Ezekiel 3
BSB1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat what you find here. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel." 2 So I opened my mouth, and He fed me the scroll. 3 “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. 4 Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them. 5 For you are not being sent to a people of unfamiliar speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel— 6 not to the many peoples of unfamiliar speech and difficult language whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. 7 But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted. 8 Behold, I will make your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. 9 I will make your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or dismayed at their presence, even though they are a rebellious house." 10 “Son of man,” He added, “listen carefully to all the words I speak to you, and take them to heart. 11 Go to your people, the exiles; speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ whether they listen or refuse to listen." 12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me: ‘Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His dwelling place!’ 13 It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against one another and the sound of the wheels beside them, a great rumbling sound. 14 So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. 15 I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. 16 At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. 18 If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. 19 But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself. 20 Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood. 21 But if you warn the righteous man not to sin, and he does not sin, he will indeed live because he heeded your warning, and you will have saved yourself." 22 And there the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you." 23 So I got up and went out to the plain, and behold, the glory of the LORD was present there, like the glory I had seen by the River Kebar, and I fell facedown. 24 Then the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet. He spoke with me and said, “Go, shut yourself inside your house. 25 And you, son of man, they will tie with ropes, and you will be bound so that you cannot go out among the people. 26 I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth, and you will be silent and unable to rebuke them, though they are a rebellious house. 27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ezekiel 3
- Themes from Ezekiel 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ezekiel 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Ezekiel chapter 3 begins with Ezekiel eating the scroll given to him by God, symbolizing his reception of God's message and his responsibility to proclaim it to the people. The chapter then describes Ezekiel's commission as a watchman, emphasizing the importance of warning the wicked and the righteous of their respective paths. Ezekiel is instructed to speak God's words to the people, regardless of their response, and is reminded that he will be held accountable for his faithfulness to his task. The chapter also includes a description of Ezekiel's inability to speak due to God's intervention, as well as his eventual release to proclaim God's message. Key verses, such as Ezekiel 3:17-20, highlight the importance of Ezekiel's role and the consequences of disobedience.
Context for the Chapter
Ezekiel chapter 3 is part of the larger narrative of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, which is described in the book of Ezekiel. The chapter is situated in the context of the Babylonian exile, where the Israelites are living in captivity and are in need of guidance and direction. The chapter's themes of obedience, disobedience, and the consequences of sin are all relevant to the Israelites' situation, as they are called to repentance and faithfulness to God's commands. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, where the themes of sin, redemption, and restoration are prominent.
Heart Application
The chapter's emphasis on faithfulness and obedience to God's commands is a call to believers to examine their own hearts and lives. As we read Ezekiel's words, we are reminded of the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin, and of the need to proclaim God's message to a world in need of redemption. The chapter's themes are also relevant to our own lives, as we are called to faithfulness and obedience in our daily walk with God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Ezekiel chapter 3 is about Ezekiel's role as a prophet and watchman, calling the people to repentance and faithfulness to God's commands. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17-20. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the need to heed God's warnings and turn from sin, and to proclaim God's message to a world in need of redemption.
Voices from the Church
“The prophet Ezekiel was a watchman, and as such, he was bound to warn the people of their sins and to call them to repentance. This is a solemn responsibility, and one that we as believers must take seriously.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The scroll eaten by Ezekiel symbolizes the reception of God's message and the responsibility to proclaim it to the people. This is a reminder to us of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the need to proclaim the gospel to all nations.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Ezekiel's Commission (Ezekiel 3:1-3) — Ezekiel is given a scroll to eat, symbolizing his reception of God's message and his responsibility to proclaim it to the people.
- The Watchman's Responsibility (Ezekiel 3:17-20) — Ezekiel is reminded of his role as a watchman, emphasizing the importance of warning the wicked and the righteous of their respective paths.
- The Consequences of Disobedience (Ezekiel 3:20-21) — The chapter describes the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin.
- Ezekiel's Inability to Speak (Ezekiel 3:22-27) — Ezekiel is unable to speak due to God's intervention, emphasizing his dependence on God's power and guidance.
