Matthew Henry Commentary Ezekiel 2
Matthew Henry Commentary
Ezekiel 2
Matthew Henry Commentary
Ezekiel 2
"And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak with thee. And the Spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet; and I heard him that spake unto me. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to nations that are rebellious, which have rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me even unto this very day. And the children are impudent and stiffhearted: I do sent thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them." — Ezekiel 2:1-5 (ASV)
So that Ezekiel would not be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, he is reminded that he is still 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 his work.
God will speak to us when we stand ready to do what he commands us. As Ezekiel had no 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 would know by the outcome 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.
"And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house. And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear; for they are most rebellious. But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that which I give thee. And when I looked, behold, a hand was put forth unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; And he spread it before me: and it was written within and without; and there were written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe." — Ezekiel 2:6-10 (ASV)
Those who would accomplish anything purposeful in the service of God must not fear men. Wicked men are as briers and thorns; but they are near to 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 a matter of lamentation. And those acquainted with the word of God will clearly perceive that 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.
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