Ezek 2.1-10 contains Ezekiel’s commission and instructions to prophesy. In contrast to the glory of God and his angelic beings, Ezekiel is called a “ben adam” or a “human being.” He must be empowered by God to do what he is being called to do.
v 1…Then he (the being on the throne in chapter 1) said to me, “Son of man (Hebrew “ben adam” meaning weak, human; he is a representative of man who will speak to all men), stand on your feet (he was on his face, but is now commanded to rise) that I may speak with you (so pay attention).
v 2…And as he spoke to me the spirit (that was in the chaiyot) entered me (inspired and empowered him) and set me on my feet (by spirit power); and I heard him speaking to me (literally means “he was addressing himself to me” or “he spoke to himself. The Ruach Ha Kodesh helps us understand what he says-see “Yechezkel” by Mesorah Publications, p. 89).
v 3…Then he said to me, “Son of man (ben adam), I am sending you (he is a “shaliach”) to the sons of Israel (who were captives in Babylon), to a rebellious people (Hebrew “Goyim” or like the nations) who have rebelled against me; they and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day (the fathers sinned, and they followed their example).
v 4…And I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children; and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God (Adonai Yehovah).’
v 5…As for them, whether they listen or not-for they are a rebellious house-they will know that a prophet has been among them (no excuses).
v 6…And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns (wicked people who cause trouble-2 Cor 12.6) are with you and you sit on scorpions (people with poisonous stings), neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence (looks), for they are a rebellious house.
v 7…But you shall speak my words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious (personified).
v 8…Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you (to make it a part of you; have a complete identification with the contents).”
v 9…Then I looked, behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it (symbolic of what he was to say; his prophecy).
v 10…When he spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back (he was going to have a lot to say); and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe (afflictions, chastisement, and punishments that was to come on Israel and other nations).
Leave a Reply