Ezekiel 2:8-3:4
Chapter 2
8
Listen then, son of man, to what I say, and don’t be a rebel among rebels. Open your mouth and take in what I’m about to say.”
9
I looked and saw a hand stretched out in front of me holding a scroll.
10
He unrolled it before me; on both sides were written laments, groaning, and woes.
Chapter 3
1
Mission of the Prophet
He said to me: “Son of man, eat what is given to you. Eat this scroll and then go; speak to the people of Israel.”
2
I opened my mouth, and he made me eat the scroll.
3
He said to me: “Eat and fill yourself with this scroll that I’m giving you.” I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey.
4
He said: “Son of man, go to the Israelites; speak to them with my words.
Commentaries
Vocation.
There is no such profession as a prophet, nor is it a status anyone in Israel can aspire to. It is a calling that depends solely on God’s choice and summons. The name “Son of Adam,” with which the Lord addresses the prophet and which recurs throughout this book, contrasts him with the reality of God and the sacred, setting him apart from other creatures in creation. God assigning him a very difficult task: he must sit “among scorpions” (6). To do this, the Lord gives him the life force of the “breath,” “wind,” or “spirit” that enters him and enables him to stand and actively listen to God’s Word. Active listening is what predisposes us to obey and carry out what the Lord asks of us.
Mission of the Prophet.
The prophet is a man of God who proclaims His Word, but not as a mere mouthpiece; he is encouraged to internalize the Word—to eat it (v. 2.10)—and is called to remain faithful by facing the stubbornness of the people he is sent to (7) (cf. 2 Tim 4:2). The maturity of the prophet involves accepting this mission as a lifelong commitment that isn’t dependent on immediate results, whether success or failure. Suddenly, a powerful wind lifts the prophet as he hears the roar of the Lord’s chariot coming closer (12-13). This force carries him to the banks of the Chebar River, where a group of exiles is gathered (14). Deeply moved by such a profound encounter with God, he stays silent in that place for a week (15).