Wednesday 15 February 2017

Psalm: Psalm 106:43-48

Background

The word of God written on the scroll tastes as sweet as honeyto Ezekiel, although the words he would speak would causebitterness and distress. In a very similar version of the sameimage (Revelation 10:9) we are told that although ittastes at sweet as honey, it will make the stomach bitter.Likewise, at the end of his vision in verse 14, Ezekiel feelsbitterness in his spirit.

The people to whom Ezekiel is sent are the people of Israelliving in exile in Babylon. God tells him that it should be asimple task given that they speak the same language. You would havethought they would listen to Ezekiel if God sent him. But no, theywill not listen because they have "a hard forehead and a stubbornheart" (v. 8). They are simply not willing.

So God equips Ezekiel to deal with this by giving him a hardforehead made of the hardest stone (verse 9). Some translationsname this stone as adamant which would be very appropriate. It isworth noting that the name Ezekiel means 'God strengthens' or 'Godhardens'. So Ezekiel, living up to his name is now equipped for thetask, strengthened by God to declare God's words whether the peoplelisten or not.

At this point Ezekiel is lifted up by the spirit. Whether thismeans a physical movement or not is impossible to say. But thevision is coming to an end and the image of God is departing withthe loud noise and much rumbling. Perhaps like an aircraft takingoff, the glory of the Lord rises and departs and Ezekiel is takenback to the normal experience of living in this world where is taskis about to begin.

To Ponder

• "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm34:8). To what extent has this been your experience?

• Have you experienced a time when Scripture caused a bitternessin your spirit? How did you deal with this?

• What might God be saying today that is being ignored?