Tuesday 07 February 2023

Background

We carry on where we left off yesterday with Ezekiel’s description of his call. Ezekiel is called ‘mortal’ (2:1) by God. This is literally ‘son of man’. It is used here to refer to a human, rather than when we see Jesus being proclaimed the Son of Man. It is also used as a humbler image than the son of man described in Daniel (10:4-6).  

If we had read to the very end of chapter 1, we would have seen Ezekiel falling on his face at the presence of the glory of the Lord, and hearing the voice of God speak to him (1:28). We can wonder whether Ezekiel’s response is from awe or terror. If the latter, God’s words to him probably wouldn’t have done anything to ease that. 

God informs Ezekiel that he is being sent "to a nation of rebels" who have ‘transgressed against me to this very day’ (2:3). Both ‘rebel’ and ‘transgress’ are terms used of vassal states who try to break free from those who have authority over them. Ezekiel applies these political terms to Judah’s breaking of the covenant with God. 

‘Impudent’ in verse 4 could literally be translated as ‘stiff-faced’ so it is no wonder that Ezekiel is warned not to be dismayed by their looks. Indeed, the name Ezekiel literally means ‘may God strengthen’, and Ezekiel would certainly need that. 

The repetition throughout the passage is done deliberately for emphasis. It has been described as though God is typing in bold italics, using capital letters! 

Ezekiel is presented with a scroll on which are words of lamentation, mourning and woe. Lamentation was the formal words used in funeral rites. Words of mourning could be used to express several inarticulate sounds including the sigh at death. The word translated as ‘woe’ only appears in Scripture in this verse (v. 10), so it is hard to know precisely what it means. If read aloud, it may even be used onomatopoeically as a sound of wailing.  

God articulates the familiar emotions of lamentation felt by those in exile, providing opportunity for their trauma to be named and the beginning of healing discovered. 

To Ponder:

• It can be tempting to only take the positive passages from the Old Testament, and presume that the judgements and criticisms are only aimed 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 ‘stiff-faced’, but help us to let go the burdens of our past and trust in your mercy and steadfast love. Amen.