
Ezekiel 2
Ezekiel 2 introduces Ezekiel's call to be a prophet. After witnessing a remarkable vision of God's glory in chapter 1, Ezekiel receives a direct commission from God to speak to the rebellious people of Israel. God addresses Ezekiel as "son of man" and prepares him for the resistance he will face. This chapter highlights the weight of prophetic duty and the responsibility to deliver God's message, regardless of the people's response.
Ezekiel 2:1-10 (NKJV)
1 And He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak to you.”
2 Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me.
3 And He said to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day.
4 For they are impudent and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’
5 As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that a prophet has been among them.
6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house.
7 You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.
8 But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”
9 Now when I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me; and behold, a scroll of a book was in it.
10 Then He spread it before me; and there was writing on the inside and on the outside, and written on it were lamentations and mourning and woe.
God calls Ezekiel “son of man,” highlighting his humanity and contrasting it with God’s divinity. He instructs Ezekiel to stand and receive a message, preparing him for a challenging mission. Empowered by the Spirit, Ezekiel is commissioned to speak to Israel, a people known for rebellion and resistance against God. Despite their obstinance, Ezekiel must deliver God’s message, whether or not they heed it. God warns him not to fear their harsh responses, as Ezekiel's mission requires courage. A scroll with lamentations is presented to him, symbolizing the difficult message of judgment and sorrow Ezekiel must proclaim.