Ezekiel 2
DortThe prophet being terrified by the former vision raised up by God, vers 1 ,2 and called to the prophetical office among the children of Israel ,with instruction and strengthening against their obstinacy ,3 and the of a roll that was written without 9.
1. And he said unto me ,[to wit he whose voice he had heard ,above chap .1.28 who no doubt was he that fate upon the throne ,vers 26 of the same chapter]child of man ,[so the Lord calleth him ,left he should lift up himself through the excellent revelation of the heavenly vision before described but rather humble himself by the consideration of his human infirmity. This name also served for comfort unto the prophet as if God should say I know that thou art but a weak man ,and therefore art afraid of my majesty ,yea that thou also shalt be vexed by the reason of the contempts that shall befall thee from the Jews :but look unto me that call thee unto this office but not upon thy self who art but a weak frail man] stand upon thy eet [for the prophet was fallen down upon his face affrighted by the terrible vision that was shewn unto him]and I will speak with thee
2. Then the spirit [meaning the spirit of God that enabled him to do that which God commanded him .Isaiah 48:16 and61.1 so below chap 3.24] entered into me he spake unto me which set me upon my feet and l heard him that spake unto me [to wit the Lord that sate upon the throne]
3. And he said unto me child of man l send thee to the children of Israel [meaning the Jews that were carried away captive with Jojachin out of their own country Judea into Babylon below chap 3.11 howbeit under may be also comprehended theten tribes that were scattered out of their own land among the heathen . Some understand thereby also the Jews that still dwelt in their own country to whom the prophet Jeremia was sent to God] to the rebelling nation [there is the word Gojim which signifieth the heathen so the Lord seemeth to call his people here because they were far so departed from him by idolatry as that they were no better then the heathen :although it be also attributed to the Israelites in a good sense ,Exodus 19:6 Joshua 3:17 and 5.8 c] that have rebelled against me :they had their fathers have transgressed against me ,even unto this very day [Heb unto the bone or being of tis very day so Genesis 7:13 and 17 .26 Levit 23.14 and 24.2 and 40.1 .]
4. And those children are of face [that is with out shame compare Jerem 3.3 and 5.3 and below chap 3.7 [and stiff of heart:[are those that stiffen or harden their hearts who these are see Exod .4.on vers 21 .] I send thee unto them and thou shalt say unto them this faith the Lord LORD [this was usually the preface of the prophet when they were to declare somewhat according to Gods
5. And they whether they will hear or whether they will forbear [The lord will have the prophet only to look upon his charge ,& not upon the event or issue so below v7.& cb.3.11,27 .]for they are a rebellious house [Heb a house of rebellion to wit against the Lord their God house for people so below vers6 and 3.26 ,27calso children of rebellion Numb17.10 a people of rebellion Isaiah 30:9]they shall know that a prophet [that is a person immediately sent by God to declare his will to raise up the decayed state of the church to threaten the wicked to comfort the wicked to comfort the godly to foretell things to come especially concerning the Meffias and also to instruct magistrates and rulers concerning their office and duty] hath been in the in the midst of them .[that is be convinced that the Lord hath admonished them by his minister and exhorted them the repentance ,and yet remain obstinate and hardened are utterly left without excuse]
6. And thou child of man be not afraid of them neither be afraid of their words though rebels and thorns [meaning man that prick and hurt either with words or deeds] be with thee and thou dwellest with scorpions :[others thistles understand very crusty and mischievous men who know cunningly to shoot out the destructive poison of their malice and wickedness] be not afraid of their words nor be dismared at their looks for they are a rebellious house
7. But thou shalt speak my words unto them ,whether they will hear or whether they will forbear for they are rebellious [Heb rebellion so Proverbs 17:11 and here in the next vers compare Job 24 on vers 220 and 35 bon vers 13
8. Yet thou child of man hear that which I speak unto thee be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house open thy mouth and eat that I give thee .[By this token prophetical office is delivered unto Ezekiel ,and he is charged thereby not only to hear the revelations of God readily and willingly but also to ponder them diligently and to discharge them faithfully .Thus where also men of God by certain tokens installed and confirmed in their offices and places see Exodus 4:2,3,4.Isa .6.6,7 Jerem 1.9 Rev .10.8,9,10.]
9. Then I looked and behold there was an hand put forth unto me and to therein was the roll of a book :[or a letter rolled together .In former times writings or written in paper or parchment are fastened together wraped roundabout a stick and rolled together by reason whereof they were called a roll .See Psal 40 on vers 8 likewise Isaiah 8:1 and 34.4Jerem 36.2 Ezra 6 on vers 3.]
10. And be spread the same out before my face and it [T wit the roll of the book]was written before and behind :[that signified that the judgments that God would send upon the Jews were manifold and in it were written lamentations and sighing and wo .[to wit which signified the miserable condition that should befall the Jews by Gods just judgment]