Ezekiel 3:14

KJV

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the spirit {H7307} lifted me up {H5375}, and took me away {H3947}, and I went {H3212} in bitterness {H4751}, in the heat {H2534} of my spirit {H7307}; but the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} was strong {H2388} upon me.

Complete Jewish Bible

So a spirit lifted me up and took me away. I went in bitterness and the heat of my spirit, with the hand of ADONAI strong on me.

Berean Standard Bible

So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me.

American Standard Version

So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away; and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; and the hand of Jehovah was strong upon me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 3:14 captures a pivotal moment in the prophet's commission, illustrating the overwhelming nature of God's call and the human struggle in response to divine imperative. The verse depicts the Spirit's forceful transportation of Ezekiel, highlighting his internal conflict characterized by "bitterness" and "heat of spirit" as he grapples with the daunting message for a rebellious people. Crucially, it concludes with the affirmation of the Lord's hand being "strong upon" him, signifying divine empowerment and sustained presence that overrides human reluctance and ensures the prophetic task is fulfilled.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Ezekiel's profound encounter with the divine glory (Ezekiel 1), his call to be a prophet to Israel (Ezekiel 2), and the symbolic act of eating the scroll, which filled him with a message of lament, mourning, and woe (Ezekiel 2:8-10; [Ezekiel 3:1-3](/ezekiel/3-1 "Ezekiel 3:1-3 - Eating the Scroll")). Having been divinely prepared and commissioned, Ezekiel is now physically moved by the Spirit from the Chebar Canal, where he received his vision, to Tel-abib, where the exiles resided. The preceding verses emphasize the stubbornness and rebellion of the "house of Israel" ([Ezekiel 2:3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3 - Israel's Rebelliousness")), setting the stage for Ezekiel's internal anguish upon realizing the immense difficulty of his mission. His emotional state in verse 14 thus reflects the weight of the divine message and the anticipated resistance from his own people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel was a priest living among the Judean exiles in Babylon, deported during the first wave of Nebuchadnezzar's conquests in 597 BC. The community at Tel-abib by the Chebar Canal comprised those who had lost their homeland, their temple, and their king, yet many still clung to false hopes of a swift return and refused to acknowledge the true nature of their sin or the permanence of their exile. Prophets in ancient Israel often faced significant opposition, ridicule, and even persecution for delivering unpopular messages of judgment or repentance. Ezekiel's experience of being "lifted up" and "taken away" by the Spirit aligns with other prophetic accounts of divine transportation or ecstatic visions (e.g., [1 Kings 18:12](/1_kings/18-12 "1 Kings 18:12 - The Spirit of the Lord Will Carry You Away"), [2 Kings 2:16](/2_kings/2-16 "2 Kings 2:16 - The Spirit of the Lord Has Carried Him Away")). The "hand of the LORD" was a recognized idiom for God's direct, powerful, and often overwhelming intervention, particularly in empowering prophets or executing judgment, signifying a divine compulsion that transcended human will.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Compulsion**, demonstrating that God's call and direction are irresistible and absolute. Ezekiel's journey is not self-initiated but a direct act of the Spirit, placing him precisely where God intends him to be for his mission. Secondly, it highlights the **Prophetic Burden and Human Reluctance**, revealing the profound emotional toll that a divine commission can take. Ezekiel's "bitterness" and "heat of spirit" are a raw expression of the prophet's personal struggle, perhaps an indignation at the stubbornness of his people or the severity of the judgment he must proclaim. This human dimension contrasts sharply with the divine power. Lastly, and most importantly, the verse emphasizes **God's Overpowering Presence and Empowerment**. Despite Ezekiel's internal turmoil, the phrase "the hand of the LORD was strong upon me" signifies divine enablement, sustained prophetic inspiration, and the assurance that God's power would ensure the fulfillment of the task, regardless of human feelings or resistance. This theme of divine strength in human weakness is crucial throughout the prophetic books, as seen in the call of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah 1 - The Call of Jeremiah") and [Moses](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush and Moses' Call").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** H7307 - This term, often translated as "wind," "breath," or "spirit," here refers to the divine Spirit, the active, dynamic power of God. Its agency in "lifting" and "taking away" Ezekiel emphasizes the supernatural, irresistible force behind his prophetic commission. It is the very breath and power of God that initiates and sustains the prophetic journey, often involving a profound, overwhelming experience for the prophet.
