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2/5/06 3:2-3 The command was obeyed by 3-5 Ezekiel. 1) The human and Divine are described as The commission of Ezekiel begins in chapter two one. Vs. 2 and continues into chapter three. a) Ezekiel was submissive to his call without reluctance, ‘So I opened my A better chapter division for chapter two would be mouth.” Vs. 2a at the third verse of chapter three. Ezk. 2:1-3:3 b) Ezekiel was enabled in his call without compulsion, “And He caused Then chapter three would begin with verse four to me to eat that scroll.” Vs. 2b the end. Ezk. 3:4-27 2) The message become one with Ezekiel. Vs. 3 The having been given the scroll written a) Yahweh commands him again, “And on the inside and outside of lamentations and He said to me, “Son of man, feed your mourning and woe, is now told to eat the scroll, belly, and fill your stomach with this not literally but to devour it’s content. scroll that I give you.” Vs. 3a-d b) Ezekiel described the experience and 3:1-3 The prophet Ezekiel was to internalize agreeable, “So I ate, and it was in my the message. mouth like honey in sweetness.” Vs. 3e-f 3:1 The command to Ezekiel. 1) The command is from Yahweh on His 3:4-27 The commission of Ezekiel. throne. “Moreover He said to me, “Son of man.” Vs. 1a-b 3:4-7 Ezekiel was to go to the house of 2) The command was to prepared him to . deliver the message of Yahweh, “Eat 1) The commission was personal. Vs. 4 what you find; eat this scroll, and go, a) To Ezekiel, “Then He said to me: ‘Son speak to the house of Israel.” Vs. 1c-f of man”. Vs. 4a-b * To be totally saturated with the word of God. 3 4

b) To be the mouth piece of God to 3:8-9 Ezekiel was equipped to fulfill his Israel, “Go to the house of Israel and commission. speak with My words to them.” Vs. 4c 1) Yahweh strengthened Ezekiel. Vs. 8 2) The common identity of Ezekiel and a) Yahweh made Ezekiel more stern in Israel was nationality. Vs. 5 countenance, “Behold, I have made a) Ezekiel was being sent to his own your face strong against their faces.” people of a common language, Vs. 5- Vs. 8a-b 6b b) Yahweh made him more persistent b) Ezekiel would have been treated better and determined, “And your forehead and more courteous by a foreign strong against their foreheads.” Vs. 8c people. Vs. 6c-e 2) Yahweh illustrates his prepared resilience c) Ezekiel would speak to them in vain, by the contrast of two grades of hardness, they would not listen to him. Vs. 7a “Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I d) Ezekiel was told why they would have made your forehead.” Vs. 9a-c disobey the message he would 3) Yahweh exhorts Ezekiel in view of the proclaim. Vs. 7b-c difficult commission. Vs. 9d-f 1) “Because they will not listen to a) He was not to be afraid, “Do not be Me.” Vs. 7b-c afraid of them.” Vs. 9d 2) “For all the house of Israel are b) He was not to be intimidated, “Nor be impudent and hard-hearted.” Vs. dismayed at their looks.” Vs. 9e 7c c) He was to be aware of their rebellious a)) The word impudent “chazaq” nature, “Though they are a rebellious means stiff-hearted. house.” Vs. 9f b)) Hard-hearted “qasheh” means cruel , obstinate. 3:10-11 Ezekiel was given the words and 3)) It is easier to overcome a foreign authority. language barrier for 1) The prophet was to embrace the message communication, than a hardened whole-heartedly, “Moreover He said to heart! me: “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you.” Vs. 10a-c 5 6

