Adamant - Or, diamond Jeremiah 17:1, which was employed to cut flint. Ezekiel’s firmness being that of a diamond, he should cut a stroke home to the hardened hearts of a rebellious people. For “though” read “for.” read more
Ezekiel 3:5-8. Thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech It would be a great addition to the burden of thy office if thou wert sent, as Jonah was, as a prophet to a foreign nation, and to a people whose language thou couldest not understand, nor they thine. Not to many people of a strange speech, &c. God seems, as it were, to hint here that the time would come when he should order his messengers to go to many people of a strange speech, and should find those who would obey him... read more
Sent to a stubborn people (2:1-3:15)In contrast to the glorious and almighty God, Ezekiel is addressed merely as ‘son of man’. This was a Hebrew phrase which here simply means ‘man’ (GNB: mortal man) and which is used consistently throughout the book when Ezekiel is addressed (2:1-2). God was going to send Ezekiel with his message to his rebellious people (3). Ezekiel was warned that he might suffer cruel treatment at the hands of his countrymen, but he had to persevere. Whether they heeded his... read more
Behold . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 . strong = strong, or hard (for endurance). Hebrew. hazak. Same as "harder "(Ezekiel 3:9 ). Compare the name Ezekiel in Title. read more
harder . Same as "strong" (verses: Ezekiel 3:8 , Ezekiel 3:14 ). rebellious house . See note on Ezekiel 2:5 . read more
8. Ezekiel means one "strengthened by God." Such he was in godly firmness, in spite of his people's opposition, according to the divine command to the priest tribe to which he belonged ( :-). read more
9. As . . . flint—so Messiah the antitype (Isaiah 50:7; compare Jeremiah 1:8; Jeremiah 1:17). read more
The Lord had made Ezekiel as hard-nosed as the Israelites; he would not give up speaking to them any more than they would refuse to listen to him. Therefore the prophet should not fear his audience. The meaning of Ezekiel’s name, "God strengthens (or hardens)," reminded the prophet and others that the Lord would strengthen him and harden him against the attacks of his critical enemies. read more
3. The nature of Ezekiel’s ministry 2:8-3:11This pericope contains 10 commands, and it is the center of the chiasm in chapters 1-3."The Lord’s charge to Ezekiel emphasized the absolute necessity of hearing, understanding, and assimilating God’s message prior to going forth as a spokesman for the Lord." [Note: Alexander, "Ezekiel," p. 763.] All the Lord’s representatives must do the same (cf. Ezra 7:10). read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ezekiel 3:8
I have made ... thy forehead strong - I have given thee a strength superior to theirs; a metaphor taken from horned animals. read more