- Ezekiel's Release to Proclaim God's Message (Ezekiel 3:27) — Ezekiel is eventually released to proclaim God's message, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the rewards of obedience.
- The Role of the Prophet
- Ezekiel's role as a prophet is significant, as he is called to proclaim God's message to the people.
- The Consequences of Sin
- The chapter describes the consequences of sin, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin.
- The Power of God's Word
- The chapter emphasizes the power of God's word, highlighting its ability to bring life and redemption to those who hear it.
Lessons from Ezekiel 3
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the rewards of obedience.
- The Role of the Prophet — Ezekiel's role as a prophet is significant, as he is called to proclaim God's message to the people.
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter describes the consequences of sin, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin.
- The Power of God's Word — The chapter emphasizes the power of God's word, highlighting its ability to bring life and redemption to those who hear it.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the rewards of faithfulness.
Themes from Ezekiel 3
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the rewards of obedience.
- The Role of the Prophet — Ezekiel's role as a prophet is significant, as he is called to proclaim God's message to the people.
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter describes the consequences of sin, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin.
- The Power of God's Word — The chapter emphasizes the power of God's word, highlighting its ability to bring life and redemption to those who hear it.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the rewards of faithfulness.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of Ezekiel's role as a watchman, and how does it relate to our own lives as believers?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on obedience and disobedience relate to our own walk with God?
- What are the consequences of sin, and how can we avoid them in our own lives?
- How does Ezekiel's commission as a prophet relate to our own calling as believers to proclaim God's message to the world?
- What is the significance of the scroll eaten by Ezekiel, and how does it relate to our own reception of God's message?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Ezekiel's Commission (Ezekiel 3:1-3)
| Ezekiel 3:1 | Ezekiel is given a scroll to eat, symbolizing his reception of God's message and his responsibility to proclaim it to the people. |
| Ezekiel 3:2 | Ezekiel eats the scroll, and it is as sweet as honey in his mouth, symbolizing the delight of proclaiming God's message. |
| Ezekiel 3:3 | Ezekiel is told to speak God's words to the people, regardless of their response, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. |
2. The Watchman's Responsibility (Ezekiel 3:17-20)
| Ezekiel 3:17 | Ezekiel is reminded of his role as a watchman, emphasizing the importance of warning the wicked and the righteous of their respective paths. |
| Ezekiel 3:18 | The watchman is responsible for warning the wicked of their sin, and for calling the righteous to faithfulness. |
| Ezekiel 3:19 | The watchman is held accountable for his faithfulness to his task, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. |
| Ezekiel 3:20 | The watchman is reminded of the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin. |
3. The Consequences of Disobedience (Ezekiel 3:20-21)
| Ezekiel 3:20 | The chapter describes the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin. |
| Ezekiel 3:21 | The righteous are called to faithfulness, and are reminded of the rewards of obedience to God's commands. |
4. Ezekiel's Inability to Speak (Ezekiel 3:22-27)
| Ezekiel 3:22 | Ezekiel is unable to speak due to God's intervention, emphasizing his dependence on God's power and guidance. |
| Ezekiel 3:23 | Ezekiel sees the glory of God, and is reminded of his role as a prophet and watchman. |
| Ezekiel 3:24 | Ezekiel is told to speak God's words to the people, regardless of their response, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. |
| Ezekiel 3:25 | Ezekiel is reminded of the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin. |
| Ezekiel 3:26 | Ezekiel is unable to speak due to God's intervention, emphasizing his dependence on God's power and guidance. |
| Ezekiel 3:27 | Ezekiel is eventually released to proclaim God's message, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ezekiel's role as a watchman?
Ezekiel's role as a watchman emphasizes his responsibility to warn the people of God's message and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17-20.
What are the consequences of sin, and how can we avoid them?
The chapter describes the consequences of sin, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin, as seen in Ezekiel 3:20-21.
How does Ezekiel's commission as a prophet relate to our own calling as believers?
