What is the meaning of Ezekiel 2:1? Son of man, • God repeatedly calls Ezekiel “son of man” (over 90 times), underscoring the prophet’s humanity in contrast to the LORD’s glory. • The phrase reminds Ezekiel that his authority is derived, not innate—he is a servant representing the sovereign God (Psalm 8:4; Daniel 8:17). • By emphasizing Ezekiel’s earthbound nature, the LORD highlights the wonder of His choice to use ordinary people for extraordinary tasks, paralleling other prophetic callings (Amos 7:14-15; 2 Corinthians 4:7). He said to me, • Scripture presents a personal, direct conversation: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 1:3). God is not distant; He speaks to individuals (Exodus 3:4; Jeremiah 1:4-9). • The divine initiative is clear—Ezekiel does not volunteer or devise a mission plan; the LORD addresses him first (John 15:16). • This pattern safeguards the message’s authority: what Ezekiel will proclaim originates with God, not human opinion (2 Peter 1:20-21). stand up on your feet, • Earlier, Ezekiel had fallen facedown before the blazing glory of God (Ezekiel 1:28). Now the LORD commands him to rise, shifting from awe-struck worship to active readiness (Daniel 10:11; Acts 26:16). • Standing signals alert obedience, the posture of a herald prepared to receive orders (Joshua 5:14-15; Luke 12:35-36). • It also affirms God’s empowering grace: the next verse reveals, “As He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet” (Ezekiel 2:2). The LORD never commands without providing strength (Philippians 2:13). and I will speak to you. • The promise of ongoing revelation assures Ezekiel that guidance will keep pace with obedience (1 Kings 19:11-13; John 16:13). • God’s word equips the prophet for a hard assignment among a “rebellious house” (Ezekiel 2:3-7). Without divine speech Ezekiel would have nothing life-giving to offer (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4). • The phrase anticipates the broader biblical principle that intimacy with God precedes effective service—He first speaks, then sends (Isaiah 6:8-9; Revelation 1:17-19). summary Ezekiel 2:1 records the LORD’s gracious call: He addresses Ezekiel’s humanity (“son of man”), personally initiates the conversation (“He said to me”), commands a posture of readiness (“stand up on your feet”), and guarantees sustaining revelation (“and I will speak to you”). The verse teaches that God chooses ordinary people, empowers them by His Spirit, and equips them with His word to fulfill extraordinary missions. |
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