What is the context?
The Lord sends Ezekiel out to the plain, where he sees the same glory he saw by the Kebar. He falls facedown again, and the Spirit enters him and sets him on his feet.
The instructions now restrict his movement and speech. He is to shut himself in his house; bonds will prevent him going among the people, and the Lord will make him unable to rebuke them.
When the Lord speaks, however, He will open Ezekiel’s mouth. The prophet must then deliver the message in His name. The account again leaves the hearers with the responsibility to listen or refuse.
The commission ends with Ezekiel dependent on the Lord for both silence and speech. His authority lies in the word he receives, rather than unrestricted freedom to address the people whenever he chooses.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry emphasizes the bold delivery of the message when the Lord opens Ezekiel’s mouth. The hearers are then confronted with the choice set before them.
Wesley connects the confinement with the coming confinement of Jerusalem and stresses that Ezekiel speaks when God enables him. The USCCB notes likewise explain his inability to speak as direct divine intervention during the period connected with the city’s siege.
The shared emphasis is that the prophetic message arrives under God’s authority. The restrictions are part of Ezekiel’s particular calling and preparation.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.