Ezekiel 2:1-8. We see Ezekiel prostrate upon his face. Then a voice spoke, not the voice of a cherubim; while in Revelation the cherubim speak, in Ezekiel they are silent, Jehovah addressed Ezekiel as son of man; the title which is found exactly one hundred times in this book. Daniel only besides Ezekiel is called by this name. Our Lord called Himself by that name and used it in connection with His suffering, exaltation, glory, and coming again. Ezekiel, too, passed through much suffering, passing symbolically through sufferings which the nation at large was to undergo. He is, therefore, in a measure a type of the Messiah, who took Israel’s sin and shame upon Himself.

The Word which spoke was followed by the Spirit--”and the Spirit entered into me when He spoke unto me.” Thus the Word and the Spirit are always connected. Then Ezekiel received his commission. He is sent to an impudent and hard-hearted people. His message is to begin with: “Thus saith Jehovah-God.” The sender is the Lord; the message is from Him. Then the sender gives also assurance and encouragement.

Ezekiel 2:9-10; Ezekiel 3:1-14. Compare the roll here with Zechariah 5:1-4; with the one of Revelation 5:1-14, which the Lamb receives and opens, and the little roll in Revelation 10:9-10. These rolls have the same meaning, namely, the Word itself, the message of tribulation and judgment, which is written therein.

The Word must be received and eaten, that is the spiritual lesson. Ezekiel obeyed. It was self surrender and though the message was a hard message, yet it was sweet unto him. Compare with Jeremiah 15:16. Ezekiel was to speak the words of the Lord unto them; and the sender predicts failure. “The house of Israel will not hearken unto thee, for they will not hearken unto Me.” It was to make no difference to the prophet. His commission was to speak Jehovah’s words. Then cherubim and wheels are in motion. He is lifted up and Jehovah’s hand is strong upon him.