What happensPermalink
Ezekiel eats the scroll, and it tastes as sweet as honey. God sends him to Israel, warning that a foreign people would listen but Israel will not, and equips him to withstand their resistance. The Spirit carries him to the exiles at Tel-abib, where he sits overwhelmed for seven days. God appoints him as Israel’s watchman, responsible to deliver His warnings. Ezekiel sees God’s glory again in the valley, then is sent home, where he will be restrained and unable to speak until God opens his mouth.
Why it mattersPermalink
The scroll’s sweetness and Ezekiel’s bitterness join the goodness of God’s word with the anguish of his commission. As watchman, he is accountable to speak, while each hearer is accountable to respond. His restricted speech marks God’s control of his commission and anticipates its renewal when Jerusalem falls in chapter 33.
Key versePermalink
Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.