Tanak Foundations-Concepts in Ezekiel-Chapter 2

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).

Posted in All Teachings, Articles, Idioms, Phrases and Concepts, Prophecy/Eschatology, The Festivals of the Lord, The Tanak, Tying into the New Testament

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