Chapter 3: Yichezkal’s Commission as Watchman
1. Eating the Scroll (Verses 1–3)
G-d commands Ezekiel to eat a scroll, symbolizing complete internalization of His message. The scroll tastes sweet, showing the goodness of G-d’s word despite its challenging content.
2. Commission to Speak (Verses 4–11)
Ezekiel is sent to the house of Israel, not to foreign nations. The difficulty lies in their stubbornness, not language. G-d instructs him to speak His words whether they listen or refuse.
- Strength for the Mission (Verses 8–9)
G-d makes Ezekiel’s forehead “harder than flint,” giving him courage and resilience to face a rebellious people without fear.
- Vision and Transport (Verses 12–15)
Ezekiel experiences a powerful vision of G-d’s glory and is lifted by the Spirit to the exiles at Tel Aviv by the river Chebar. He sits among them for seven days, overwhelmed.
- Appointed as Watchman (Verses 16–21)
Ezekiel is made a spiritual watchman for Israel. His responsibility:
- Warn the wicked to turn from sin.
- Warn the righteous to remain faithful. Failure to warn brings guilt; obedience saves his own soul.
- Renewed Encounter with G-d (Verses 22–23)
G-d’s glory appears again in the plain. Ezekiel falls on his face, and the Spirit strengthens him to stand and receive further instructions.
- Silence and Obedience (Verses 24–27)
Ezekiel is told he will be bound and mute, speaking only when G-d opens his mouth. His words will carry divine authority: “He who listens will listen, and he who forbears will forbear.”
