To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Before using the discussion questions below, share the following background information from the Standard Lesson Commentary (SLC):
The prophet Ezekiel was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah. Both were living at the time Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC. Ezekiel is introduced as “the priest” (Ezekiel 1:3). And that is what he would have been had it not been for the tragic turn of events in the southern kingdom of Judah. The first stage in these events came in 605 BC, when Daniel and his friends were taken captive to Babylon. Ezekiel’s relocation to Babylon was a part of the second stage of exile; he was among the 10,000 of the elite citizenry taken in 597 BC.
Daniel and other Jews were taken to serve “in the king’s palace” (Daniel 1:4), while Ezekiel found himself in a completely different setting: “among the exiles by the Kebar River” (Ezekiel 1:1). Even so, “the hand of the Lord was on him” (1:3). It was there that the Lord proceeded to call the priest to a task he undoubtedly did not anticipate.
Have your group read Ezekiel 3:1-3.
Point out the following from the SLC: The designation Son of man occurs over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel, always when the Lord is addressing the prophet. We recognize this phrase as a self-designation of Jesus in the New Testament, a title of messianic significance as it reflects Daniel 7:13, 14. However, the phrase does not appear to have any messianic significance when applied to Ezekiel. Son of man simply draws attention to the humanity and mortality of Ezekiel in contrast with the eternal God who calls him.
- What is the significance of the order of events—Ezekiel first eating the scroll and then going and speaking to the people?
Point out the following from the SLC: It is important that Ezekiel first receives the message within himself. Only then is he qualified to carry out the command we see here. God’s Word must become a part of the messenger before the messenger can impart it to others.
- What is the significance of the Lord instructing Ezekiel to “fill [his] stomach” with the scroll?
Point out the following from the SLC: The phrasing fill your stomach with it points to the thoroughness with which Ezekiel is to receive God’s message that is written on the scroll.
- Just before this passage, Ezekiel described the scroll that was unrolled before him: “On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe” (Ezekiel 2:10). What is the significance of the fact that the scroll tasted “as sweet as honey” (Ezekiel 3:3)?
Point out the following from the SLC: The sweet taste that follows Ezekiel’s eating of the scroll may seem odd since its contents consist only of “lament and mourning and woe.” Most likely the sweetness is linked to Ezekiel’s faithfulness to his appointed task. Even though his message will not be pleasant to hear and the audience will be resistant and hostile, Ezekiel’s fulfillment will come from his faithful delivery of the words given by the one who has called him.
Have your group read Ezekiel 3:4-11.
- Why would Ezekiel’s fellow Israelites in exile refuse to listen to him?
- How would the Lord enable Ezekiel to deal with their response?
- What was Ezekiel responsible for in regard to his call and mission?
- What was Ezekiel not responsible for?
To encourage personal application:
Consider dividing into groups of three or four persons for this time of sharing.
- Psalm 19:10 says that the Lord’s decrees are “more precious than gold” and “sweeter than honey.” At what season or circumstance of your life has God’s Word been the most “precious” and “sweet” to you?
- Most of us eat three meals a day. What have you found most helpful in regularly “feeding” on God’s Word. How are you doing in that regard?
- What is the closest you can recall to being in a situation like Ezekiel’s when God seemed to call you to represent him to “hardened” people?
- Who might God be calling you to speak to now? How will you handle it if they aren’t willing to listen?
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