Ezekiel Chapter 3 · Verse 1
Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
unto me Son
H1121
בֶּן
unto me Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֕ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֕ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
4 of 17
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּמְצָ֖א
that thou findest
H4672
תִּמְצָ֖א
that thou findest
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלֵ֥ךְ
H1980
וְלֵ֥ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
13 of 17
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
דַּבֵּ֖ר
speak
H1696
דַּבֵּ֖ר
speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
14 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Cross References
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, written documents carried legal and binding authority. By consuming the scroll, Ezekiel becomes one with its message—he cannot separate himself from God's revealed truth. This occurred in 593 BC as part of his prophetic commissioning. The scroll's bitter-sweet nature (verse 3) reflects the dual reality of ministry: sweet communion with God, bitter rejection by people. Archaeological discoveries of ancient scrolls confirm their sacred status in Israel; deliberate consumption dramatizes the prophet's complete identification with God's authoritative word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the command to "eat" God's Word challenge superficial Bible reading habits?
- What does it mean practically to internalize Scripture before attempting to teach others?
Analysis & Commentary
God commands Ezekiel to "eat this roll" (scroll), a vivid metaphor for internalizing God's Word before proclaiming it. The Hebrew 'akal (אָכַל) means to consume completely, not merely taste. This symbolizes total assimilation—the prophet must be saturated with divine revelation before delivering it. Jeremiah similarly describes God's words as food bringing joy (Jeremiah 15:16). The act teaches that effective ministry flows from deep personal communion with Scripture. The Reformed emphasis on biblical preaching requires ministers to digest God's Word thoroughly, letting it transform them before expecting to transform others.