Ezekiel 3:3

"Son of man," He said to me, "eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you." So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.

Study Bible

Son of man
This phrase, "Son of man," is a title used frequently in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. In Hebrew, "ben adam" underscores the frailty and mortality of man, contrasting with the divine nature of God. It serves as a reminder of Ezekiel's position as a servant and messenger of God, tasked with delivering His divine message to the Israelites.

eat
The command to "eat" the scroll is symbolic, representing the internalization of God's word. Ingesting the scroll signifies that Ezekiel must fully absorb and understand the message he is to deliver. This act of eating is not just physical but spiritual, indicating a deep, personal acceptance and commitment to the divine message. The Hebrew verb "akal" implies a complete consumption, suggesting that Ezekiel must be wholly filled with God's word.

fill your stomach
The phrase "fill your stomach" further emphasizes the need for total immersion in the word of God. It suggests that Ezekiel's entire being—his thoughts, emotions, and will—must be saturated with the divine message. This comprehensive filling indicates that the prophet's mission is not just a duty but a transformation, where God's word becomes the core of his existence.

with this scroll
The "scroll" represents the written word of God, containing the messages of lamentation, mourning, and woe for the people of Israel. In ancient times, scrolls were the primary medium for recording important texts, and this particular scroll symbolizes the gravity and authority of the divine message. The scroll is a tangible representation of God's communication, underscoring the seriousness of Ezekiel's prophetic mission.

I am giving you
The phrase "I am giving you" highlights the divine origin of the message. It is God who initiates and empowers Ezekiel's mission, providing him with the words he must speak. This divine gifting underscores the authority and authenticity of the message, as it comes directly from God Himself. It also implies a sense of responsibility and stewardship on Ezekiel's part to faithfully deliver what he has received.

So I ate
Ezekiel's obedience is immediate and complete, as indicated by the phrase "So I ate." This act of eating demonstrates his willingness to accept God's commission and his readiness to fulfill his prophetic role. It reflects a heart of submission and trust in God's plan, setting an example of faithfulness for all believers.

and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth
The sweetness of the scroll "as honey" signifies the delight and satisfaction found in God's word, despite its difficult content. In the ancient Near East, honey was a symbol of pleasure and abundance, and this metaphor suggests that even messages of judgment carry the sweetness of truth and the hope of redemption. The sweetness also reflects the joy and fulfillment that come from aligning oneself with God's will, even in the face of challenging circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts.

2. God
The sovereign Lord who commissions Ezekiel, providing him with the scroll to consume as a symbol of internalizing His words.

3. Scroll
Represents the word of God, filled with messages of lament, mourning, and woe, yet described as sweet when consumed by Ezekiel.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, where the Israelites were in captivity, facing judgment and the need for repentance.

5. Vision
The event where Ezekiel receives the scroll, symbolizing the reception and internalization of God's message.

Teaching Points

Internalizing God's Word
Just as Ezekiel ate the scroll, believers are called to internalize Scripture, allowing it to transform their hearts and minds.

The Sweetness of God's Word
God's word is described as sweet, indicating the joy and satisfaction it brings to those who embrace it, even amidst difficult messages.

The Role of the Prophet
Ezekiel's act of eating the scroll symbolizes the prophet's role in fully absorbing and faithfully delivering God's message, regardless of its content.

Obedience to God's Call
Ezekiel's immediate obedience in eating the scroll serves as a model for believers to respond promptly and faithfully to God's instructions.

The Dual Nature of God's Message
The sweetness of the scroll contrasts with its content of lament, illustrating the complexity of God's word, which can bring both comfort and conviction.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's experience of eating the scroll challenge us to approach our study of Scripture today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not only hearing but also internalizing God's word in our daily lives?

3. How does the sweetness of God's word, as described in Ezekiel 3:3, encourage us during times of trial or judgment?

4. What parallels can we draw between Ezekiel's prophetic mission and the Great Commission given to believers in the New Testament?

5. How can we balance the sweetness and the challenging aspects of God's word in our personal and communal faith journeys?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 10:9-10
John is instructed to eat a scroll, which is sweet in his mouth but turns bitter in his stomach, paralleling Ezekiel's experience and emphasizing the dual nature of God's word—sweet in promise, yet bitter in judgment.

Psalm 119:103
The psalmist describes God's words as sweeter than honey, highlighting the delight and nourishment found in Scripture.

Jeremiah 15:16
Jeremiah speaks of finding God's words and consuming them, which brought joy and delight, similar to Ezekiel's experience.