Introduction

Ezekiel 2 presents the direct commissioning of Ezekiel by God to serve as His prophet to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. This chapter outlines the daunting task given to Ezekiel, emphasizing the challenges he will face and the divine empowerment he receives to fulfill his mission.

Structure and Content

The Call and Commissioning of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:1-5)

God Addresses Ezekiel

“He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.’ And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me” (Ezekiel 2:1-2). God’s call begins with empowering Ezekiel physically and spiritually, preparing him for the task ahead.

Mission to a Rebellious Nation

“And he said to me, ‘Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day'” (Ezekiel 2:3). Ezekiel is warned that his mission will be to a stubborn and rebellious people, underscoring the difficulty of his prophetic task.

The Nature of Ezekiel’s Mission (Ezekiel 2:6-7)

Instructions for Engagement

“And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 2:6). Despite the harsh reception he might face, Ezekiel is commanded to not fear, highlighting the courage needed to confront sin and rebellion.

Command to Speak God’s Words

“And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 2:7). Ezekiel is to faithfully deliver God’s message regardless of the response, emphasizing obedience over success.

The Symbolic Act of Eating the Scroll (Ezekiel 2:8-10)

Reception of the Scroll

“But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.’ And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it” (Ezekiel 2:8-9). Ezekiel is given a scroll to eat, symbolizing his internalization of God’s word before he can prophesy to others.

Contents of the Scroll

“And he spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe” (Ezekiel 2:10). The scroll contains messages of lamentation, mourning, and woe, foreshadowing the difficult prophecies Ezekiel will deliver.

Connections to New Testament Teachings

Connection to Jesus Christ

Ezekiel’s role as a prophet who faces rejection parallels the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was also sent to a rebellious people and faced rejection despite His divine authority and message. Both Ezekiel and Jesus embody the theme of speaking truth to a resistant audience.

God’s Love for the World

God’s commissioning of Ezekiel demonstrates His enduring commitment to His people, persistently reaching out to them even in their rebellion. This reflects God’s unwavering love and desire for repentance and restoration, a theme fully realized in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem humanity.

Why the Bible Chapter Still Matters Today

The Importance of Faithful Witness

Ezekiel 2 encourages believers to remain faithful in witnessing, regardless of opposition or indifference, underscoring the importance of obedience to God’s call.

The Reality of Spiritual Opposition

The chapter realistically portrays the challenges faced when confronting sin within and outside the community, preparing believers for spiritual opposition.

Encouragement in Divine Empowerment

The divine empowerment of Ezekiel serves as a reminder that God equips those He calls, providing strength and courage to fulfill His purposes, encouraging believers today to rely on God’s Spirit in their mission.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 2 not only details the daunting commission of Ezekiel but also provides profound insights into the nature of prophetic ministry, the necessity of divine empowerment, and the challenge of speaking truth in a resistant world, offering timeless lessons for living faithfully under God’s sovereign direction.