Ezekiel 2 - Introduction

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 speak and in all that he is to do. The passage has these divisions:

(1) Ch. Ezekiel 2:1-7. The character of those to whom the prophet is sent. They are the rebellious house of Israel, who have rebelled against Jehovah, they and their fathers unto this day. The prophet is not to fear them but speak Jehovah's words unto them.

(2) Ch. Ezekiel 2:8 to Ezekiel 3:3. Symbolical representation of the communication of Jehovah's words to the prophet. He is commanded to eat the roll of a book presented to him in Jehovah's hand.

(3) Ch. Ezekiel 3:4-9. Thus furnished with the words of the Lord, the prophet is commissioned to go to the house of Israel. He is not sent to foreign nations, which would not understand him, but to the house of Israel. They will understand but will not listen.

(4) Ch. Ezekiel 3:10-15. Particularly he is sent to them of the captivity of Tel-abib.

(5) Ch. Ezekiel 3:16-21. Now among the exiles there is brought home to his mind the precise nature of the office he is to fill; he is to be a "watchman," warning everyone the sinner that he may turn from his sin, and the righteous lest he fall from his righteousness.