Yechezkel 2

1 And He said unto me, Ben Adam, stand upon thy raglayim, and I will speak unto thee.

2 And the Ruach [Hakodesh] entered into me just as He spoke unto me, and stood me upon my raglayim, that I heard Him that spoke unto me.

3 And He said unto me, Ben Adam, I send thee to the Bnei Yisroel, to Goyim HaMoredim (Rebellious Nations [Tribes]) that hath rebelled against Me; they and their Avot have rebelled against Me, even unto this very day.

4 For they are stubborn banim and chizkei lev (stiffhearted). I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith Adonoi Hashem.

5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will refrain from heeding— for they are a bais meri (house of rebellion), yet shall they know that there hath been a navi among them.

6 And thou, Ben Adam, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their devarim, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among akrabim (scorpions); be not afraid of their devarim, nor be afraid at their looks, for they are a bais meri.

7 And thou shalt speak My devarim unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will refrain from heeding; for they are meri (rebellious).

8 But thou, Ben Adam, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou meri (rebellious) like that bais hameri (rebellious house). Open thy mouth and eat what I give thee.

9 And when I looked, hinei, a yad was sent unto me; and, hinei, a megillat sefer was therein;

10 And He unrolled the megillah before me; and it was written on front and back: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

Yechezkel 2 Commentary

Chapter 2

The prophet is directed what he is to do. (1-5) And encouraged to be resolute, faithful, and devoted. (6-10)

Verses 1-5 Lest Ezekiel should be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, he is put in mind that still he is a son of man, a weak, mortal creature. As Christ usually called himself the Son of man, it was also an honourable distinction. Ezekiel's posture showed reverence, but his standing up would be a posture of greater readiness and fitness for business. God will speak to us, when we stand ready to do what he commands us. As Ezekiel had not strength of his own, the Spirit entered into him. God is graciously pleased to work in us whatever he requires of us. The Holy Spirit sets us upon our feet, by inclining our wills to our duty. Thus, when the Lord calls upon the sinner to awake, and attend to the concerns of his soul, the Spirit of life and grace comes with the call. Ezekiel is sent with a message to the children of Israel. Many might treat his message with contempt, yet they should know by the event that a prophet had been sent to them. God will be glorified, and his word made honourable, whether it be a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death.

Verses 6-10 Those who will do any thing to purpose in the service of God, must not fear men. Wicked men are as briers and thorns; but they are nigh unto cursing, and their end is to be burned. The prophet must be faithful to the souls of those to whom he was sent. All who speak from God to others, must obey his voice. The discoveries of sin, and the warnings of wrath, should be matter of lamentation. And those acquainted with the word of God, will clearly perceive it is filled with woe to impenitent sinners; and that all the precious promises of the gospel are for the repenting, believing servants of the Lord.

Chapter Summary

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.