Ezekiel 3:24
Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house.
Original Language Analysis
ר֔וּחַ
Then the spirit
H7307
ר֔וּחַ
Then the spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
3 of 14
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וַתַּעֲמִדֵ֖נִי
into me and set
H5975
וַתַּעֲמִדֵ֖נִי
into me and set
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
4 of 14
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רַגְלָ֑י
me upon my feet
H7272
רַגְלָ֑י
me upon my feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
6 of 14
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
and spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
and spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֹתִי֙
H854
אֹתִי֙
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Cross References
Ezekiel 2:2And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.Daniel 10:19And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Historical Context
The Spirit's entry into prophets enabled their ministry (cf. 2:2; Num. 24:2; 1 Sam. 10:6). Old Covenant Spirit-filling was typically temporary and functional, unlike New Covenant permanent indwelling (John 14:16-17). Ezekiel's experience foreshadows fuller Pentecostal empowerment. Ancient Near Eastern prophets claimed divine inspiration, but Israelite prophecy uniquely emphasized Yahweh's Spirit as the source.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit's lifting of Ezekiel from prostrate to standing picture the Holy Spirit's work in our lives?
- What does this pattern of humbling followed by empowering teach us about preparing for divine service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Spirit entering Ezekiel and setting him on his feet demonstrates the Holy Spirit's empowering work—transforming prostrate weakness into standing strength. Divine glory humbles; divine Spirit strengthens. This pattern recurs: encounter with God's holiness produces humility, followed by Spirit-empowerment for service. The standing position represents readiness to receive divine commission. God doesn't leave His servants prostrate but equips them for active obedience.