But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, 'This is what the Lord GOD says.' Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house. But when I speak to youThis phrase emphasizes the divine initiative in communication. The Hebrew root for "speak" is דָּבַר (dabar), which implies not just casual conversation but authoritative declaration. In the context of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, it underscores that the prophet's words are not his own but are directly from God. This divine communication is a hallmark of prophetic authenticity, reminding us that true prophecy originates from God’s will and timing. I will open your mouth and you are to tell them ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever will listen, let him listen and whoever will refuse, let him refuse for they are a rebellious house Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. Known for his visions and symbolic acts. 2. The Lord GOD The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who communicates His will through His prophets. 3. The Israelites Specifically referred to as a "rebellious house," they are the people of God who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. 4. Babylon The place of exile for the Israelites, representing both physical and spiritual captivity. 5. Prophetic Commission The event where God commissions Ezekiel to speak His words to the people, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's message. Teaching Points Divine Authority in Prophetic SpeechGod is the ultimate source of truth, and His words carry authority. When God opens Ezekiel's mouth, it signifies that the message is not Ezekiel's but God's. Human Responsibility to Respond The phrase "whoever will listen, let him listen" underscores the responsibility of individuals to respond to God's message. It is a call to active listening and obedience. The Reality of Rebellion The description of Israel as a "rebellious house" serves as a warning against hard-heartedness and the consequences of ignoring God's word. The Role of the Prophet Ezekiel's role is to faithfully deliver God's message, regardless of the people's response. This teaches the importance of faithfulness in ministry. God's Sovereignty in Communication God chooses when and how to communicate His message, demonstrating His control over revelation and the unfolding of His plans. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet in a rebellious context challenge our understanding of faithfulness in difficult circumstances?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are actively listening to God's word in our daily lives? 3. How does the concept of divine authority in Ezekiel's message apply to the way we view Scripture today? 4. What are some modern examples of "rebellious houses," and how can we respond to them with truth and love? 5. How can we discern when God is opening our mouths to speak His truth, and what steps can we take to prepare for such moments? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 6Similar to Ezekiel's commission, Isaiah is called to speak to a people who will be unresponsive, highlighting the theme of prophetic ministry amidst rebellion. Jeremiah 1 Jeremiah's call to be a prophet to the nations, where God assures him that He will put His words in Jeremiah's mouth, paralleling Ezekiel's experience. Matthew 13 Jesus speaks in parables, indicating that those who have ears to hear will understand, echoing the idea of selective listening and response to God's message.
People EzekielPlaces Chebar, Tel-abibTopics Ear, Ears, Forbear, Forbearer, Forbeareth, Forbears, Hast, Hearer, Heareth, Hears, Listen, Mouth, Open, Rebellious, Refuse, Refuses, Says, Shut, Sovereign, Speak, Speaking, Talk, Thus, UncontrolledDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 3:26-27Library Cæsarius of Arles. He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety … Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Boniface, Apostle of the Germans. Epistle xxxiv. To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse . The Greatness of the Soul, The Servant's Inflexible Resolve The Iranian Conquest The Prophet Jonah. Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 3:27 NIVEzekiel 3:27 NLT Ezekiel 3:27 ESV Ezekiel 3:27 NASB Ezekiel 3:27 KJV Ezekiel 3:27 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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