Commentary on Ezekiel Chapters 1-20 John Calvin
Ezekiel 3
CHAPTER 3
Ezekiel 3:1-2
1. Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.
1. Et dixit mihi, Fili hominis, quod inveneris, comedendo comede, volumen hoc, et vade loquere ad domum Israel.
2. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.
2. Et aperui os meum, et pavit me volumine isto.
When the Prophet is ordered to eat whatever he receives, this ought not to be extended to everything which he meets with, but, whatever may be the taste of the book, he is forbidden to refuse it: for its bitterness might possibly cause him to reject the threats of God. Lastly, the quality of the book is noted, because it contained nothing but the material for sorrow. He adds, that he opened his mouth, for the sake of obedience; by which he signifies that he was not curious or dainty in seeking to taste it, but that he took what was divinely offered him, without the slightest hesitation. Now he adds ---
Ezekiel 3:3
3. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.
3. Et dixit mihi, Fili hominis, ventrem tuum pasce, et viscera tua reple 66 volumine isto, quod ego do tibi, et comedi, et fuit in ore meg tanquam mel in dulcedine.
Ezekiel, as we have just seen, proceeds to say, that a book was given him to eat, because God's servants ought to speak from the inmost affection of their heart. We know that many have a tongue sufficiently fluent, but use it only for ostentation: 66"Thou shalt fill." — Calvin