Ezekiel 2:10

which He unrolled before me. And written on the front and back of it were words of lamentation, mourning, and woe.

Study Bible

And He spread it before me
This phrase indicates a divine action, where God Himself is revealing something significant to Ezekiel. The Hebrew root for "spread" is "פָּרַשׂ" (paras), which can mean to unfold or display. This act of spreading signifies the openness and transparency of God's message. In a historical context, scrolls were often unrolled to reveal their contents, symbolizing the unveiling of divine truth. The act of God spreading the scroll before Ezekiel emphasizes the importance and urgency of the message being delivered.

and it was written on the front and back
The detail that the scroll was written on both sides is significant. In ancient times, scrolls were typically written on one side due to the texture of the papyrus or parchment. A scroll written on both sides indicates a fullness or completeness of the message, suggesting that nothing is left out. This could symbolize the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and the thoroughness of His communication. Theologically, it underscores the idea that God's word is all-encompassing and leaves no room for misunderstanding.

And it contained words of lamentation, mourning, and woe
The content of the scroll is described with three powerful terms: "lamentation," "mourning," and "woe." The Hebrew words used here are "קִינָה" (qinah) for lamentation, "אֵבֶל" (evel) for mourning, and "הוֹי" (hoy) for woe. These words convey a deep sense of sorrow and impending judgment. "Lamentation" refers to a dirge or a song of sorrow, often associated with funerals or great loss. "Mourning" indicates a period of grief and reflection, a response to the recognition of sin and its consequences. "Woe" is an expression of distress and impending doom, often used by prophets to announce divine judgment. Together, these words paint a picture of the severe and somber message that Ezekiel is tasked with delivering. Historically, this reflects the dire situation of Israel at the time, facing the consequences of their rebellion against God. Spiritually, it serves as a warning to all believers about the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites.

2. God
The divine author of the scroll, communicating His message through Ezekiel.

3. Scroll
A symbolic object representing God's message of judgment and lamentation to the people of Israel.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a period of great suffering and reflection for the Israelites.

5. Israelites
The audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, experiencing the consequences of their disobedience to God.

Teaching Points

The Weight of God's Message
The scroll written on both sides signifies the completeness and seriousness of God's message. We must approach God's Word with reverence and readiness to respond.

The Reality of Judgment
The contents of the scroll—lamentations, mourning, and woe—remind us of the reality of God's judgment. It calls us to examine our lives and repent where necessary.

God's Sovereignty in Revelation
God chooses to reveal His messages to His prophets. We should seek to understand and apply His revelations in our lives through prayer and study.

Hope Amidst Judgment
While the scroll contains messages of woe, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who turn back to God. We should hold onto hope and encourage others to seek God's mercy.

The Role of the Prophet
Ezekiel's role as a messenger of difficult truths challenges us to speak God's truth in love, even when it is uncomfortable or unwelcome.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the scroll in Ezekiel 2:10 enhance our understanding of the seriousness of God's message?

2. In what ways can we see the themes of lamentation and woe in our world today, and how should we respond as Christians?

3. How does the concept of divine judgment in Ezekiel relate to the New Testament teachings on judgment and grace?

4. What can we learn from Ezekiel's obedience to God's call, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

5. How do the themes in Ezekiel 2:10 connect with the hope of redemption found in other parts of Scripture, and how can this hope influence our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 5:1-5
The scroll in Ezekiel parallels the scroll in Revelation, both containing divine messages of judgment and redemption.

Jeremiah 36
Jeremiah's scroll of judgment against Judah, similar in theme to Ezekiel's scroll.

Lamentations 1:1-5
The book of Lamentations echoes the themes of mourning and woe found in Ezekiel's scroll.

Isaiah 29:11-12
The sealed scroll in Isaiah represents a message from God that is not understood by the people, similar to the unreadable nature of Ezekiel's scroll until it is revealed.