What is the meaning of Ezekiel 2:2? And as He spoke to me • God’s voice initiates everything. Ezekiel does not approach the Lord; the Lord approaches him, just as He did with Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4) and Jeremiah at his calling (Jeremiah 1:4-9). • The phrase assures us that Scripture records an actual conversation, not a vision manufactured by human imagination (Hebrews 1:1-2). • The Lord speaks personally—He knows Ezekiel by name, just as Jesus later calls His sheep by name and they follow (John 10:3, 27). • Whenever God speaks, the message carries divine authority; therefore we read Ezekiel’s words as literal truth, not allegory. the Spirit entered me • The same Spirit who hovered over the waters in creation (Genesis 1:2) now fills Ezekiel. Nothing in God’s service begins without the Spirit’s empowering (Zechariah 4:6). • Ezekiel experiences an internal transformation similar to later believers at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and to Jesus breathing on the disciples (John 20:22). • This indwelling is personal: “entered me,” confirming that the Holy Spirit is not distant force but divine Person who literally inhabits God’s servants (1 Corinthians 3:16). • The Spirit’s presence guarantees the reliability of the prophet’s message (2 Peter 1:21). and set me on my feet • God never leaves His servants flat on their faces; He strengthens them to stand, as He did for Daniel (Daniel 10:10-11) and John on Patmos (Revelation 1:17). • Being “set…on my feet” shows divine initiative—Ezekiel does not muster strength; the Spirit physically raises him. • Standing signifies readiness for commission. Paul was likewise told, “Stand on your feet; I have appeared to appoint you” (Acts 26:16). • For believers today, the Spirit still supplies courage to stand firm (Ephesians 6:13-14). and I heard Him speaking to me • Once upright, Ezekiel can pay full attention. Hearing follows empowerment; obedience follows revelation (Romans 10:17). • God’s speech is clear, not cryptic. Like young Samuel, Ezekiel must simply listen (1 Samuel 3:10). • The phrase underscores relationship: God speaks; His servant hears. This becomes the pattern for every prophetic message that follows (Ezekiel 3:10-11). • Genuine hearing implies intent to obey (James 1:22). Scripture is meant to be received and acted upon, not merely studied. summary Ezekiel 2:2 records a literal moment when God’s spoken word, the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, supernatural strengthening, and attentive hearing converge. The verse reminds us that: • God initiates contact. • The Spirit empowers. • The Lord enables us to stand. • Obedience begins with attentive listening. What God accomplished in Ezekiel He continues to do in every believer willing to hear, be filled, stand, and obey. |
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