* **Heat (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** H2534 - Derived from a root meaning "to be hot," _chêmâh_ literally signifies "heat" but figuratively denotes intense emotion such as "anger," "fury," or "indignation," and even "poison" due to its feverish effect. In the context of "heat of my spirit," it conveys a profound internal agitation, a burning indignation or fierce distress within Ezekiel. This is not mere discomfort but a powerful, consuming emotional reaction to the reality of his calling and the message he must deliver to a rebellious people.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** H2388 - This verb means "to fasten upon," "to seize," "to be strong," "courageous," or "to strengthen." When applied to the "hand of the LORD," it denotes an overwhelming, firm, and compelling divine power. It signifies God's active, forceful grip on Ezekiel, not merely enabling him but also constraining and empowering him to fulfill his mission despite his internal struggle. This strength is not just physical but spiritual, ensuring the prophet's endurance and effectiveness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away":** This clause emphasizes the divine initiative and compulsion in Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. The "spirit" (referring to the Spirit of the LORD) is the active agent, forcefully transporting the prophet. This is not a gentle leading but a powerful, irresistible act, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over His messengers and their movements. It highlights that the prophetic office is not a matter of human choice but divine appointment and direction.
* **"and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit":** This part reveals Ezekiel's profound internal struggle and emotional state. Despite the divine compulsion, the prophet experiences deep distress, "bitterness" (_mar_), and intense indignation or anger, "heat of my spirit" (_chêmâh rûwachî_). This is a raw, honest portrayal of the human cost of a prophetic calling, particularly when the message is one of judgment for one's own people. It shows that even divinely appointed individuals can grapple with reluctance, sorrow, or fierce indignation concerning their difficult assignments.
* **"but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.":** This concluding clause provides the crucial counterpoint and resolution to Ezekiel's internal turmoil. The "hand of the LORD" is a powerful idiom for God's direct, active, and empowering presence. The verb "strong" (_châzaq_) signifies a firm, compelling, and sustaining grip. Despite Ezekiel's "bitterness" and "heat," God's power was overwhelmingly present, not only enabling him but also compelling him forward. This phrase underscores that divine empowerment overrides human weakness and ensures the fulfillment of God's will, providing the necessary strength and resolve for the prophet to endure his challenging mission.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 3:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "the hand of the LORD." This attributes a human physical characteristic (a hand) to God, symbolizing His direct power, intervention, and control, making His divine agency more tangible and comprehensible to the human mind. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** to highlight the tension between divine power and human emotion. Ezekiel's internal "bitterness" and "heat of my spirit" are set in stark opposition to the external, overwhelming force of "the spirit lifted me up" and the sustaining power of "the hand of the LORD was strong upon me." This contrast underscores the reality of human struggle within a divinely ordained mission. Furthermore, the phrase "heat of my spirit" functions as a **Metaphor**, where "heat" is not a literal temperature but a figurative representation of intense, burning emotion, such as anger, indignation, or profound distress. This vivid imagery effectively communicates the depth of Ezekiel's internal turmoil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 3:14 profoundly illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human response in the context of prophetic calling. It teaches that God's call is often irresistible and may lead us into uncomfortable or emotionally taxing situations. While our human nature might recoil in "bitterness" or "heat of spirit" from the difficulty of the task or the resistance we face, the verse assures us that God's empowering presence, symbolized by "the hand of the LORD," is always stronger than our reluctance or weakness. This divine strength not only compels but also sustains and enables, ensuring that His purposes are accomplished through us, not despite our humanity, but often in the midst of our very real struggles. It's a testament to God's faithfulness to equip those He calls.

