Ezekiel 2

Reading Ezekiel · Follow the vision and its setting

Start anywhere in Ezekiel. Bring these reading tools with you.

Separate a date from a vision’s location

Ezekiel supplies dated headings within an exilic setting. Record the named ruler, year, and place; then ask whether a journey occurs in a vision or as a narrated physical movement. These are different kinds of evidence.

Notice the prophetic action

A gesture, object, or enacted sign can communicate a message. Look for the text’s own explanation before supplying an allegorical meaning for every detail.

Try it in Ezekiel 10–11

Track the movement of the divine presence in the vision. Mark the temple, city, and eastern mountain, and then the return to the exiles. Distinguish the visionary route from the prophet’s physical location.

Read disturbing imagery in context

Identify who speaks and the rhetorical purpose of violent or degrading imagery. Explaining ancient rhetoric does not endorse its language or apply its judgments to contemporary religious or cultural groups.

Explore the scholarship: Yale · historical and literary discussion ↗

Return to the Chapter Compass ↑

1 And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.

2 And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.

3 And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.

4 For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.

5 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.

6 And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

7 And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.

8 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 I give thee.

9 And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;

10 And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

World Behind This Chapter

Explore the people, places, language, history, and material world connected to Ezekiel 2.

QUESTIONS WORTH EXPLORING

What historical setting lies behind Ezekiel 2?

The commission follows directly from the inaugural vision.

How does Ezekiel 2’s commission + scroll vision shape the chapter?

Repeated 'son of man' address, rebellious-house language, and eating the scroll frame prophetic speech.

What stands out about the chapter’s setting and imagery?

Place recedes as Ezekiel receives and internalizes the scroll.

Research PathsCurated links for exploring this chapter 3
History & Daily Life1
  • Writing and Scribal Education in the Ancient WorldEmory University

    University resource explaining ancient writing materials, scribal instruction, copying, and the cultural authority of written texts. This background helps readers understand the scroll presented to Ezekiel and the importance of receiving a written prophetic message filled with lamentation, mourning, and woe.

Language & Literature1
  • Ezekiel 2 in Hebrew and EnglishMechon Mamre

    Presents the Hebrew chapter beside an English translation. Useful for tracing repeated expressions such as “son of man,” “rebellious house,” “whether they hear or refuse,” and “do not be afraid,” as Ezekiel is commissioned to speak despite anticipated resistance.

Artifacts & Manuscripts1

Comments

Public Discussion

Public discussion

Your display name and comment can be seen by anyone visiting this chapter. Do not include private or sensitive information. Read the Community Guidelines.

Did we lose you somewhere?

Tell us what’s confusing, what’s broken, or what you’re enjoying.

Feedback is private and sent to The Bible Directory team. We include this page’s address to help investigate. Please don’t include passwords, payment details, or private study notes.

Privacy policy