Ezekiel 2:9
And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
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?
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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.