Book of Ezekiel: Chapter 3
In the third chapter of Ezekiel, the Lord continues to give the prophet instructions. The chapter begins with a continuation of Ezekiel’s first vision of God.
In this vision, God hands Ezekiel a scroll. The scroll, filled with instructions on both sides, is offered to Ezekiel. God tells Ezekiel to eat the scroll and to give its message to the people of Israel.
After this first vision, God brings Ezekiel to the colony of Judean exiles in Babylonia. These are the people that God wants his message delivered. After spending seven days quietly among the people of the colony (probably in mourning for the spiritually dead), the Lord delivered another message to Ezekiel.
In this message, God appoints Ezekiel to become the Watchman of Israel. In this role, He requires Ezekiel to warn the colony of the danger of their sins. This imagery invokes Ezekiel and the Lord as protectors of a people who have long grown rebellious and stubborn.
Key Verses:
“‘Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Then go to your people in exile and say to them, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says!” Do this and whether they listen or not.’” ~ Ezekiel 3:10-11
Questions to ponder:
- How would you respond to the heavy responsibility of being the Watchmen of Israel had you been given these instructions?
- Have you ever had to deliver harsh news to someone that didn’t want to hear it or listen? How can following God’s guidance help in a tough situation like that?
