Bible Commentary

Ezekiel 2:1-5

Matthew Henry on Ezekiel 2:1-5

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Lest Ezekiel should be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, he is put in mind that still he is 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 business. God will speak to us, when we stand ready to do what he commands us. As Ezekiel had not 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 should know by the event 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.

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commentaryThe Prophet Commissioned to Reprove. (b. c. 595.)THE PROPHET COMMISSIONED TO REPROVE. (B. C. 595.) The title here given to Ezekiel, as often afterwards, is very observable. God, when he speaks to him, calls him, Son of man (Ezekiel 2:1), Son of Adam, Son of the earth.…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1Son of man. This expression is so constantly used with reference to Ezekiel that it cannot be considered a mere Oriental idiom with no peculiar significance. There were special reasons why Ezekiel, as the prophet chosen…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1God speaking, and man listening. This second chapter of the prophecies of Ezekiel introduces us to the personal call and commission of the prophet. The first chapter was engaged with preliminary and preparatory visions.…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1-10EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1Son of man, etc. It is noticeable that the phrase (ben adam), as addressed to a prophet, occurs only in Ezekiel, in whom we find it not less than eighty times, and in Daniel 8:17. As used elsewhere, e.g. in Numbers 23:1…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 2:2-5An arduous embassage. Every prophet is a missionary; every true missionary is a prophet. In an inferior sense of the word, he is a mediator—a mediator between God and man. I. THE MISSIONARY CHARACTER OF THE PROPHET. He…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 2:2And the Spirit, etc. It scarcely admits of question (though the Hebrew has no article, and so far Luther's Version, "Ich ward wieder erquickt," is tenable) that the word is used in the same sense as in Ezekiel 1:20, Eze…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 2:2The entrance of the Spirit. If it were not for another reference to the Spirit in Ezekiel 4:3, we might reasonably suppose that the prophet was referring to his own spirit, and indicating, in picturesque language, that…Joseph S. Exell and contributors