Son of man,
This phrase is a title used frequently in the book of Ezekiel, appearing over 90 times. It emphasizes the humanity of the prophet in contrast to the divine nature of God. The term "son of man" is also used in the New Testament, particularly in reference to Jesus Christ, highlighting His incarnation and role as the representative of humanity. In Ezekiel's context, it underscores his role as a human messenger among the people of Israel.

He said to me,
The speaker here is God, who directly communicates with Ezekiel. This divine communication is a hallmark of prophetic literature, where God often speaks directly to His chosen messengers. The personal nature of this address indicates a direct and intimate relationship between God and Ezekiel, setting the stage for the prophet's mission.

stand up on your feet
This command signifies readiness and respect in the presence of God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, standing was a posture of attention and readiness to receive instruction or commission. It contrasts with the typical posture of worship or supplication, which was often kneeling or prostrate. This command indicates that Ezekiel is being prepared for active service and engagement in his prophetic role.

and I will speak to you.
God's promise to speak to Ezekiel highlights the importance of divine revelation. The communication of God's word is central to the prophetic mission, as the prophet is tasked with conveying God's messages to the people. This phrase assures Ezekiel of God's guidance and the authority of the message he is to deliver. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God choosing and equipping individuals to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the callings of other prophets like Moses and Isaiah.

And as He spoke to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the personal nature of prophetic revelation. In the context of Ezekiel's calling, it underscores the authority and divine origin of the message. The phrase reflects the biblical pattern where God initiates communication with His prophets (e.g., Moses in Exodus 3:4, Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8). This divine speech is a hallmark of prophetic literature, where the prophet serves as a mouthpiece for God's words.

the Spirit entered me
The entry of the Spirit signifies empowerment and divine enablement for the task ahead. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God often comes upon individuals to equip them for specific roles or missions (e.g., Judges 6:34, 1 Samuel 16:13). This moment marks Ezekiel's transformation from a priest to a prophet, highlighting the necessity of divine assistance in fulfilling God's purposes. The Spirit's entry is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of the Holy Spirit indwelling believers (Acts 2:4).

and set me on my feet
Being set on his feet symbolizes readiness and preparation to receive and deliver God's message. It contrasts with Ezekiel's initial position of being overwhelmed and prostrate (Ezekiel 1:28). This act of being raised up by the Spirit indicates divine strength and support, enabling Ezekiel to stand firm in his prophetic ministry. It reflects the biblical theme of God raising His servants to fulfill their calling (e.g., Daniel 10:11).

and I heard Him speaking to me
Hearing God speak directly emphasizes the clarity and authority of the divine message. It assures that the message is not of human origin but is divinely inspired. This hearing is not just physical but spiritual, indicating Ezekiel's receptivity to God's voice. It parallels other instances where prophets receive direct communication from God (e.g., Jeremiah 1:9, Habakkuk 2:1). This phrase underscores the importance of listening to God's voice in obedience and faithfulness.

“Son of man,” He said to me,
The term "Son of man" is a title used frequently in the book of Ezekiel, appearing over 90 times. It emphasizes the humanity of the prophet in contrast to the divine nature of God. This title is also significant in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," highlighting His role as the representative human and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy (Daniel 7:13-14).

“I am sending you to the Israelites,
God commissions Ezekiel to be a prophet to the Israelites, who are in exile in Babylon. This mission underscores God's continued relationship with His chosen people despite their disobedience. The sending of prophets is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, as seen with figures like Moses (Exodus 3:10) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8), who were also sent to deliver God's messages.

to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me.
The Israelites are described as a rebellious nation, highlighting their persistent disobedience and idolatry. This rebellion is a central theme in the history of Israel, as seen in the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 14:9) and during the period of the judges (Judges 2:11-19). The rebellion against God is not just a historical issue but a spiritual one, reflecting the human tendency to turn away from divine authority.

To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me.
This phrase emphasizes the continuity of rebellion from past generations to the present. The reference to "their fathers" connects the current generation with the sins of their ancestors, as seen in the repeated cycles of apostasy and repentance throughout Israel's history (2 Kings 17:7-23). It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance and return to God.

They are obstinate and stubborn children.
This phrase characterizes the Israelites during Ezekiel's time, reflecting their persistent rebellion against God. The terms "obstinate" and "stubborn" suggest a deep-seated resistance to divine authority, reminiscent of the Israelites' behavior during their wilderness journey (Exodus 32:9). This rebellion is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, highlighting the people's tendency to turn away from God's commandments despite His continuous guidance and provision. The imagery of "children" underscores their immaturity and need for correction, akin to a parent-child relationship where the parent seeks to guide the child back to the right path.

