Yechezkel Perek 3

Perek 3 opens with a continuation of the previous perek.

• Yechezkel was commanded to eat the scroll that was given to him. Radak, Metsudos and Malbim explain that Yechezkel didn’t actually eat the scroll. Rather, this command symbolized the need for Yechezkel to internalize the pain of Yisrael.

• “Yisrael has become a brazen nation with a hard heart.”

• Yechezkel was given the exact same qualities as Yisrael in order to be able to stand up to them.

• A spirit lifted Yechezkel to see the angels praising God’s glory. Radak: This was shown to Yechezkel through prophetic vision. Rashi: This actually happened.

• The Navi further describes Yechezkel’s other-worldly vision.

• Hashem makes Yechezkel take full personal responsibility for Yisrael, and makes Yechezkel carry out His word.

• Yechezkel is shown another vision of the chariot.

• A spirit entered Yechezkel and said that Yechezkel will need to be tied up in ropes with his mouth shut and he will only open his mouth when Hashem tells him to deliver rebuke to the rebellious nation.

According to Metsudo and Radak, this was a symbolic act to communicate Hashem’s message. Yechezkel was figuratively told to seclude himself and to not speak to Yisrael, as if he were tied in ropes and was mute. His very actions would send a clear message to Yisrael.