Ezekiel 2 – Bible Study Questions

Ezekiel 2 – Bible Study Questions
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Introduction Biblehub: Ezekiel 2 represents a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Ezekiel as it outlines his divine calling and mission from God. Despite the daunting task and hard-hearted audience, Ezekiel is expected to embody fearlessness and unswerving commitment. Ezekiel 2 offers insights into the character of God, the nature of prophecy, and the human propensity for rebellion.
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Ezekiel’s Call. –Ezekiel 2:1-5

• v1: “Son of man”: What does this title bring to mind about humanity? About Jesus the Messiah?
  Ezekiel Son of Man: In the gospels, Jesus often refers to Himself as the Son of Man (e.g., Matthew 16:27; Mark 14:21; Luke 7:34; John 3:13). Jesus’ use of this title links Him to Daniel 7:13–14, a passage describing the coming Messiah
  * Jesus always called Himself “the Son of Man,” as in the only one there is. In using the definite article, Jesus contrasts Himself with other personalities in the Bible associated with the same term. Ezekiel is never called “the son of man”; he is always just a “son of man,” as in one among many.
• v2: “Stand on your feet”: What do you notice about this position? Did Ezekiel stand on his feet in his own strength?
  Enduringword: Ezekiel 1:28 tells us that the prophet fell on his face at the sight of the likeness of the glory of the LORD in the vision of Ezekiel 1. Now he is told to stand, to hear God’s message and to receive his call.
  * It was that of standing erect before God in order that face to face he might receive the word of God. (Morgan)
  * In those days servants always stood in the presence of their Master. (Smith)
  * On many occasions, the Spirit would lift him up (Ezekiel 2:2; 3:14; 8:3; 11:1; 37:1; 43:5) and give him special power for his tasks (Ezekiel 3:24; 11:5). The important thing was that Ezekiel stand obediently before the Lord and listen to His Word. (Wiersbe)
  * If God has called you to do a certain thing, He’ll give you the power to do it. The best position you can come to is to recognize that you are not able in your own strength to do the job the Lord has given to you. (McGee)
• v3-5: What does it mean to be rebellious? Hard-hearted? What is the opposite of a hard heart? How is Ezekiel instructed to handle this?
  Hard Heart: Relying on human/worldly wisdom results in a hard heart that is unable to see, hear, understand or remember things of the Lord!
  –Mark 8:17-18;Ecc 1:8-11
  * A noble heart is the opposite of a hard heart.
  –Luke 8:15,18;Acts 17:11;Mark 4:23-25
  * Ezekiel is instructed to give God’s message whether it is received or not. –2Corinthians 2:14-16

Instructions to the prophet Ezekiel. –Ezekiel 2:6-8

• What do the thorns, briers and scorpions represent? .
  Enduringword: God warned Ezekiel that many would reject his message. Their rejection would sting like briars, like thorns, and like scorpions – yet it should not drive the prophet to fear and despair.
  * Note how Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-12), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:17-19) and Ezekiel, here (Ezekiel 2:7), were all given a depressing call. They were needed in a desperate situation, and had to be prepared for a large measure of rejection and even threats on their life (Wright).
  This difficult call was easier for Ezekiel to embrace because it came from a genuinely awesome encounter with God. Because he was absolutely convinced of the power, majesty, and glory of God it gave him strength and courage to stand against the stinging rejection of men. ii. This difficult call was easier for Ezekiel to embrace because it came from a genuinely awesome encounter with God. Because he was absolutely convinced of the power, majesty, and glory of God it gave him strength and courage to stand against the stinging rejection of men.
• v8: “Open your mouth and eat”: What does this depict?
  Enduringword:  God’s servants should receive God’s word as if they actually eat it. Actually eating the material pages of a Bible would do one no spiritual good, but using the figure of eating the scroll as a picture of how we should receive God’s word can do us great good. Eating the scroll speaks of many things that should mark our reception of God’s revealed word: Deliberate action; Readiness to receive; Internal reception; Repetitious chewing; Complete reception; The process of digestion; Necessity; Sweetness; Strength; Nourishment.

The Scroll of Lament. –Ezekiel 2:9-10

• “the scroll written on both sides” : What does this depict?
  Enduringword: It was full of God’s message. It was complete.
  * Ezekiel may not modify it with his own comments, nor does God allow himself any room for adjustments. (Block)
  * This was the most important message for the house of Israel to hear, and it was the message that would be sharply rejected.

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Related:
Matthew Henry 2:1-5 : Lest Ezekiel should be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, he is put in mind that still he is a son of man, a weak, mortal creature. As Christ usually called himself the Son of man, it was also an honourable distinction. Ezekiel’s posture showed reverence, but his standing up would be a posture of greater readiness and fitness for business. God will speak to us, when we stand ready to do what he commands us. As Ezekiel had not strength of his own, the Spirit entered into him. God is graciously pleased to work in us whatever he requires of us. The Holy Spirit sets us upon our feet, by inclining our wills to our duty. Thus, when the Lord calls upon the sinner to awake, and attend to the concerns of his soul, the Spirit of life and grace comes with the call. Ezekiel is sent with a message to the children of Israel. Many might treat his message with contempt, yet they should know by the event that a prophet had been sent to them. God will be glorified, and his word made honourable, whether it be a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death.
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Matthew Henry 2:6-10:  Those who will do any thing to purpose in the service of God, must not fear men. Wicked men are as briers and thorns; but they are nigh unto cursing, and their end is to be burned. The prophet must be faithful to the souls of those to whom he was sent. All who speak from God to others, must obey his voice. The discoveries of sin, and the warnings of wrath, should be matter of lamentation. And those acquainted with the word of God, will clearly perceive it is filled with woe to impenitent sinners; and that all the precious promises of the gospel are for the repenting, believing servants of the Lord.

Tags: 2Timothy 4:2, Ezekiel 2 Study, Ezekiel Bible Study, Hard Heart, Speak His word in and out of season