I am sending you to them,
God's commissioning of Ezekiel emphasizes the prophet's role as a divine messenger. This sending mirrors the calling of other prophets, such as Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:7), who were also sent to a rebellious people. The act of sending signifies God's continued pursuit of His people, despite their disobedience. It underscores the importance of prophetic ministry in conveying God's will and calling His people to repentance. This mission is not just a task but a divine mandate, reflecting God's sovereignty and His desire for His people to return to Him.

and you are to say to them,
Ezekiel's role is to deliver God's message faithfully, regardless of the people's response. This directive highlights the prophet's duty to speak God's words, not his own, ensuring that the message remains untainted by personal bias. The emphasis on speaking directly to the people underscores the importance of clear and direct communication in prophetic ministry. This mirrors the role of Jesus Christ, who spoke with authority and clarity, delivering God's message to humanity (John 12:49-50).

‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’
The phrase establishes the divine authority behind Ezekiel's message. It is a common prophetic formula that authenticates the message as coming directly from God, not from human origin. This declaration is crucial for distinguishing true prophecy from false, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20-22. The use of "Lord GOD" (YHWH Elohim) emphasizes God's covenantal relationship with Israel and His supreme authority. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's word through Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), embodying the fullness of divine truth and authority.

And whether they listen or refuse to listen
This phrase highlights the free will of the people to choose their response to God's message. It reflects the consistent biblical theme of human responsibility and accountability. In the context of Ezekiel's ministry, it underscores the prophet's role as a messenger, regardless of the people's reaction. This echoes the call of other prophets, such as Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10), who were also sent to a people who might not heed their warnings. The phrase suggests the inevitability of divine truth being proclaimed, irrespective of human acceptance.

for they are a rebellious house
The term "rebellious house" refers to the Israelites, who had a history of disobedience and idolatry. This rebellion is documented throughout the Old Testament, notably during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 14:9) and the period of the judges (Judges 2:11-19). The phrase indicates a hardened spiritual state, which necessitated prophetic intervention. It also foreshadows the eventual judgment and exile that would come upon the nation due to their persistent rebellion.

they will know that a prophet has been among them
This statement assures that the presence of a true prophet, like Ezekiel, would be undeniable, even if the people chose not to listen. It implies that the fulfillment of prophetic words would serve as a testament to the authenticity of the prophet's message. This is seen in the eventual fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecies concerning the fall of Jerusalem and the exile. The phrase also points to the role of prophets as representatives of God's authority and truth, similar to how Jesus Christ is recognized as the ultimate Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Acts 3:22-23), whose words and works testify to His divine mission.

But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words.
The term "son of man" is a title used frequently for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people. The command "do not be afraid" is a divine reassurance, common in Scripture when God calls someone to a difficult task (e.g., Joshua 1:9). The "them" refers to the rebellious Israelites, who were often resistant to prophetic messages. This phrase underscores the prophet's need for courage in the face of opposition, a theme echoed in the New Testament when Jesus instructs His disciples not to fear persecution (Matthew 10:28).

Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions.
"Briers and thorns" symbolize the hostility and resistance Ezekiel would face. These terms are reminiscent of the curse in Genesis 3:18, representing the consequences of sin. "Scorpions" further intensify the imagery, suggesting danger and pain. In a spiritual sense, these elements highlight the prophet's challenging environment, akin to the trials faced by believers who stand for truth in a fallen world. This imagery is also prophetic of the suffering and rejection Jesus would endure (Isaiah 53:3).

Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house.
The repetition of "do not be afraid" emphasizes the importance of steadfastness. "Their words" likely include mockery and threats, common reactions to prophetic messages (Jeremiah 20:8). "Dismayed by their presence" suggests the intimidating nature of the opposition. The term "rebellious house" characterizes Israel's persistent disobedience, a recurring theme in the Old Testament (Isaiah 30:9). This rebellion foreshadows the rejection of Christ by His own people (John 1:11), yet also points to the ultimate hope of redemption and restoration.

