Ezekiel 3

2 to eat that roll. See note on ii. 8.

3 as honey for sweetness. Denoting, probably, the inward satisfaction flowing from simple obedience to God’s commands. The nature of the work, however, soon made him feel its bitterness (14): cp. Rev. x. 9, 10.

6 many people. Or, “many peoples,” as R.V.—speaking various languages.

12 from his (its) place. The sound of praise came from the place where the chariot of the Almighty was.

13 that touched one another. Or, “as they touched,” etc., see R.V. i.e., when expanded for flight; otherwise they were separate (i. 11).

14 the hand of the Lord was strong upon me. I was under a powerful Divine impulse.

15. Tel-abib. Probably the chief colony of the Jews on the Chebar. Tel signifies “hill”; abib, “ears of corn.”

and I sat where they sat. This was the common attitude of grief; and seven days was the usual period of deep mourning (Job ii. 13). This proof of the prophet’s sympathy with his exiled brethren ought to have gained their confidence and their attention to his message.

astonished. Or, “in deep silence.”

19 hast delivered thy soul. Art clear from the guilt of his sin.

20. When a righteous man. The best of men is safe only as he keeps constantly in mind his liability to fall; watching over himself, and praying and striving against all evil.

I lay a stumbling-block, etc. Allowing him to be placed where his principles are put to a severe test.

his righteousness. Lit., “his righteousnesses”; i.e., his good deeds.

23 into the plain. Again into solitude; that, after having received his commission, he might be again fortified by the heavenly vision.

24 and spake with me, etc. The same Spirit which at one time prompts to speak, at another commands silence.

25 and shall bind thee with them. It is probable that the reading should be, “I will put bands upon thee and bind thee,” as figurative expression for God’s restraint, of which the following verse is a continuation.

26. And I will make thy tongue, etc. In retribution for their treatment of the prophet.

27. But when I speak with thee, etc. There would be times when the prophet’s enforced silence would be broken by Divine impulses so strong that he could not but speak.