* [Jeremiah 1:6-9](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6-9 - Jeremiah's Call and God's Touch")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Strength in Weakness")
* [Isaiah 6:8-10](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8-10 - Isaiah's Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's experience in this verse offers profound and timeless insights for believers navigating their own divine callings and life's challenges. We often face situations, whether in ministry, personal relationships, or professional life, that evoke a similar "bitterness" or "heat of spirit"—feelings of frustration, indignation, or overwhelming burden. This verse validates the reality of such human emotions, reminding us that even prophets of God experienced deep internal conflict. Yet, it simultaneously provides immense comfort and strength: despite our internal struggles, the "hand of the LORD" remains powerfully upon us. This means that God's enabling grace, His compelling presence, and His sustaining power are always available and active, empowering us to fulfill His will even when our own strength, enthusiasm, or understanding falters. Our effectiveness in God's service is not predicated on our emotional comfort but on His unwavering strength and commitment to His purposes. Therefore, we are called to yield to His Spirit, trusting that His power will perfect itself in our weakness, enabling us to walk faithfully even through the most difficult assignments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt a "bitterness" or "heat of spirit" in response to a task or calling you knew was from God?**
* **How does the assurance that "the hand of the LORD was strong upon me" encourage you in moments of personal struggle or reluctance?**
* **In what practical ways can you lean into God's strength when facing an overwhelming or uncomfortable assignment?**

### FAQ
**What does "bitterness, in the heat of my spirit" mean for Ezekiel?**

Answer: This phrase describes Ezekiel's intense emotional state upon being commissioned and transported by the Spirit. "Bitterness" (Hebrew: _mar_) conveys deep distress, sorrow, or grief, possibly stemming from the harsh message of judgment he had to deliver to his rebellious people and the anticipated rejection. "Heat of my spirit" (Hebrew: _chêmâh rûwachî_) indicates a burning indignation, anger, or fierce passion. Together, these expressions paint a picture of profound internal turmoil, a mix of grief over Israel's sin and perhaps anger at their stubbornness, or even the overwhelming nature of the prophetic burden itself. It highlights the very real human cost and emotional weight of a divine calling, especially one that involves confronting difficult truths.

**How does "the hand of the LORD was strong upon me" relate to Ezekiel's emotional state?**

Answer: This phrase serves as a crucial counterpoint and resolution to Ezekiel's emotional distress. While he felt "bitterness" and "heat of spirit," the "hand of the LORD" (a common biblical idiom for God's direct power and influence) being "strong upon" him signifies God's overwhelming, compelling, and sustaining presence. It means that despite Ezekiel's personal feelings of reluctance or distress, God's power was actively at work, empowering him and ensuring he would fulfill his mission. It underscores that divine enablement transcends human weakness and ensures the prophet's obedience and effectiveness. It's a reminder that God equips those He calls, providing the strength needed even when the task feels unbearable, as seen in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's experience in this verse, marked by divine compulsion, human anguish, and ultimate divine empowerment, powerfully foreshadows the ministry of Jesus Christ. Just as Ezekiel was "lifted up" and "taken away" by the Spirit for a difficult mission to a rebellious people, so too was Jesus led by the Spirit into the wilderness (e.g., [Matthew 4:1](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1 - Jesus Led by the Spirit into the Wilderness")) and ultimately to Jerusalem, where He faced immense opposition and the ultimate burden of humanity's sin. While Ezekiel felt "bitterness" and "heat of spirit" in anticipation of his task, Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, experienced profound anguish and sorrow, even to the point of sweating blood, as He contemplated the cup of suffering (e.g., [Luke 22:42-44](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42-44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")). Yet, just as "the hand of the LORD was strong upon" Ezekiel, so too was Jesus sustained and empowered by the Father through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His redemptive mission. His obedience, though costly, was perfect, demonstrating that God's power is made perfect in weakness (e.g., [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's Strength in Weakness")). Christ's entire life and ministry, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, embody the ultimate fulfillment of a divine calling undertaken with full human experience yet perfectly empowered by God, securing salvation for all who believe (e.g., [Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")).

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 37:1

¶ The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which [was] full of bones,

2 Kings 3:15

But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.

Jeremiah 20:7

¶ O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.

Jeremiah 20:9

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But [his word] was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not [stay].

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.

Ezekiel 1:3

The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

2 Kings 2:16

And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.