Ezekiel Chapter 2 · Verse 9
And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;
Original Language Analysis
וָאֶרְאֶ֕ה
And when I looked
H7200
וָאֶרְאֶ֕ה
And when I looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יָ֖ד
behold an hand
H3027
יָ֖ד
behold an hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
שְׁלוּחָ֣ה
was sent
H7971
שְׁלוּחָ֣ה
was sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
4 of 9
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
Cross References
Ezekiel 8:3And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.Ezekiel 3:1Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.Daniel 10:10And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern scrolls were typically made from papyrus or leather, written on both sides when containing extensive content. The vision's emphasis on a written scroll underscores permanence and authority—oral tradition could be disputed, but written revelation endured as testimony. In 593 BC, Ezekiel received this vision during Babylon's dominance when many questioned whether Yahweh could speak outside Jerusalem. The scroll's appearance demonstrates that God's authoritative word transcends geographical boundaries and political circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the image of a pre-written scroll challenge the idea that religious truth is discovered rather than revealed?
- What does the necessity of consuming God's words teach about sermon preparation and biblical ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
The extended hand holding a scroll symbolizes divine initiative in revelation. God provides the message the prophet must deliver; Ezekiel invents nothing. The scroll's content (3:1-3) is "lamentations, and mourning, and woe"—Israel's judgment written beforehand. This imagery emphasizes sola Scriptura: God's written Word, not human insight, constitutes authoritative revelation. The prophet must consume what God provides, internalizing divine truth before proclaiming it. This anticipates the incarnate Word (John 1:14) and scriptural sufficiency—God's fully revealed message requires no human addition.