Introduction

The prophet, Ezekiel, was taken to Babylon at the start of Zedekiah’s reign, 11 years before Jerusalem finally fell to the Babylonians.

Verses
1He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.”
2The Spirit entered into me when he spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard him who spoke to me.
3He said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the children of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me even to this very day.
4The children are impudent and stiff-hearted. I am sending you to them, and you shall tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’
5They, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse, for they are a rebellious house, yet they will know that there has been a prophet amongst them.
6You, son of man, don’t be afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you dwell amongst scorpions. Don’t be afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.
7You shall speak my words to them, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse; for they are most rebellious.
8But you, son of man, hear what I tell you. Don’t be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth, and eat that which I give you.”
9When I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me; and, behold, a scroll of a book was in it.
10He spread it before me. It was written within and without; and lamentations, mourning, and woe were written in it.

Questions

1. How does the LORD describe the children of Israel and their fathers?

v 3 and 4 He said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the children of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me even to this very day. The children are impudent and stiff-hearted. ...

2. What will the children of Israel know, whether or not they listen to Ezekiel?

v 5 They, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse, for they are a rebellious house, yet they will know, that there has been a prophet amongst them.

3. What was in the scroll of a book that Ezekiel was given?

v 9 and 10 When I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me; and, behold, a scroll of a book was in it. He spread it before me. It was written within and without; and lamentations, mourning, and woe were written in it.

Summary Points

  • v 1 to 5 The LORD gives a message for the rebellious children of Israel. Whether or not they will listen they will know that a prophet has been among them
  • v 6 to 10 Ezekiel is told not to be afraid of the people’s opposition when he speaks to them about the LORD's warning message. Ezekiel is shown a scroll

Timeline 570 BC

Audio