But speak My words to them
Ezekiel is commanded to deliver God's message to the Israelites. This directive emphasizes the role of a prophet as a mouthpiece for God, highlighting the divine authority behind the message. The phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's command, regardless of the audience's reception. This mirrors the call of other prophets, such as Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:7), who were also instructed to speak God's words faithfully.

whether they listen or refuse to listen
This phrase acknowledges the potential rejection of the message by the audience. It reflects the persistent rebellion of Israel, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. The prophet's duty is to deliver the message, not to ensure its acceptance, similar to the parable of the sower in the New Testament (Matthew 13:3-9), where the sower spreads the seed regardless of the type of soil. This highlights the sovereignty of God in the process of revelation and response.

for they are rebellious
The Israelites are described as rebellious, a recurring characterization in the prophetic books. This rebellion is not just against the prophet but against God Himself. Historically, this rebellion can be traced back to the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 14:9) and continued through the monarchy and into the exile. The term "rebellious" also connects to the broader biblical narrative of humanity's rebellion against God, which is ultimately addressed through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly obeyed where humanity failed.

And you, son of man,
The term "son of man" is a title used frequently in Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the distinction between God and man, highlighting Ezekiel's position as a mediator. This title is also significant in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," indicating His role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.

listen to what I tell you.
This command underscores the importance of obedience to God's word. In the context of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, listening implies not just hearing but also understanding and acting upon God's instructions. This theme of obedience is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in James 1:22, which urges believers to be doers of the word, not merely hearers.

Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house.
The "rebellious house" refers to the nation of Israel, which had consistently turned away from God's commandments. Historically, Israel's rebellion led to their exile and suffering. This warning to Ezekiel serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for faithfulness. The theme of rebellion and its consequences is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, seen in the narratives of the wilderness wanderings and the period of the judges.

Open your mouth and eat what I give you.”
This phrase introduces the symbolic act of eating the scroll, which occurs in the following chapter. Eating the scroll represents internalizing God's message, making it a part of oneself. This act is similar to the experience of the Apostle John in Revelation 10:9-10, where he also eats a scroll. It signifies the prophet's acceptance of his mission and the necessity of fully embracing God's word to proclaim it effectively. The imagery of eating God's word is a powerful metaphor for the sustenance and life that come from divine revelation.

Then I looked
This phrase indicates a shift in Ezekiel's attention, suggesting a moment of divine revelation. In biblical narratives, the act of looking often precedes a significant vision or message from God. Ezekiel's visions are central to his prophetic ministry, emphasizing the importance of being attentive to God's communication.

and saw a hand reaching out to me
The imagery of a hand reaching out is symbolic of divine intervention and communication. In the Bible, God's hand often represents His power and authority (Exodus 15:6, Isaiah 41:10). This hand reaching out to Ezekiel signifies God's direct involvement in delivering His message. It also reflects the personal nature of God's call to Ezekiel, emphasizing that the message is specifically for him to receive and convey.

and in it was a scroll
Scrolls were the primary medium for writing in ancient times, often used for recording important documents, including religious texts. The presence of a scroll indicates that the message Ezekiel is about to receive is authoritative and significant. Scrolls in biblical literature often contain divine decrees or revelations (Jeremiah 36:2, Revelation 5:1). This particular scroll symbolizes the word of God that Ezekiel is to proclaim, highlighting the prophetic nature of his mission. The scroll's content, which is revealed in the following verses, underscores themes of judgment and lamentation, aligning with the broader context of Ezekiel's prophecies concerning Israel's disobedience and the impending consequences.

which He unrolled before me.
In this vision, God presents Ezekiel with a scroll, a common medium for recording messages in ancient times. The act of unrolling signifies the revelation of divine messages. Scrolls were typically made of papyrus or parchment and were used for important documents. The unrolling indicates that the message is ready to be revealed and understood. This action parallels the opening of the scrolls in Revelation 5:1-5, where only the Lamb is worthy to open the scroll, symbolizing the unveiling of God's plan.

And written on the front and back of it
The scroll being written on both sides is significant, as scrolls were usually written on one side only. This indicates the completeness and fullness of the message, leaving no space for additions. It suggests the totality of God's judgment and the comprehensive nature of the message Ezekiel is to deliver. This dual-sided writing can be compared to the tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were also inscribed on both sides (Exodus 32:15), emphasizing the thoroughness of God's law and decrees.

were words of lamentation, mourning, and woe.
The content of the scroll is filled with messages of lamentation, mourning, and woe, indicating the severe judgment that is to come upon Israel due to their rebellion and sin. These terms reflect the emotional and spiritual state of the people as they face the consequences of their actions. Lamentation and mourning are often associated with funerals and expressions of deep sorrow, while woe signifies impending doom or disaster. This triad of terms underscores the gravity of the situation and the seriousness of God's message. Similar themes are found in the prophetic books, such as Jeremiah and Lamentations, where the prophets express grief over the nation's sin and the resulting judgment.