2:1The immortal God addressed Ezekiel by calling him “son of man,” emphasizing the distance between them. It is amazing that God chooses to work his divine will on earth through finite, imperfect beings. We are made from the dust of the ground, yet God chooses to place within us his life and breath and to ask us to serve him.
Life Application Study BibleEzekielChapter 2
Ezekiel 2
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original page: 1310
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2Ezekiel 2
Ezekiel’s Call and Commission
12 “Stand up, son of man,” said the voice. “I want to speak with you.” 2The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words. 3“Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. 4They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says!’ 5And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them. 6“Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. 7You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won't listen, for they are completely rebellious! &Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.” 9Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me. It held a scroll,!°which he unrolled. And I saw that both sides were covered with funeral songs, words of sorrow, and pronouncements of doom.
Life Application Notes 7 notes
2:2We can only imagine what it was like for Ezekiel to experience this vision. Certainly there was much he did not understand, but Ezekiel knew that each part had significance because it came from God. When God saw Ezekiel’s open and obedient attitude, he filled Ezekiel with his Spirit and gave Ezekiel power for the job ahead. God doesn’t expect us to understand everything about him, but to be willing and obedient servants, faithful to what we know is true and right.
2:3-5The business world defines success in terms of giving customers what they want. Ezekiel, however, was called to give God’s message to the people, whether they would listen or not. The measure of Ezekiel's success would not be how well the people responded, but how well he obeyed God and thus fulfilled God's purpose for him. Isaiah and Jeremiah also prophesied with little positive response (see Isaiah 6:9-12; Jeremiah 1:17-19). God's truth does not depend on how people respond. God will Not judge us for how well others respond to our witness to our faith but for how faithful we have been. God always gives us the strength to accomplish what he asks us to do.
2:4,5God called the people “stubborn and hard-hearted” because they refused to admit their sin. Rebelliousness was the nation’s primary characteristic at this time. Even when God pointed out their wrongdoing, the people ignored the truth. |s God pointing at some sin in your life? Don't be stubborn— confess your sin and begin to live for God. By obeying him now you will be ready for God’s final review of your life (Matthew
2:6-8God gave Ezekiel the difficult responsibility of presenting his message to ungrateful and abusive people. Sometimes we must be an example to or share our faith with unkind people. The LORD told Ezekiel not to be afraid, but to speak his words, whether or not the people would listen. He also wants us to tell the Good News, whether it’s convenient or not (2 Timothy 4:2).
2:6-10Three times God toid Ezekiel not to be afraid or dismayed. When God's Spirit is within us, we can lay aside our fears of rejection or ridicule. God’s strength is powerful enough to help us live for him even under the heaviest criticism.
2:9,10Ancient books were usually scrolls, one page (up to 30 feet long) rolled up simultaneously from both ends. Normaily, scrolls had writing on only one side. But in this case, the warnings overflowed to the scroll’s other side, showing the full measure of judgment about to descend on Judah.