Ezekiel Eats the Scroll 1“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat what you find here. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.” 2So I opened my mouth, and He fed me the scroll. 3“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. 4Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them. 5For you are not being sent to a people of unfamiliar speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel— 6not to the many peoples of unfamiliar speech and difficult language whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. 7But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted. 8Behold, I will make your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. 9I will make your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or dismayed at their presence, even though they are a rebellious house.” 10“Son of man,” He added, “listen carefully to all the words I speak to you, and take them to heart. 11Go to your people, the exiles; speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ whether they listen or refuse to listen.” 12Then the Spirita lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me: “Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His dwelling place!”b 13It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against one another and the sound of the wheels beside them, a great rumbling sound. 14So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. 15I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. A Watchman for Israel 16At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 17“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. 18If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity,c and I will hold you responsible for his blood. 19But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself. 20Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin,d and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood. 21But if you warn the righteous man not to sin, and he does not sin, he will indeed live because he heeded your warning, and you will have saved yourself.” 22And there the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you.” 23So I got up and went out to the plain, and behold, the glory of the LORD was present there, like the glory I had seen by the River Kebar, and I fell facedown. 24Then the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet. He spoke with me and said, “Go, shut yourself inside your house. 25And you, son of man, they will tie with ropes, and you will be bound so that you cannot go out among the people. 26I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth, and you will be silent and unable to rebuke them, though they are a rebellious house. 27But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house. Footnotes: 12 a Or the wind; also in verse 14 12 b Or sound behind me as the glory of the LORD rose from its place! 18 c Or for his iniquity; also in verse 19 20 d Or for his sin Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Ezekiel 3 Summary A Watchman for IsraelVerses 1–3 – The Scroll Consumed Verses 4–11 – Commission to a Stubborn House Verses 12–15 – Spirit-Led Transport to Tel-abib Verses 16–21 – Watchman Responsibility Verses 22–27 – Prophet Rendered Silent Ezekiel 3 delves into the prophet's divine calling and the challenges he faces in delivering God's message to a hard-hearted people. The chapter highlights the dynamics between God, His prophet, and His people, a account filled with stern warnings, divine responsibility, and the tough reality of rebellion. Historical Setting Ezekiel, a priest deported in 597 BC with King Jehoiachin, lives among exiles in Babylon. Jerusalem has not yet fallen (that happens in 586 BC), but the city is under threat. Tel-abib (“mound of the flood”) lies on the Kebar Canal, likely the royal irrigation channel near Nippur. Babylonian tablets mention the “Al-Yahudu” community in this region, confirming a large Jewish population here during Ezekiel’s day. Archaeological Insights • Cuneiform ration tablets list “Jehoiachin, king of Judah,” matching 2 Kings 25:27–30. • Canal systems like the Kebar (Akkadian “naru kabari”) have been mapped; they match the setting of Ezekiel’s visions. • Clay tablets from Nippur record rations for Judean craftsmen, showing that exiles were settled laborers, not chained prisoners. The Symbol of Eating the Scroll Eating symbolizes total absorption of God’s message (Jeremiah 15:16; Revelation 10:9–10). The sweetness points to the goodness of God’s word (Psalm 19:10), while its content—“lamentations, mourning, and woe” (Ezekiel 2:10)—shows judgment. For today, internalizing Scripture means more than reading; it means letting God’s truth shape thoughts, desires, and actions. Commission to Israel’s Exiles Israel’s problem is “a hard forehead and an obstinate heart” (v. 7). God equips Ezekiel with a harder forehead—a picture of courage. The same principle recurs when the apostles pray for boldness (Acts 4:29–31). Language is no barrier; the heart’s posture is. This rebukes any claim that more information alone will solve spiritual rebellion. The