Ezekiel-Chapter-2
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Colour coded details
of our beloved TaNaKh:
1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.
*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job,
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Please
Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made
relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been
corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!
“Ye
shall NOT ADD
TO THE WORD which I command
you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT,
that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem,
which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy
4:2. (JPS-1917).
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With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
Chapter 2 marks the formal transition from
Ezekiel’s overwhelming vision of the Divine Chariot to his specific appointment
as a prophet. Having fallen on his face in awe, the “Son of Man” is commanded
to stand. The chapter establishes the primary theme of his ministry: the duty
to speak truth to a “rebellious house”, where success is measured not by the
people’s response, but by the prophet’s unwavering delivery of the message.
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Below are the verses of Ezekiel Chapter 2:1-10: Whilst below the verses are the Explanation’s. (Chapter is from JPS-1917 version of the Tanakh).
Verse 1. “And He said unto me: ‘Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak with thee’.
Explanation: The Divine voice addresses Ezekiel
as ‘Ben-Adam’ (Son of Man). This emphasizes his human frailty in
contrast to the celestial heights of the previous vision and commands him to
stand to receive his orders.
Verse 2. And spirit entered into me when He spoke unto me, and set me upon my feet; and I heard Him that spoke unto me.
Explanation: As the voice speaks, a spirit enters Ezekiel, providing the physical and internal strength necessary to stand and endure the presence of the Infinite.
Verse 3. And He said unto me: ‘Son of man, I send thee to the children
of
Explanation: The mission is
defined. Ezekiel is sent to the Children of Israel, described here as
“rebellious nations” (Goyim). The use of the plural suggests they have acted
with the same faithlessness as the pagan nations around them.
Verse 4. and the children are brazen-faced and stiff-hearted, I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them: Thus saith אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim (God).
Explanation: The
description of the audience hardens. They are “impudent and stiff-hearted”
Ezekiel is told to preface his words with “Thus says יְהוָה - the
LORD”, grounding his authority entirely in the Divine mandate.
Verse 5. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, for they are a rebellious house, yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.
Explanation: This verse sets the standard for the prophetic office. Whether the people listen or refuse to listen (as they are a rebellious house), the act of speaking ensures they can never claim ignorance. They will know a prophet has been among them.
Verse 6. And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though defiers and despisers be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions; be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
Explanation: Ezekiel is
warned not to fear. The imagery of “briers”, “thorns”, and “scorpions” represents
the stinging words and hostile environment he will face. He is commanded to
remain un-intimidated by their faces or their rebellion.
Verse 7. And thou shalt speak My words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear; for they are most rebellious.
Explanation: A repetition for emphasis: the prophet’s sole focus must be the delivery of the word. The outcome, the “hearing or forbearing” is out of his hands.
Verse 8. And thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee: be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house; open thy mouth, and eat that which I give thee’.
Explanation: Ezekiel is
cautioned not to become rebellious like the people he is sent to. He is
commanded to open his mouth and consume what is given to him, symbolizing the
total internalization of the Divine word.
Verse 9. And when I looked, behold, a hand was put forth unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;
Explanation: A hand
appears, stretched out toward the prophet, holding a Megillat-Sefer (a
scroll of a book).
Verse 10. and He spread it before me, and it was written within and without; and there was written therein lamentations, and moaning, and woe”.
Explanation: The scroll is unrolled. Unusually, it is written on both the front and the back, signifying the fullness of the decree. The content is described as “lamentations, moaning, and woe”, signalling the heavy nature of the upcoming prophecies.
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My Concluding Message:
The essence of Chapter 2 is the definition
of prophetic integrity. It posits that the messenger’s worth is not found
in their popularity or their ability to persuade, but in their resilience. By
“eating” the scroll, the prophet accepts that the message must become part of
his very being, allowing him to stand firm against a tide of communal defiance.
It is a lesson in the courage required to hold a mirror up to a society that is
not yet ready to see its own reflection.
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