Ezekiel 3:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto me, Son {H1121} of man {H120}, go {H3212}, get {H935} thee unto the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, and speak {H1696} with my words {H1697} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being," he said to me, "go to the house of Isra'el, and speak my words to them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 3:4 marks a definitive moment in the prophet Ezekiel's divine commission, where God explicitly directs him to his precise audience and the exact nature of his prophetic message. Following a profound encounter with God's glory and the symbolic act of internalizing the divine scroll, this verse crystallizes Ezekiel's mandate: to go directly to the exiled "house of Israel" and faithfully deliver God's own words, underscoring the absolute authority and origin of his prophetic ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Ezekiel's profound call experience in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Vision of God's Glory") and [Ezekiel 2](/ezekiel/2 "Ezekiel 2 - Ezekiel's Commission"). Having witnessed the awe-inspiring glory of God (Ezekiel 1), been commissioned as a "son of man" to a rebellious house (Ezekiel 2:1-7), and symbolically consumed a scroll filled with lamentations, mourning, and woe (Ezekiel 2:8-10, [Ezekiel 3:1-3](/ezekiel/3-1-3 "Ezekiel 3:1-3 - Eating the Scroll")), Ezekiel is now fully prepared and empowered. The preceding verses establish his divine authority and the Spirit's enabling power, making Ezekiel 3:4 the specific directive for the commencement of his active ministry, defining both the "who" and the "what" of his prophetic task.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel was among the Jewish exiles in Babylon, specifically by the Chebar Canal, following Nebuchadnezzar's first deportation of Judah in 597 BC. The "house of Israel" refers to these captives, who, despite their displacement, continued to be God's covenant people. Their exile was a direct consequence of generations of idolatry, injustice, and disobedience to the Mosaic covenant, as detailed throughout prophetic books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah - The Weeping Prophet") and [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah - Prophet of Salvation"). Culturally, prophets served as God's direct spokespersons, often delivering messages of warning, judgment, and sometimes hope, a role that required immense courage given the people's "stiff-necked" resistance (e.g., [Ezekiel 2:4](/ezekiel/2-4 "Ezekiel 2:4 - Rebellious Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. It underscores **Divine Commission**, as God's direct address ("And he said unto me") highlights that Ezekiel's ministry is not self-initiated but divinely ordained and authorized. This leads to the theme of **Prophetic Mandate**, emphasizing that Ezekiel is to "speak with my words unto them," signifying that a true prophet is a faithful conduit of God's exact message, devoid of personal opinion or alteration, as seen in the call of [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God's Words in Jeremiah's Mouth"). The designation "house of Israel" points to God's enduring **Covenant Faithfulness** and **Specific Audience**, demonstrating His continued concern for His rebellious people, even in their exile, and His desire to communicate with them through His chosen servant. Finally, the imperative commands "go, get thee" convey a sense of **Urgency and Obedience**, demanding immediate and unwavering action from the prophet in response to the divine call.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." In the phrase "Son of man," this word emphasizes Ezekiel's human identity and lineage, grounding him in his earthly reality and highlighting his role as a representative of humanity before the divine. It contrasts sharply with the divine glory he has just witnessed, underscoring the vast chasm between the divine messenger and the divine sender.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, meaning "a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)." In "house of Israel," it signifies the collective identity of the nation—not merely a physical dwelling, but the entire people, the family, the descendants of Jacob, who are bound by covenant to God. It encompasses their history, their present rebellious state, and their future destiny as a unified entity.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." The phrase "my words" is crucial, indicating that the content of Ezekiel's message originates solely from God. It is not Ezekiel's wisdom, opinion, or interpretation, but the authoritative, divinely inspired message that he is commanded to deliver. This emphasizes the objective truth and power inherent in God's communication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me,"**: This opening clause reaffirms the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of God's communication to Ezekiel. It establishes the divine origin of the subsequent command, emphasizing that what follows is not a human initiative but a direct divine imperative.
* **"Son of man,"**: This recurring divine address to Ezekiel (used over 90 times in the book) serves to highlight his humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty and power of the one speaking to him. It grounds Ezekiel in his earthly reality, reminding him of his limitations while simultaneously emphasizing the weight of the divine commission placed upon a mere mortal.
* **"go, get thee unto the house of Israel,"**: This is a double imperative, emphasizing urgency and directness. "Go" (H3212, _yâlak_) implies movement and departure, while "get thee" (H935, _bôwʼ_) reinforces the idea of arriving at a specific destination. The "house of Israel" refers to the entire nation, particularly the exiled community in Babylon, indicating God's specific target audience for Ezekiel's message, despite their rebellious nature.
* **"and speak with my words unto them."**: This is the core of Ezekiel's prophetic mandate. He is not to speak his own thoughts or interpretations, but to be a faithful mouthpiece, delivering God's exact "words" (H1697, _dâbâr_). This highlights the divine authority and truthfulness of the message, ensuring that what Ezekiel communicates is precisely what God intends for His people to hear.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 3:4 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Imperative**, seen in the direct commands "go," "get thee," and "speak." These verbs convey the absolute authority of God and the non-negotiable nature of Ezekiel's mission, demanding immediate and unquestioning obedience. The repeated use of the title **"Son of man"** functions as a form of **Contrast** and **Symbolism**. It contrasts Ezekiel's human frailty with God's omnipotence, while also serving as a symbolic reminder of humanity's representative role before God. Furthermore, the phrase "house of Israel" acts as a **Synecdoche**, where "house" (a part) represents the entire nation (the whole), emphasizing the collective identity and covenant relationship of the people to whom Ezekiel is sent. The command to "speak with my words" underscores the **Metaphor** of the prophet as God's mouthpiece, a vessel through which the divine message flows unaltered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 3:4 is a powerful articulation of the nature of divine calling and prophetic authority, resonating deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's communication with humanity. It underscores the principle that true prophecy is not human invention but divinely initiated and divinely sourced. God chooses and empowers individuals, not for their own glory, but to faithfully transmit His message to a specific audience. This verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in their rebellion and exile, demonstrating His persistent desire for them to hear His truth, repent, and return to Him. The emphasis on "my words" establishes the absolute authority and infallibility of God's revelation, a cornerstone of biblical theology.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses")
* [Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - God's Words in Jeremiah's Mouth")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 3:4 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us that the principles of divine calling, faithful communication, and obedient action remain central to our walk with God. Just as God commissioned Ezekiel, He calls each of us to specific purposes within His kingdom, equipping us with His truth and Spirit. Our effectiveness in sharing the Gospel, discipling others, or serving in any capacity stems not from our own wisdom or eloquence, but from our willingness to be faithful conduits of God's revealed word. This verse challenges us to prioritize God's message above our own opinions, to speak with humility and authority, and to go wherever He directs, even to those who may seem resistant or unresponsive. It is a call to courageous obedience, trusting that God's words, delivered through His chosen vessels, possess the power to transform lives and bring about His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you sense God calling you to "go" and "speak with His words"?**
* **How can you ensure that your communication, especially regarding spiritual matters, truly reflects "God's words" rather than your own biases or interpretations?**
* **What "house of Israel"—what specific group of people or community—might God be calling you to reach with His message today, even if they seem resistant?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper obedience to God's immediate commands in your life?**