Role of the Watchman Watchtowers dotted ancient Israel’s fields and city walls. A watchman scanned for danger and shouted warnings. Ezekiel’s job is spiritual surveillance: • Warn the wicked (v. 18). • Warn the righteous slipping into sin (v. 20). The apostle Paul echoes this in Acts 20:26–27, declaring himself innocent of blood because he proclaimed “the whole counsel of God.” Every believer who knows the gospel inherits a measure of this duty—silence in the face of sin helps no one. Divine Glory and the Kebar Vision The roar Ezekiel hears (v. 12-13) matches the vision in chapter 1: wheeled cherubim, sparkling wheels, and the fiery throne. God’s glory is not confined to Jerusalem’s temple; it appears in pagan Babylon. Psalm 139:7–10 affirms God’s presence everywhere, comforting exiles who feared abandonment. Prophetic Silence and Speaking Only God’s Words Ezekiel is bound in his house and struck mute except when God speaks (vv. 24-27). Similar restraint falls on Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father (Luke 1:20). The point: God guards the message and the timing. In an age of constant opinions, Ezekiel reminds believers to wait on God’s word before speaking. Connections with Other Prophets • Jeremiah, still in Jerusalem, warns the remaining citizens; his “fire shut up in my bones” (Jeremiah 20:9) matches Ezekiel’s inner burden. • Daniel, already serving in Babylon’s court, reveals God’s sovereignty over empires (Daniel 2, 4), complementing Ezekiel’s temple-focused visions. • Isaiah had earlier described watchmen who should never be silent (Isaiah 62:6). Ezekiel steps into that role during exile. Themes of Accountability and Free Will God’s formula is simple: warning delivered = Ezekiel clear; warning withheld = Ezekiel liable. The sinner’s response remains free—listen and live or refuse and die. Later, Ezekiel 18:20 will declare, “The soul who sins is the one who will die,” reinforcing personal responsibility. Sweet Yet Bitter Word of God To saints, God’s word brings hope and life. To rebels, it spells judgment. The same duality appears when Jesus is “a stone of stumbling” to some and the “cornerstone” to others (1 Peter 2:6-8). The gospel remains good news, yet it warns of judgment for those who reject it (John 3:18). Application to Modern Believers • Internalize Scripture—don’t just skim it. • Expect resistance when you speak for God; courage comes from Him. • Sound the warning lovingly; silence helps no one. • Trust God’s presence wherever He sends you—workplace, school, another nation—because His glory is not limited by geography. • Let God control your speech: talk less, listen more, speak truth when He prompts. The call of Ezekiel 3 still rings: eat God’s word, carry it to a stubborn world, and stand watch with courage that comes from the Lord Himself. Connections to Additional Scriptures Jeremiah 1:7-9Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah is called to speak God's words, emphasizing the divine authority behind the prophetic message. Acts 20:26-27 Paul speaks of his own accountability in declaring the whole counsel of God, paralleling Ezekiel's responsibility as a watchman. 2 Timothy 4:2 Paul exhorts Timothy to preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season, reflecting the urgency and persistence required in ministry. Teaching Points The Call to Prophetic MinistryEzekiel is called to a challenging task, to speak God's words to a rebellious people. Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel (Ezekiel 3:1). This signifies the internalization of God's message before delivering it to others. The Role of a Watchman God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman, emphasizing the responsibility to warn the people. Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me (Ezekiel 3:17). Accountability for Delivering God's Message Ezekiel is held accountable for delivering God's warnings. If he fails to warn the wicked, their blood will be on his hands (Ezekiel 3:18-19). This underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in ministry. The Power of God's Spirit The Spirit of God empowers Ezekiel for his mission. Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me (Ezekiel 3:12). This highlights the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit in fulfilling God's call. Practical Applications Internalize God's WordJust as Ezekiel ate the scroll, we should internalize Scripture, allowing it to transform us before we share it with others. Embrace Responsibility Recognize the weight of responsibility in sharing God's truth with others, understanding that we are accountable for our obedience. Rely on the Holy Spirit Depend on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in fulfilling God's calling in our lives. Be Faithful in Warning Others Like Ezekiel, be diligent in warning others of spiritual danger, motivated by love and concern for their well-being. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in Ezekiel 3, the LORD is the one who speaks to Ezekiel, giving him his prophetic mission. The name "Yahweh" is derived from the Hebrew root "הוה" (hwh), meaning "to be," emphasizing God's eternal and self-existent nature. In this chapter, the LORD instructs Ezekiel to speak His words to the people of Israel, regardless of their receptiveness. 2. Ezekiel The prophet and son of Buzi, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's message and is tasked with delivering it to the Israelites. His name in Hebrew, "יְחֶזְקֵאל" (Yechezqel), means "God strengthens," reflecting his role as a strengthened messenger of God's word. In this chapter, Ezekiel is called to be a "watchman" for the house of Israel, responsible for warning them of impending judgment. 3. The House of Israel This term refers collectively to the people of Israel, to whom Ezekiel is sent. In the Hebrew text, "בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Beit Yisrael) signifies the descendants of Jacob (Israel), who are often depicted as rebellious and stubborn in the prophetic literature. Ezekiel is instructed to deliver God's message to them, despite their resistance. Places 1. The House of IsraelThis term is used throughout Ezekiel 3 to refer to the people of Israel collectively. It is not a specific geographical location but rather a designation for the nation and its people. The Hebrew term "בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Beit Yisrael) emphasizes the familial and covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites. 2. The Exile While not a specific place, the context of Ezekiel's prophecy is during the Babylonian exile. The Israelites were taken from their homeland to Babylon, which serves as the backdrop for Ezekiel's ministry. The Hebrew term "גָּלוּת" (galut) refers to the state of being exiled or the diaspora. 3. The Plain In Ezekiel 3:22, the prophet is instructed to go out to the plain. "And the hand of the LORD was upon me there, and He said to me, 'Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you.'" The Hebrew word used here is "בִּקְעָה" (biq'ah), which means a broad, open valley or plain. This is where Ezekiel experiences a vision of God's glory. Events 1. Ezekiel Eats the ScrollGod instructs Ezekiel to eat a scroll, symbolizing the internalization of His words. The scroll is described as sweet as honey in Ezekiel's mouth. This act signifies the prophet's acceptance and understanding of God's message. The Hebrew word for "eat" (אָכַל, 'akal) emphasizes the complete consumption and assimilation of the divine message. 2. Commissioning as a Watchman God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for the house of Israel. This role involves warning the people of impending judgment. The Hebrew term for "watchman" (צָפָה, tsaphah) implies vigilance and responsibility in delivering God's warnings. 3. Responsibility for Delivering the Message Ezekiel is told that if he fails to warn the wicked, their blood will be on his hands. However, if he warns them and they do not repent, he will have saved himself. This underscores the prophet's duty to communicate God's message regardless of the people's response. 4. Ezekiel's Silence and Binding God tells Ezekiel that he will be bound and unable to speak unless God opens his mouth. This symbolizes the control God has over the prophet's speech and the divine timing of his messages. The Hebrew root for "bind" (אָסַר, 'asar) indicates restriction and confinement, highlighting the seriousness of Ezekiel's mission. 5. The Spirit Lifts Ezekiel The Spirit lifts Ezekiel and takes him away, filled with bitterness and anger, yet the hand of the Lord is strong upon him. This experience reflects the emotional burden of his prophetic calling and the divine empowerment he receives to fulfill it. The Hebrew word for "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) can mean wind, breath, or spirit, indicating the dynamic and powerful nature of God's presence. Topics 1. The Scroll and Its ConsumptionEzekiel is instructed to eat a scroll given to him by God, symbolizing the internalization of God's message. The scroll is described as sweet as honey in his mouth (Ezekiel 3:1-3). The Hebrew word for "scroll" is "מְגִלָּה" (megillah), emphasizing the written nature of God's revelation. 2. Commissioning as a Watchman God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for the house of Israel, emphasizing his responsibility to warn the people of impending judgment (Ezekiel 3:16-21). The Hebrew term for "watchman" is "צֹפֶה" (tsofeh), indicating vigilance and alertness. 3. The Stubbornness of Israel God warns Ezekiel that the people of Israel are obstinate and will not listen to him, just as they have not listened to God (Ezekiel 3:4-7). The Hebrew word "קְשֵׁה" (qasheh) is used to describe their stubbornness, meaning hard or difficult. 4. Empowerment and Encouragement Despite the people's resistance, God strengthens Ezekiel, making his forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint, to withstand opposition (Ezekiel 3:8-9). The Hebrew word "חַלָּמִישׁ" (challamish) for "flint" underscores the resilience God imparts to Ezekiel. 