Ezekiel's commission as a prophet is a reminder of our own calling as believers to proclaim God's message to the world, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Ezekiel 3:1-3.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 3:1 → Exodus 4:10-12 | Ezekiel's commission as a prophet is similar to Moses' commission in Exodus 4:10-12, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 3:17 → Isaiah 62:6 | The concept of a watchman is also found in Isaiah 62:6, emphasizing the importance of warning the people of God's message and the consequences of disobedience. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 3:20 → Deuteronomy 30:19 | The consequences of disobedience are also described in Deuteronomy 30:19, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 3:22 → Daniel 10:15-17 | Ezekiel's inability to speak due to God's intervention is similar to Daniel's experience in Daniel 10:15-17, emphasizing the importance of dependence on God's power and guidance. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 3:25 → Matthew 28:18-20 | The importance of proclaiming God's message to the world is also emphasized in Matthew 28:18-20, highlighting the significance of our own calling as believers to proclaim the gospel to all nations. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 3:26 → 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 | The concept of dependence on God's power and guidance is also found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, emphasizing the importance of humility and faithfulness in our own walk with God. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 3:27 → Hebrews 13:15 | The importance of proclaiming God's message to the world is also emphasized in Hebrews 13:15, highlighting the significance of our own calling as believers to proclaim the gospel to all nations. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 3:1 → John 1:1-14 | The concept of the word of God is also found in John 1:1-14, emphasizing the importance of the Bible as our guide for faith and practice. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 3:17 → Acts 20:26-27 | The concept of a watchman is also found in Acts 20:26-27, emphasizing the importance of warning the people of God's message and the consequences of disobedience. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 3:20 → Romans 6:23 | The consequences of disobedience are also described in Romans 6:23, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin. |
Sermons on Ezekiel 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Sweden) God's Controversy With the Evangelical Church of Sweden by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who was inspired by his missionary grandmother's faith but became disillusioned when she returned from the mission fie |
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(Covenant Word Ministries) Hell! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the belief held by many that life ends with death and there is no purpose or accountability beyond that. He emphasizes the shock that awaits |
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The Supreme Task of the Church by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the supreme task of the Church, which is the evangelization of the world. He highlights the importance of having a world vision and not just |
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Ezekiel by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage from the book of Ezekiel where the prophet is instructed to eat a scroll and speak to the house of Israel. The preacher emphasiz |
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Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac |
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Submission and Piety at Home by Keith Daniel | In this video, the speaker reflects on an eight-week preaching tour they recently completed, covering 17 different states. They express their gratitude for the opportunity to preac |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 31-35 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of churches putting on entertaining programs to draw crowds instead of focusing on sound doctrine. He emphasizes that people with it |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had of four living creatures. These creatures had the appearance of a man but each had four faces and four |
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The Secrets of the Heart by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing before God's judgment seat and giving an account of our actions. He highlights that as Christians, we will face t |
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Ger-07 Ezekiel 37 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for believers to have a deeper understanding of the mystery of Israel and the Church. He emphasizes that many Christians have not yet |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 3
Matthew Henry's commentary on Ezekiel 3 emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the rewards of faithfulness. Henry notes that Ezekiel's role as a watchman is a solemn responsibility, and that we as believers must take seriously our own calling to proclaim God's message to the world. Henry also emphasizes the importance of dependence on God's power and guidance, highlighting the significance of humility and faithfulness in our own walk with God. As Henry notes, 'the word of God is the sword of the Spirit, and it is our duty to wield it faithfully, that we may be able to stand against the temptations of the devil and to overcome them.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the rewards of obedience. This theme is evident in Ezekiel 3:17-20, where Ezekiel is reminded of his responsibility as a watchman.
The Role of the Prophet
Ezekiel's role as a prophet is significant, as he is called to proclaim God's message to the people. This role is emphasized in Ezekiel 3:1-3, where Ezekiel eats the scroll and is commissioned by God.
The Consequences of Sin
The chapter describes the consequences of sin, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings and turning from sin. This theme is evident in Ezekiel 3:17-20, where the consequences of disobedience are outlined.