2) The prophet was to tune his ear to is the glory of the LORD from His Yahweh, “And hear with your ears.” Vs. place!” Vs. 12b-c 10d b) Among the Cherubim, “I also heard 3) The prophet was to be the representative the noise of the wings of the living of Yahweh. Vs. 11 creatures that touched one another, a) Before the house of Israel, “And go, and the noise of the wheels beside get to the captives, to the children of them, and a great thunderous noise.” your people.” Vs. 11a-c Vs. 12d-f b) By the authority of Yahweh, “And 3) Ezekiel was carried off by the Spirit. Vs. speak to them and tell them. Thus 14 says the Lord GOD.” Vs. 11d-e a) Ezekiel was not imagining nor c) Be it heeded or not, “Whether they hallucinating, “So the Spirit lifted me hear, or whether they refuse.” Vs. 11f- up and took me away.” Vs. 14a g * John was transported in the “Spirit” into the future to see the 3:12-15 Ezekiel was transported to the Revelation. Rev. 1-3 captives. b) Ezekiel was overwhelmed 1) Ezekiel was lifted up by the Spirit. Vs. emotionally, “And I went in 12a bitterness, in the heat of my spirit.” a) The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Vs. 14b-c Trinity, without any doubt. 1)) The word bitterness “mar” has the b) The same one that directed the spirits idea of resentfulness, it is the same of the Cherubim. Ezk. 1:12, 20, 21 word stated by Naomi. Ruth 1:13 c) The same Spirit that entered the 2)) In the heat “chemah” means prophet and put him on his feet as he burning anger, displeasure. lay prostrated. Ezk. 2:2 c) Ezekiel was very aware of the 2) Ezekiel heard the worship of Yahweh. presence of Yahweh on his person, Vs. 12 “But the hand of the LORD was a) From His throne, “And I heard behind strong upon me.” Vs. 14d me a great thunderous voice: “Blessed * This phrase is repeated ? times in the book, describing the enabling, 7 8

guidance and directing of Yahweh 2) The commission of Ezekiel is specified. on his person to sustain the task! Vs. 17 4) Ezekiel was translated. Vs. 15 a) He is addressed as before, “Son of a) Ezekiel identified one of the many man.” Vs. 17a settlement, “Then I came to the b) He was made responsible for warning captives at Tel Abib.” Vs. 15a the people, “I have made you a * Mound of the flood or hill of corn watchman for the house of Israel.” ears. Vs. 17b b) Ezekiel identified the geographical 1)) A watchman would be vigilant on location, “Who dwelt by the River the tower of the city to observe any Chebar.” Vs. 15b danger to the city and then warn c) Ezekiel indicated his overwhelming them. Hab. 2:1; Is. 56:10; Jer. 6:17 affect of the vision for one week, 2)) The safety of the people lay in his “And I sat where they sat, and hand. Ezk. 18 remained there astonished among c) He was to give the people the warning them seven days.” Vs. 15c-d form God, “Therefore hear a word * Daniel was sick for days after his from My mouth, and give them vision of Alexander the Great and warning from Me.” Vs. 17c-d anti-christ. Dan. 8:27 3) The responsibility of the watchman Ezekiel. Vs. 18-21 3:16-21 Ezekiel was made the watchman of a) The failure of Ezekiel to warn the Israel. wicked from repenting of his sin, 1) The word of Yahweh came to Ezekiel at would make him responsible for their the end of one week. Vs. 16 blood, if they died in their sin. Vs. 18 a) The phrase “the word of the LORD * Dying he shall die, literally. came to me” is a technical term for b) The faithfulness of Ezekiel to warn the God’s divine revelation to man. wicked to repent from their sin and if b) The revelation of God is always for they refuse to repent and died in their the purpose of making it known to sin, then Ezekiel would be innocent man. and guiltless of their blood. Vs. 19 9 10

