Ezekiel chapter 2

vs 1

The TNIV has a fascinating note on the term ben adam in the Hebrew, noting that it literally means 'human being'. Of course, what it literally means is 'son of adam' and it depends whether you take the word 'adam' as meaning 'man' or as a proper name - I think there is a way to tell them apart, but nuts if I can remember. What actually interests me is that they felt the need to put this note in - and then say they were keeping Son of Man for its traditional associations.

What this vision of the glory of God says is that Ezekiel should stand up, and then they will talk.

vs 2

When God says stand up, you stand up. Is this the same spirit that was blowing around the creatures, I wonder?

vs 3

Well, that sets the tone, doesn't it? God is not happy. Israel to him at the moment is a nation of people who have screwed him around for ages and ages, and even though they are in exile, God is still upset with them.

vs 4

Which is, you know, how lots of prophecies begin, so if you didn't guess those words, then you really should have studied better at prophet school. But God is also warning him that he's not going to be listened to. This is the beginning of what is a quite terrible ministry for Ezekiel, as he attempts to get the attention of Israel in lots of various ways.

vs 5

God sends his messenger regardless of whether the message will be heard. He wants his people to know they've heard from him - whether they choose to listen or not is up to them. Now, at other times - Moses and Pharoah is an example - God tells Moses exactly how Pharoah is going to respond. But here, he leaves it open. Interesting.

vs 6

I don't know about you, but as soon as someone tells you not to be afraid, you start to wonder. "Well, I wasn't afraid before... but now, are you telling me there is something to fear?" Natural untrusting nature, perhaps. Also, briers, thorns and scorpions doesn't sound very nice. Also, being told that 'hey, I'm sending you to a bunch of people who don't listen to me, and I'm God. But they'll listen to you, because.... well, good luck' is not great for comfort. But it is comforting to know that God sends you, which means he'll keep you.

vs 7

They need to hear God's voice in this matter. Via Ezekiel.

vs 8

Erm... okay? We can assume that God chose Ezekiel because he is faithful. The eating thing, though... I mean, to say yes before you see it, that's just asking for mistrust or abuse. You really have to trust God here.

vs 9

Which of course, you hope is a flavoured scroll, because scrolls on their own are pretty bland.

vs 10

So that's a lot of lament and mourning and woe. It's probably going to taste bitter, then.