---
title: "Clarke"
description: "Verse Ezekiel 2:1. And he said unto me — In the last verse of the preceding chapter we find that the prophet was so penetrated with awe at the sight of th"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/clarkes-commentary/ezekiel/2"
---

Verse [Ezekiel 2:1](../../../kjv/ezekiel/2/1). ***And he said unto me*** — In the last verse of the preceding chapter we find that the prophet was so penetrated with awe at the sight of the glory of God in the mystical chariot, that "he fell upon his face;" and, while he was in this posture of adoration, he heard the voice mentioned here. It is evident, therefore, that the present division of these chapters is wrong. Either the *first* should end with the words, "This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord," [Ezekiel 1:28](../../../kjv/ezekiel/1/28); or the *first verse* of this chapter should be added to the preceding, and this begin with the *second* verse.

Verse [Ezekiel 2:2](../../../kjv/ezekiel/2/2). ***And the spirit entered into me*** — This *spirit* was different to that mentioned above, by which the wheels, c., were moved. The spirit of prophecy is here intended whose office was not merely to enable him to *foresee* and *foretell* future events, but to purify and refine his heart, and qualify him to be a successful preacher of the word of life.
He who is sent by the God of all grace to convert sinners must be influenced by the Holy Ghost; otherwise he can neither be saved himself, nor become the instrument of salvation to others.
***And set me upon my feet*** — That he might *stand* as a servant before his master, to receive his orders.

Verse [Ezekiel 2:3](../../../kjv/ezekiel/2/3). ***Son of man*** — This appellative, so often mentioned in this book, seems to have been given first to this *prophet*; afterwards to *Daniel*; and after that to the MAN *Christ Jesus*. Perhaps it was given to the two former to remind them of their frailty, and that they should not be exalted in their own minds by the extraordinary revelations granted to them; and that they should feel themselves of the same nature with those to whom they were sent; and, from the common principle of *humanity*, deeply interest themselves in the welfare of their unhappy countrymen. To the *latter* it might have been appropriated merely to show that though all his actions demonstrated him to be GOD, yet that he was also really MAN; and that in the *man* Christ Jesus dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. When the *acts* of Christ are considered, it is more easy to believe his *eternal Godhead*, than to be convinced that the person we hear speaking, and see working, is also a *man* like unto ourselves.
***I send thee to the children of Israel*** — To those who were now in captivity, in Chaldea particularly; and to the Jews in general, both far and near.

Verse [Ezekiel 2:4](../../../kjv/ezekiel/2/4). ***Thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord*** — Let them know that what thou hast to declare is the message of the LORD, that they may receive it with reverence.
Every preacher of God's word should take heed that it is God's message he delivers to the people. Let him not suppose, because it is according to his own *creed* or *confession of faith*, that therefore it is God's word. False doctrines and fallacies without end are foisted on the world in this way. Bring the *creed* first to the *Word of God*, and scrupulously try whether it be right; and when this is done, leave it where you please; take the Bible, and warn them from God's word recorded there.

Verse [Ezekiel 2:5](../../../kjv/ezekiel/2/5). ***Yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among**********them.*** — By this they shall be assured of *two* things:
1. That God in his mercy had given them due warning.
2. That themselves were inexcusable, for not taking it.

Verse [Ezekiel 2:6](../../../kjv/ezekiel/2/6). ***Be not afraid of them*** — They will maltreat thee for thy message; but let not the apprehension of this induce thee to suppress it. Though they be *rebels*, fear them not; I will sustain and preserve thee.

Verse [Ezekiel 2:7](../../../kjv/ezekiel/2/7). ***Whether they will hear*** — Whether they receive the message, or persecute thee for it, declare it to them, that they may be without excuse.

Verse [Ezekiel 2:8](../../../kjv/ezekiel/2/8). ***Open thy mouth and eat that I give thee.*** — Take my word as thou wouldst take thy *proper food*; receive it into thy heart; ponder it there, that it may be the means of *strengthening* and *preserving thy soul*, as proper nourishment will strengthen the body, and preserve from death. And the people to whom such messages of God may come should so hear it read, mark, learn, and *inwardly digest* it, that it may become efficient nourishment to their souls.

Verse [Ezekiel 2:9](../../../kjv/ezekiel/2/9). ***A hand was sent*** — Here the *hand* signifies not only the instrument of conveyance, but an *emblem* of the Divine *power*, which the *hand of God* always signifies.
***A roll of a book*** — מגלת שפר *megillath sepher*. All ancient books were written so as to be *rolled up*; hence *volumen*, a *volume*, from *volvo, I roll*.

Verse [Ezekiel 2:10](../../../kjv/ezekiel/2/10). ***It*****was*****written within and without*** — Contrary to the state of rolls in general, which are written on the *inside* only. The *Hebrew rolls* are generally written in this way. There are several of such Hebrew rolls before me, all written on the *inside* only, consisting of skins of vellum, or parchment, or basil, a sort of half-tanned sheep or goat skin, sewed together, extending to several yards in length. Other Asiatic books were written in the same way. A Sanscrit roll of *sixty* feet in length, also before me, is written all on the *inside*; and a *Koran*, written in exceedingly small characters, about two inches broad and twelve feet long, and weighing but about half an ounce. But the *roll* presented to the prophet was written on *both sides*, because the prophecy was long, and to the same effect; that they might see the mind of God wherever they looked.
**There was*****written therein lamentations, and mourning, and wo.*** — What an awful assemblage! קינים והגה והי *kinim, vahegeh, vehi,* *lamentations*, and a *groan*, and *alas*! *Lamentations* on all hands; *a groan* from the dying; and *alas*, or *Wo is me*! from the survivors. It was the *letter* that killeth, and is the ministration of death. What a mercy to have that which is emphatically called Το Ευαγγελιον, The *glad tidings*, the *good news*! *Christ Jesus* *is come into the world to save sinners*; and he wills that *all men* *should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth*. Here are *rejoicings, thanksgivings*, and *exultation*.

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