c) The failure of Ezekiel to warn the a) He arose and went out into the plain, righteous who would turn to a life of and behold, the glory of the LORD iniquity would make Ezekiel stood there.” Vs. 23a-b responsible for their blood and none b) He identified it like the glory which he of their righteousness would be had seen by the River Chebar. Vs. 23c remembered. Vs. 20 c) He then fell on his face. Vs. 23d * Notice, “And I lay a stumbling * Just as before. Ezk. 1:28 block before him”, God Himself! 3) Ezekiel is empowered to carry out his d) The faithfulness of Ezekiel to warn the commission. Vs. 24 righteous not to sin would cause them a) The Spirit entered him and set him on to live by taking heed to the warning his feet. Vs. 24a and deliver Ezekiel also from any b) The Spirit spoke with him and said to guilt. Vs. 21 him: “Go, shut yourself inside your * Paul told the Ephesian elders, he house.” Vs. 24b-d was innocent of the blood of any * The prophet would act out or deliver man! Acts 20:26 his sermon probably outside his house and the elder would come to 3:22-27 Ezekiel was given some final his house. instructions. 4) Ezekiel was warned of the difficulty and 1) Ezekiel was commanded by God to arise. assured that God was in control. Vs. 25- Vs. 22 27 a) The Divine guidance is indicated, a) The opposition of the people would be “Then the hand of the LORD was close and personal, “And you, O son upon me there.” Vs. 22a of man, surely they will put ropes on b) The Divine words are recorded, “And you and bind you with them, so that He said to me, “Arise, go out into the you cannot go out among them.” Vs. plain, and there I shall talk with you.” 25 Vs. 22b-d b) The opposition of God against the 2) Ezekiel was obedient to the command. people would be marked by making Vs. 23 the prophet unable to speak, “I will make your tongue cling to the roof of 11 12

your mouth, so that you shall be mute taking a clay tablet and lay it before him, and not be one to rebuke them.” Vs. and portraying on it a city, . 26a-b Vs. 1 * When you are in sin God is silent * 15 x 15” or so, this if about four year until there is repentance, so God before the fall of Jerusalem. would open his mouth to speak as 2) Then the prophet was to lay siege against He chose or when the elders the city. Vs. 2 sought Ezekiel! a) By building a siege wall against it. Vs. c) The reason given was, “for they are a 2a-b rebellious house.” Vs. 26c b) By heaping up a mound against it. Vs. 5) Ezekiel would be used at God’s perfect 2c timing. Vs. 27 c) By setting camps against it also. Vs. a) To warn against their rebelliousness, 2d “But when I speak with you, I will d) By placing battering rams against it all open your mouth, and you shall say to around. Vs. 2e them, `Thus says the Lord GOD.” Vs. 3) Then the prophet was to take an iron 27a-d plate. Vs. 3 b) To give individual responsibility, “He a) By taking for himself an iron plate, who hears, let him hear; and he who and set it as an iron wall between him refuses, let him refuse; for they are a and the city. Vs. 3a-b rebellious house.” Vs. 27e-h b) By setting his face against it, and it would be besieged, and he was to lay 4:1-7:27 The judgment of Judah and siege against it. Vs. 3c-e Jerusalem acted out. c) By this Yahweh was giving a sign to * The present judgment of God on Judah and the house of Israel. Vs. 3f Jerusalem, prior to the fall, 586 B.C. Ezk. 4- 24 4:4-8 The difficult days during the siege of Jerusalem were next acted out. 4:1-3 The siege of Jerusalem is acted out. 1) The prophet was commanded to lie on his 1) The prophet was to act out in a sherade left according to the number of the day of type or mime acting out the siege by 13 14

