Ezekiel 2:1 to Ezekiel 3:21. The steps of the prophet's initiation into his mission by Jehovah who had thus appeared to him The points touched upon are the character of those to whom he is sent, and the position he is to take in regard to them; and his dependence upon Jehovah for all that he is to... [ Continue Reading ]
The rebellious people to whom the prophet is sent 1. _Son of man_ Better, CHILD OF MAN. The phrase is used over ninety times, and expresses the contrast between the prophet, as one of mankind, and the majesty of God, whose glory he had just seen. _stand upon thy feet_ At the sight of the great glo... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the spirit_ Perhaps, AND SPIRIT. It is not said directly to be the spirit of God, though in a sense this is meant. Spirit is strength, or, rather the source of strength and life; a power or energy entered into the prophet and set him on his feet. But this power was external to him and came from... [ Continue Reading ]
_to a rebellious nation_ Rather, NATIONS. First the people are called the children of Israel, then described more particularly as "nations," the reference being either to the two houses of Israel, the north and south, or to the people as a whole considered as consisting of larger divisions (Psalms 1... [ Continue Reading ]
_for_they are _impudent children_ Rather, AND THE CHILDREN ARE IMPUDENT AND STIFFHEARTED, TO WHOM I SEND THEE. The "children" are the present generation, who are like their fathers. Outwardly they are "impudent," lit. _hard in face_, resolute and whose eyes do not quail before one that opposes them;... [ Continue Reading ]
_for they are a rebellious house_ Whether they hear or whether they forbear and they will forbear, for they are a rebellious house yet shall they know that a prophet has been among them. The future shall bring this home to them. They shall see the prophet's words come to pass, and shall know that a... [ Continue Reading ]
Thorns and briars, that pierce and wound, and scorpions, that strike and sting, are figures for intractable and injurious men. The prophet must understand their character and not fear them. _though they_be _a rebellious_ Rather: FOR THEY ARE. Stubborn opposition and injurious words may be expected... [ Continue Reading ]
_be not rebellious_ In addition to the positive command, "hear what I say unto thee," the prophet is warned not to refuse and be rebellious like the house of Israel. There was need for this double peremptoriness of the command. The instinctive act of men before any great undertaking of the kind set... [ Continue Reading ]
The prophet's inspiration Being commanded to speak God's words to the people, the prophet is next assured by a symbol, a book given him to eat, that God's words shall be given him.... [ Continue Reading ]