Ezekiel 3:4
And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ezekiel's fellow exiles in Babylon (593 BC) shared his language and cultural heritage, yet their hearts were harder than foreigners would be (verses 5-7). This irony reveals covenant privilege bringing greater accountability. Israel had received God's law, prophets, and manifold blessings, yet their familiarity bred contempt. The phrase "house of Israel" recalls God's covenant relationship established through Abraham, reaffirmed through Moses, and continued despite persistent rebellion. Ezekiel's commission to this specific people emphasized God's faithfulness to His covenant promises even in judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the sequence of receiving God's Word before proclaiming it shape your approach to teaching and witness?
- What dangers arise when ministers speak their own ideas rather than faithfully transmitting God's revealed words?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After consuming God's Word, Ezekiel receives his commission: "go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them." The sequence is crucial—internalization precedes proclamation. The phrase "my words" (not "about my words") emphasizes exact transmission of divine revelation. The Reformed principle of sola Scriptura appears: ministers must speak God's very words, not human philosophies dressed in religious language. The commission to "the house of Israel" specifies covenant people as primary recipients, foreshadowing New Testament priority to proclaim gospel first to Jews, then Gentiles (Romans 1:16).