God Speaks to Ezekiel
Study note
God addressed Ezekiel as 'son of man,' a title used over 90 times in this book. It simply means 'human being' and reminded Ezekiel of the gap between himself and God. God told Ezekiel he was being sent to the people of Israel, who were stubborn and rebellious. Even though they might refuse to listen, they would at least know that a true prophet had been among them.
1 The voice told me, "Son of man, get on your feet so I can talk with you." And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.
2 Right away the Spirit came into me and stood me upright, and I listened closely to the one speaking. And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.
3 He told me, "Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, a nation of rebels. Generation after generation, they and their ancestors have been defying me right up to today." 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.
4 "The people I am sending you to are hard-headed and stubborn to the core. Tell them, 'Here is the message from the Lord God.'" For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.
5 "They might listen, or they might completely ignore you, since they are such a rebellious bunch. But either way, they will have to admit that a true prophet came to them." And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.
Do Not Be Afraid
Study note
God compared the hostile people to thorns, briers, and scorpions. Ezekiel would face harsh words and angry looks, but God told him not to be afraid. A prophet's job was to deliver God's message faithfully, regardless of how people responded.
6 "And you, son of man, do not let them scare you. Do not let their words frighten you, even if it feels like you are surrounded by thorn bushes and sitting on scorpions. Do not be intimidated by what they say or by the hostile looks on their faces. They are rebels, plain and simple." And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
7 "Deliver my message to them no matter what -- whether they pay attention or plug their ears. They are deeply rebellious." And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.
The Scroll of Sorrow
Study note
God told Ezekiel not to rebel like the people he was being sent to. Then a hand appeared holding a scroll covered with writing on both sides. The scroll contained words of grief, mourning, and sorrow. This was the message Ezekiel would carry to the people. Writing on both sides meant the message was full and complete.
8 "But you, son of man, must listen carefully to everything I say. Do not rebel like they do. Open your mouth and eat what I am about to hand you." But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.
9 At that moment I saw a hand extending toward me, gripping a scroll. And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;
10 The hand opened the scroll so I could see it. Writing covered both sides. The words were all about grief, sorrow, and sadness. And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.