### FAQ

**Why is Ezekiel consistently called "Son of man" by God?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben adam_) is used by God over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel. It serves primarily to emphasize Ezekiel's humanity and mortality in stark contrast to God's divine glory and power. This reminds Ezekiel, and the reader, that despite the extraordinary visions and the immense authority of his prophetic commission, he remains a humble, finite human being. It grounds him in his earthly reality, highlighting his dependence on God and the fact that he is a representative of humanity receiving a divine message. While in Ezekiel it emphasizes humanity, the same title later takes on [messianic significance in Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"), pointing to a future divine-human figure.

**Who is the "house of Israel" that Ezekiel is sent to?**

Answer: The "house of Israel" refers to the entire covenant nation of Israel, specifically the Jewish people who had been exiled to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had long been scattered, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah was in exile. God's message through Ezekiel was directed primarily to these exiles, reminding them of their covenant obligations, exposing their sins, and offering a future hope of restoration. Despite their rebellion and current predicament, they remained God's chosen people, and He continued to communicate with them through His prophet.

**What is the significance of Ezekiel being commanded to "speak with my words"?**

Answer: The command "speak with my words" is central to the prophetic office. It signifies that Ezekiel is not to deliver his own opinions, wisdom, or interpretations, but to be a faithful and precise mouthpiece for God. This emphasizes the divine origin, authority, and truthfulness of the message. A true prophet's message is not humanly devised but divinely revealed, carrying the full weight and power of God Himself. This principle is foundational to understanding the nature of inspired Scripture and the role of those who proclaim God's truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 3:4, with its profound emphasis on a divinely commissioned prophet delivering God's words to the "house of Israel," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel was a prophet who spoke God's words, Jesus *is* the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the perfect embodiment of God's message to humanity. He is the ultimate "Son of Man," not merely in His humanity like Ezekiel, but in the profound, eschatological sense prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receiving Dominion"), possessing all authority and dominion. Jesus came directly to the "house of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus Sent to the Lost Sheep of Israel")), fulfilling the prophetic mission by declaring the very words of God, saying, "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")). He perfectly obeyed the divine imperative to "go" and "speak," not only delivering God's message but embodying it through His life, death, and resurrection, ultimately extending the message of salvation beyond Israel to all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Ezekiel's commission foreshadows the greater commission and perfect prophetic ministry of Christ, who fully reveals God's heart and mind.

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

Matthew 10:5

¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Matthew 10:6

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 2:7

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

Ezekiel 2:3

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.

Ezekiel 3:11

And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Matthew 15:24

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.