What significance does the "scroll" hold in conveying God's word in Ezekiel 2:9? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 2:9: “Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll.” The Scroll Revealed • A literal, physical scroll is placed before Ezekiel, delivered by the very hand of God. • Its appearance signals that God’s words are not vague impressions but concrete, written revelation. Why a Scroll? • Permanence – Ink on parchment endures; God’s message stands firm (Isaiah 40:8). • Visibility – Written words can be read, reviewed, and proclaimed exactly as given (Deuteronomy 17:18-19). • Accountability – With a written document, nothing may be added or removed (Revelation 22:18-19). Fullness and Completeness Ezekiel 2:10 notes the scroll was “written on the front and back.” • Every surface filled: God’s revelation is complete, leaving no room for human alteration. • Echoes Exodus 32:15 where the tablets were inscribed on both sides, underscoring total coverage of God’s law. Authority and Source • The hand extends “from” God, highlighting divine origin (compare Revelation 5:1). • Because the scroll comes directly from Him, Ezekiel’s duty is to relay it without dilution (Ezekiel 3:4). Content: Sobering Truth Ezekiel 2:10: “Written on it were words of lamentation, mourning, and woe.” • God’s Word includes judgment as well as comfort (Jeremiah 23:29). • The prophet must deliver the hard message faithfully, trusting God’s righteousness. Internalization Before Proclamation Ezekiel 3:1-3 – Ezekiel is told to eat the scroll; it tastes “as sweet as honey.” • Internal digestion symbolizes absorbing the message until it becomes part of him (Jeremiah 15:16). • Only then can he speak with conviction and accuracy (Psalm 119:103). Parallel Scriptures • Revelation 10:9-11 – John eats a little scroll: sweet in the mouth, bitter in the stomach. • Psalm 40:7-8 – “In the scroll of the book it is written about me; I delight to do Your will.” • Hebrews 10:7 cites the same, showing continuity in how God communicates His will. Implications for Believers Today • Receive Scripture as God’s unalterable, written voice. • Take in the whole counsel of God, even the parts that convict. • Speak His Word with reverence and accuracy, confident in its divine authority. |
    |