divine message is concrete, complete, and written. It implies that the revelation is not merely an oral prophecy but a fixed, authoritative text that Ezekiel is to receive, internalize, and then proclaim. The repetition of "lo" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) again emphasizes the striking and awe-inspiring nature of this divine revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 2:9 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "hand" is a powerful symbol of God's direct agency, power, and active involvement in human affairs, particularly in the commissioning of His prophets. It conveys divine authority and the personal nature of God's call to Ezekiel. The "roll of a book" is another potent symbol, representing the divine word itself—complete, authoritative, and pre-ordained. It signifies that the message is not a human invention but a divinely revealed truth, fixed and ready to be delivered. This scene also employs **Visionary Language**, characteristic of prophetic literature, where spiritual realities are conveyed through vivid, often surreal, imagery experienced by the prophet. The entire encounter is part of a larger **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God to humanity, emphasizing the sacred and overwhelming nature of the divine presence and communication. Furthermore, the use of a "hand" can be seen as **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics (a hand) to God to make His actions comprehensible to human understanding, without implying a literal physical form.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 2:9 profoundly underscores the nature of divine revelation as an active, intentional, and authoritative act of God. The image of the hand delivering a scroll emphasizes that God's word is not a human construct but a direct impartation from the divine realm, complete and unalterable. This divine initiative validates the prophet's message and establishes its ultimate authority. It teaches us that God communicates purposefully, entrusting His messages to chosen vessels for the benefit of His people. The physical form of the "roll of a book" highlights the enduring and precise nature of God's truth, meant to be preserved, studied, and proclaimed across generations. This divine communication is not merely informative but transformative, carrying the weight of God's will and judgment, and demanding a response from those who hear it.

* [Revelation 5:1](/revelation/5-1 "Revelation 5:1 - The Scroll in God's Hand")
* [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Touches Jeremiah's Mouth")
* [Isaiah 8:16](/isaiah/8-16 "Isaiah 8:16 - Binding Up the Testimony")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 2:9 serves as a profound reminder of the sacred origin and weighty nature of God's Word. Just as a divine hand delivered a specific, comprehensive message to Ezekiel, God continues to reveal Himself and His truth to us through the inspired Scriptures. This verse challenges us to approach the Bible not as a mere human text, but as the "roll of a book" delivered by God's own hand—authoritative, complete, and imbued with divine power. It calls us to receive God's Word with reverence, to internalize its message, and to allow it to shape our understanding, our character, and our mission in the world. Like Ezekiel, we are called to be recipients of divine truth, but also, in a sense, its messengers, living out and sharing the transformative power of God's revealed will. In a world saturated with human opinions and fleeting trends, this verse anchors us in the unchanging, divinely authored truth that alone provides true guidance and spiritual nourishment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a "hand" delivering a "roll of a book" impact your understanding of the Bible's authority and origin?**
* **In what ways do you actively "receive" and "internalize" God's Word in your daily life, similar to Ezekiel's experience?**
* **What specific "lamentations, mourning, and woe" (Ezekiel 2:10) might God's Word be calling you to confront or address in your own life or in the world around you?**
* **How does the permanence of a "written scroll" encourage you to value and preserve God's truth in a transient world?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "hand" in this verse?**

Answer: The "hand" in Ezekiel 2:9 is highly significant as an anthropomorphic representation of God's direct agency and power. It signifies that the message Ezekiel is about to receive does not originate from human wisdom or imagination but is a direct, tangible impartation from God Himself. This imagery underscores the divine authority and personal nature of Ezekiel's commissioning, emphasizing that God is actively involved in revealing His will and empowering His prophet. It serves to validate the prophetic message as truly divine, much like the "finger of God" inscribed the Law on tablets (e.g., [Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - Tablets Written by God")).

**Why is the message delivered as a "roll of a book" (a scroll) and not just spoken?**

Answer: The delivery of the message as a "roll of a book" (a scroll) is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates the complete and comprehensive nature of the divine revelation; it's not a fragmented message but a full, pre-ordained text. Secondly, in ancient cultures, scrolls were the primary means of preserving and transmitting important, authoritative documents, such as legal codes, historical records, and prophetic oracles. This emphasizes the enduring, unalterable, and weighty nature of God's word, meant to be faithfully recorded, studied, and proclaimed. It highlights that God's communication is precise and intended for lasting remembrance, unlike fleeting oral pronouncements. This mirrors the emphasis on written revelation seen throughout Scripture, from the Law of [Moses](/deuteronomy/31-24 "Deuteronomy 31:24 - Writing the Words of the Law") to the prophetic books.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 2:9, with its imagery of a divine hand delivering a written scroll, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect revelation of God in Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel received a written word, often filled with lamentation and judgment for a rebellious people, Christ himself is the living, incarnate Word of God. The "hand" that sent the scroll to Ezekiel finds its ultimate expression in God the Father sending His Son into the world (e.g., [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The "roll of a book" containing God's message points forward to Jesus, who embodies and fulfills all of God's revelation. As [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... All things were made through him." Furthermore, [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son") states that "in these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son." The scroll in Ezekiel's hand contained a message of judgment, but also implicitly, a promise of restoration through obedience. Christ, the ultimate Word, not only pronounces judgment but also offers the ultimate means of reconciliation and life through His atoning sacrifice. He is the Lamb worthy to open the [scroll with seven seals](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lamb Who Opens the Scroll"), revealing God's final purposes and bringing them to fruition, thereby fulfilling the very essence of divine revelation.

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

Ezekiel 8:3

And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

Revelation 10:8

¶ And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go [and] take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

Revelation 10:11

And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Revelation 5:1

¶ And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

Revelation 5:5

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Ezekiel 3:1

¶ Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.

Daniel 10:10

¶ And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands.