Eze 2 | MHM | STEP | The Prophet Commissioned to Reprove This passage shows how God called Ezekiel to be a prophet. God speaks to him as "son of man," a humble title that reminds Ezekiel he is only human, even though he is receiving great visions. This title also points forward to Jesus, who called Himself the Son of Man. God chooses to send His message through ordinary people, not angels, so that we can relate and listen without fear. Ezekiel is chosen to bring God’s word to Israel, even though they are rebellious and stubborn. v. 1 : God addresses Ezekiel as son of man and tells him to stand up so He can speak to him . This reminds Ezekiel of his weakness and humanity. Even when God reveals Himself in glory, He still uses people like us to do His work.

‏ Ezekiel 2

The Prophet Commissioned to Reprove

This passage shows how God called Ezekiel to be a prophet. God speaks to him as "son of man," a humble title that reminds Ezekiel he is only human, even though he is receiving great visions. This title also points forward to Jesus, who called Himself the Son of Man. God chooses to send His message through ordinary people, not angels, so that we can relate and listen without fear. Ezekiel is chosen to bring God’s word to Israel, even though they are rebellious and stubborn.

v. 1: God addresses Ezekiel as son of man and tells him to stand up so He can speak to him . This reminds Ezekiel of his weakness and humanity. Even when God reveals Himself in glory, He still uses people like us to do His work.

v. 2: When God commands Ezekiel to stand, the Spirit enters him and gives him the strength to rise. The Spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet . This shows that God gives us the power to do what He asks. The Spirit helps Ezekiel understand and accept God’s message.

v. 3: God sends Ezekiel to the people of Israel, who are called a rebellious nation. I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me . The people have a long history of turning away from God, both in the past and in Ezekiel’s time. Even though they have suffered for their sins, they are still stubborn.

v. 4: God tells Ezekiel to speak boldly to the people, even though they are stubborn and hard-hearted. They are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD . Ezekiel is to declare God’s words, not his own. The authority of his message comes from God.

v. 5: Whether the people listen or not, they will know that a prophet has spoken to them. Yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them . If they obey, they will experience God’s blessing; if they refuse, God’s warnings will come true. Either way, God’s word will be proved right, and the people will learn to respect His message.

The Prophet Cautioned Not to Fear; Charge Given to the Prophet

After receiving his mission, Ezekiel is now given special instructions for his work. God’s calling is an honor, but it also brings challenges. Ezekiel must be brave, faithful, and careful to follow God’s directions, even though his message will be difficult for people to hear. God prepares Ezekiel for the trouble and opposition he will face and tells him how to respond as a true servant.

v. 6: God tells Ezekiel not to be afraid of the people, even though they are like briers, thorns, and scorpions. Be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words . The people will try to scare him with their looks and harsh words. God’s prophets sometimes live among people who make life hard for them, but God wants Ezekiel to be strong and not discouraged.

v. 7: Ezekiel must speak God’s words to the people, whether they listen or not. And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear . Even if the people refuse to obey, Ezekiel has to be faithful to God and deliver the message.

v. 8: God warns Ezekiel not to be rebellious like the people. Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee . Ezekiel must listen to God and accept His message fully, even when it is hard or unpopular. He is told to “eat” the scroll, which means to take God’s word into his heart and make it part of him.

v. 9: Ezekiel sees a hand reaching out to him, holding a scroll. And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein . This shows that his message comes directly from God.

v. 10: The scroll is opened, and it is written on both sides. It contains lamentations, and mourning, and woe (Ezekiel 2:10 ^a). The message Ezekiel must deliver is sad and full of warnings about sin and coming judgment. This shows that sometimes God’s word brings sorrow, but it is still important to share it honestly.