5. The Spirit's Guidance The Spirit lifts Ezekiel and transports him, demonstrating divine guidance and empowerment for his prophetic mission (Ezekiel 3:12-14). The Hebrew word "רוּחַ" (ruach) for "Spirit" signifies breath, wind, or spirit, indicating the dynamic presence of God. 6. The Prophet's Isolation Ezekiel is instructed to go to the plain where God speaks to him, highlighting moments of solitude and divine encounter (Ezekiel 3:22-23). This isolation is crucial for receiving God's messages. 7. The Symbolic Binding God tells Ezekiel that he will be bound with ropes and unable to speak, symbolizing the people's unwillingness to heed God's warnings (Ezekiel 3:24-27). This act serves as a sign of the people's spiritual bondage and deafness to God's word. Themes 1. The Call to Prophetic DutyEzekiel 3 begins with God instructing Ezekiel to eat a scroll, symbolizing the internalization of God's message (Ezekiel 3:1-3). The Hebrew word for "eat" (אָכַל, 'akal) emphasizes the complete assimilation of God's words, indicating the seriousness and totality of his prophetic mission. 2. Empowerment by the Spirit The Spirit of God enters Ezekiel, empowering him for his task (Ezekiel 3:12, 14). The Hebrew term for "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) signifies not only breath or wind but also divine empowerment, underscoring the necessity of divine assistance in fulfilling his prophetic role. 3. The Role of a Watchman God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for the house of Israel (Ezekiel 3:17). The Hebrew word for "watchman" (צָפָה, tsaphah) conveys the idea of vigilance and responsibility, highlighting the prophet's duty to warn the people of impending judgment. 4. Accountability and Responsibility Ezekiel is held accountable for delivering God's warnings. If he fails to warn the wicked, their blood will be on his hands (Ezekiel 3:18-19). This theme emphasizes the prophet's responsibility and the serious consequences of neglecting his duty. 5. The Stubbornness of Israel God warns Ezekiel of the people's stubbornness and hard-heartedness (Ezekiel 3:7). The Hebrew term for "stubborn" (קָשֶׁה, qasheh) reflects the obstinate nature of the Israelites, indicating the challenges Ezekiel will face in his ministry. 6. Divine Restriction and Silence God instructs Ezekiel to be silent and only speak when He opens his mouth (Ezekiel 3:26-27). This theme highlights the importance of divine timing and the prophet's submission to God's control over his speech. 7. The Weight of the Message Ezekiel experiences bitterness and anger as he carries the weight of God's message (Ezekiel 3:14). The Hebrew word for "bitterness" (מַר, mar) suggests the emotional burden and the gravity of the prophetic message he must deliver. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Ezekiel 3:1–3, how can Ezekiel physically eat a scroll and find it sweet—does this contradict natural science? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the act of Ezekiel eating the scroll symbolize? 2. How can we apply the concept of the scroll tasting "sweet as honey" in our lives today? 3. What does God's decision to send Ezekiel to a hard-hearted and rebellious people say about His nature? 4. In what ways can we relate to Ezekiel's divine responsibility in our modern lives? 5. What does it mean to be a "watchman" in today's context? 6. How do we react when we feel God is asking us to do something challenging or seemingly impossible? 7. How can Ezekiel's seven days of silence apply to our approach to understanding God's word? 8. How does the concept of accountability as portrayed in Ezekiel 3 apply to our actions today? 9. What does Ezekiel's experience of God's glory teach us about encountering God in our lives? 10. In what ways can we interpret God binding Ezekiel and making him mute except to speak His words in our context? 11. How does the tension between Ezekiel’s personal responsibility and the people's choice to heed or resist the warning resonate with our experiences? 12. How does this chapter inform our understanding of obedience and rebellion? 13. How does the sense of urgency in God's message through Ezekiel apply to our current society? 14. In what ways does Ezekiel's role as a prophet challenge your understanding of religious commitment? 15. How can Ezekiel's commitment to his prophetic call inspire your personal spiritual journey? 16. What lessons can you learn from the Israelites' hard-heartedness and how can you apply these lessons to avoid similar attitudes? 17. How might the repeated theme of God’s sovereignty in Ezekiel 3 impact your understanding of God’s role in our lives? 18. In what ways can the recurring motif of "hearing and understanding" in this chapter be relevant in your interactions with others? 19. How does the balance between divine direction and personal accountability in Ezekiel 3 influence your worldview? 20. Reflect on a situation where you felt like Ezekiel - called to deliver a tough message. How did you handle it, and how does Ezekiel's story guide you to handle similar situations in the future? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
    |