Ezekiel 2:1-7

Mission to Rebellious Israel

1 He said to me, "Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak with you."
2 As He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I listened to the One who was speaking to me.
3 He said to me: "Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites [and] to the rebellious nations[a] who have rebelled against Me. The Israelites and their ancestors have transgressed against Me to this day.
4 The children are obstinate[b] and hardhearted. I am sending you to them, and you must say to them: This is what the Lord God says.
5 Whether they listen or refuse [to listen]-for they are a rebellious house-they will know that a prophet has been among them.
6 "But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions. Don't be afraid of their words or be discouraged by [the look on] their faces, for they are a rebellious house.
7 But speak My words to them whether they listen or refuse [to listen], for they are rebellious.

Ezekiel 2:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EZEKIEL 2

This chapter contains me prophet's call, commission, and instruction to prophesy. The preparation to it is in Eze 2:1,2; being fallen upon his face, he is bid to stand upon his feet, with a promise to speak to him; and the Spirit entering into him, he is set by him on his feet, and he hears what is spoken to him; then follows his mission to the children of Israel, who are described as rebellious, impudent, and stiff-hearted; and to whom he is sent, to render them inexcusable, Eze 2:3-5; and he is exhorted not to be afraid of their words, nor dismayed at their looks, however fierce and furious they might be; but faithfully declare his message, and not be discouraged, should it be without success, Eze 2:6,7; and he is instructed not to be rebellious, as they were; but open his mouth and eat what should be given him, Eze 2:8; when, in a visionary way, a hand was seen, and a roll in it, and this spread before him, written within and without, full of lamentation, mourning, and woes, as a symbol of the substance of his prophecy, Eze 2:9,10.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. LXX omits to the rebellious nations
  • [b]. Lit hard of face
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