their iniquity of the house of Israel, 390 a day in small portions from time to time days. Vs. 4-5 he was to drink. Vs. 11 a) Some believe he laid there 4) The prophet was to eat it as barley cakes; continuously. and bake it using fuel of human waste in b) Others think he got up at different their sight. Vs. 12 times. 5) The LORD made the application and said, 2) Then the prophet was to do the same on “So shall the children of Israel eat their his right side for the iniquity of Judah 40 defiled bread among the Gentiles, where days. a day for each year. Vs. 6 I will drive them.” Vs. 13 3) The prophet was then to set your face 6) The prophet objected saying, “Ah, Lord toward the siege of Jerusalem, uncovered GOD! Indeed I have never defiled myself his arm and prophesy against it. Vs. 7 from my youth till now; I have never 4) The commentary from God was that he eaten what died of itself or was torn by would restrain Ezekiel so he could not beasts, nor has abominable flesh ever turn from one side to another till he come into my mouth.” Vs. 14 ended the days of his siege. Vs. 8 * Peter did the same thing at Joppa with the curtain of manner of creeping 4:9-17 The prophet was also to prepare food things. Acts 10:14 by measure to demonstrate the famine 7) God made an allowance and told him He condition during the siege of Jerusalem. would give to him cow dung instead of 1) The prophet was given the ingredients for human waste, and he was to prepare his his food as he lay on his side 390 days. bread over it. Vs. 15 Vs. 9 8) God again make the overall application to 2) The food he ate was to be by weight, the famine conditions during the siege of twenty shekels a day; about eight ounces Jerusalem. Vs. 16-17 a day in small portions from time to time a) Moreover He said to me, “Son of he was to eat it. Vs. 10 man, surely I will cut off the supply of * ’s bread was rationed. Jer. bread in Jerusalem.” Vs. 16a-c 37:21 b) They shall eat bread by weight and 3) He was also to drink water by measure, with anxiety, and shall drink water by one-sixth of a hin; about a pint and a half measure and with dread. Vs. 16d-e 15 16

c) That they may lack bread and water, 5:5-8 The reason for the judgment of and be dismayed with one another, Jerusalem. and waste away because of their 1) Yahweh make a clear declaration that it is iniquity. Vs. 17 He is referring to, “Thus says the Lord GOD: `This is Jerusalem.” Vs. 5a-b 5:1-4 The actual day of the siege of 2) The judgment was by the direct hand of Jerusalem was to be acted out. God, “I have set her in the midst of the 1) The prophet was to shave his head and nations and the countries all around her.” beard with a barbers razor, weigh and Vs. 5c divide the hair. Vs. 1 3) The reason was for her rebellion are laid * Shaving was a mark of mourning. Is. out. Vs. 6 15:2, Jer. 48:37 a) She had rebelled against His 2) He then was to burn with fire one-third in judgments, the midst of the city, when the actual b) For doing wickedness more than the days of the siege were finished. Vs. 2a-b nations and against His statutes more 3) Then he was to take one-third and strike than the countries that are all around around it with the sword. Vs. 2c her. 4) He also was to take one-third and scatter c) for having refused His judgments and them in the wind and Yahweh would not having walked in His statutes. draw out a sword after them. Vs. 2d-e 4) The indictment by God was that they had 5) The was to take a small number of them multiplied their disobedience more than and bind them in the edge of your the heathen nations around them, garment. Vs. 3 therefore God’s verdict was that He was 6) Finally, the prophet was to take some of against them and execute judgment in them again and throw them into the midst their midst in the sight of all the nations. of the fire, and burn them in the fire, Vs. 7-8 indicating a fire would go out into all the house of Israel, in judgment. Vs. 4 5:9-17 The unique and various forms of Zedekiah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah and judgment to fall on Jerusalem. Agabus all acted our messages. 1) The judgment would be like no other before, due to their abominations. Vs. 9 17 18

2) Therefore fathers would cannibalize their the nations about the execution of His sons and sons would cannibalized their judgment. Vs. 14-15 fathers. Vs. 10a-b 8) God took full responsibility for their * Jer. 19:9; Lam. 2:20 destruction, without any apologies. Vs. 3) This would be the execution of God’s 16-17 judgments and all who remained He would scatter to all the winds. Vs. 10c-d 4) God took an oath regarding the judgment, “Therefore, as I live,' says the Lord GOD, `surely, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable things and with all your abominations, therefore I will also diminish you; My eye will not spare, nor will I have any pity.” Vs. 11 5) God repeats the various methods of His judgment. Vs. 12 a) One-third of you shall die of the pestilence, and be consumed with famine in your midst. Vs. 12a-b b) One-third shall fall by the sword all around you. Vs. 12c c) One-third He would scatter another third to all the winds, and draw out a sword after them. Vs. 12d-e 6) God declares His righteous judgment for their evil. Vs. 13 7) God would make them a reproach among the nations as they passed by during those 70 years, a taunt and lesson for all