Tuesday 10 February 2026
"You shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear; for they are a rebellious house." (v. 7)
Background
In these verses Ezekiel is still caught up in the vision he described in chapter one. Having explained all that he saw, he now shares with us the first words he hears. We can look at similar calls to the likes of Jeremiah (1:4-10) and Isaiah (6:1-13) and see a similarities in the calling to speak the word of God to the people.
Unlike in Jeremiah and Isaiah’s call we never hear Ezekiel utter a word in response to his call. The voice instructs him to stand at the beginning (v. 1) though it is the Holy Spirit that helps him do this, which may tell us that the vision he has experienced has caused him to fall to his knees in response. At the end of this section he is also instructed to eat the scroll that is given to him which he duly does in the next chapter.
In between these instructions comes Ezekiel's call. Like all the prophets it is not an easy one and the instructions given to him do not hide that this is a obstinate and stubborn people (v. 4) that he is going to speak to. To add to this he will be surrounded by scorpions (v. 6), and thorns and yet his instruction is to say what needs to be said, even if they do not listen (v. 7).
As a preacher, I wonder how I would feel if I knew what I share each week would be ignored by those who listen. Ezekiel, though, obeys the word that comes to him. Despite the weight of the call, he is to be a messenger to those who may not listen and who may stand against what he has to say. Yet, as we see in what follows, Ezekiel obeys the commands and does all that is asked of him in accordance with the vision God has given him.
To Ponder:
- It can be tempting to only take the positive passages from the Old Testament, and presume that the judgements and criticisms are aimed only at the Jewish people. Do any of those phrases used hit uncomfortably close to home for the Church today?
- In a passage filled with judgement, where do we find grace?
- How does it feel that God shares in words of lamentation, mourning and woe?
Prayer
Holy God, forgive us the times when we have been rebellious, but help us to let go the burdens of our past and trust in your mercy and steadfast love. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd David Wynd
David Wynd is a Methodist minister serving in Cullercoats, in North Tyneside.