Ezekiel 3:3

“And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.”

Context:Ezekiel was a prophet during the Babylonian exile. In this verse, he describes a vision where God instructs him to eat a scroll.

Symbolism of the Scroll:The scroll represents the Word of God, which contains His messages for the people. Eating the scroll symbolizes internalising and fully digesting the divine message. It implies that Ezekiel was to thoroughly absorb and understand God’s Word before delivering it to the people.

Son of Man:This phrase is used throughout the book of Ezekiel to refer to Ezekiel himself. It emphasises his role as a human prophet chosen by God to convey His messages.

The Sweetness of the Scroll:After eating the scroll, Ezekiel describes it as tasting like honey in his mouth. This imagery suggests that God’s Word brings delight, joy, and satisfaction to those who receive and embrace it. The sweetness represents the goodness, wisdom, and life-giving nature of God’s Word.

Application:This verse highlights the importance of studying and internalising Scripture. It teaches us that receiving and understanding God’s Word is a personal responsibility. As believers, we are called to eagerly seek God’s truth, meditate on it, and allow it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Just as Ezekiel consumed the scroll, we should consume and assimilate God’s Word into our lives.

• Spiritual Nourishment:Eating the scroll also signifies spiritual nourishment. Just as physical food sustains our bodies, God’s Word sustains and nourishes our spirits. It provides guidance, wisdom, comfort, and strength to face life’s challenges. Through diligent study and reflection, we can receive spiritual sustenance and experience the sweetness of God’s Word.
• Obedience and Proclamation:After eating the scroll, Ezekiel was commissioned to share the message with the rebellious and disobedient Israelites (Ezekiel 2:3-7). This passage reminds us that the purpose of studying God’s Word is not only for personal edification but also for sharing it with others. It challenges us to be obedient to God’s call, faithfully proclaim His truth, and fulfil our role as messengers of His Word.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 3:3 teaches us the significance of internalising and embracing God’s Word. It urges us to study Scripture diligently, find delight in its teachings, and allow it to shape our lives. May we seek the sweetness of God’s Word and faithfully share it with others, fulfilling our calling as messengers of truth.