1 And he said vnto me, Son of man, stand vpon thy feete, and I will speake vnto thee.
2 And the spirit entred into me, when hee spake vnto me, and set me vpon my feete, that I heard him that spake vnto me:
3 And hee said vnto me, Sonne of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against mee: they and their fathers haue transgressed against mee, euen vnto this very day.
4 For they are impudent children and stiffe hearted: I doe send thee vnto them, and thou shalt say vnto them, Thus sayth the Lord God.
5 And they, whether they wil heare or whether they will forbeare, (for they are a rebellious house) yet shall know that there hath bene a Prophet among them.
6 ¶ And thou sonne of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their wordes, though bryars and thornes be with thee, and thou doest dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their lookes, though they be a rebellious house.
7 And thou shalt speake my words vnto them, whether they will heare or whether they will forbeare, for they are most rebellious.
8 But thou, sonne of man, heare what I say vnto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth and eate that I giue thee.
9 ¶ And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent vnto mee, and loe, a roule of a booke was therein.
10 And he spread it before me, and it was written within and without, and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.
The prophet is directed what he is to do. (1-5) And encouraged to be resolute, faithful, and devoted. (6-10)1-5 Lest Ezekiel should be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, he is put in mind that still he is a son of man, a weak, mortal creature. As Christ usually called himself the Son of man, it was also an honourable distinction. Ezekiel's posture showed reverence, but his standing up would be a posture of greater readiness and fitness for business. God will speak to us, when we stand ready to do what he commands us. As Ezekiel had not strength of his own, the Spirit entered into him. God is graciously pleased to work in us whatever he requires of us. The Holy Spirit sets us upon our feet, by inclining our wills to our duty. Thus, when the Lord calls upon the sinner to awake, and attend to the concerns of his soul, the Spirit of life and grace comes with the call. Ezekiel is sent with a message to the children of Israel. Many might treat his message with contempt, yet they should know by the event that a prophet had been sent to them. God will be glorified, and his word made honourable, whether it be a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death.
6-10 Those who will do any thing to purpose in the service of God, must not fear men. Wicked men are as briers and thorns; but they are nigh unto cursing, and their end is to be burned. The prophet must be faithful to the souls of those to whom he was sent. All who speak from God to others, must obey his voice. The discoveries of sin, and the warnings of wrath, should be matter of lamentation. And those acquainted with the word of God, will clearly perceive it is filled with woe to impenitent sinners; and that all the precious promises of the gospel are for the repenting, believing servants of the Lord.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.