Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 3 - Verse 1

In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, God instructs the prophet Ezekiel, referred to as the "Son of man," to eat a scroll and then go speak to the house of Israel. Eating the scroll symbolizes internalizing God's word, making it a part of oneself. By consuming the scroll, Ezekiel is metaphorically embodying the message he is meant to deliver to the people of Israel. This symbolic act underscores the importance of not only hearing or reading God's word but truly internalizing and living by it. The act of eating the scroll also represents the idea of nourishment, suggesting that God's word is meant to sustain and feed the soul. After consuming the scroll, Ezekiel is then expected to share the message with the people, emphasizing the role of prophets as messengers of God's word and truth. Overall, this verse conveys the importance of not only receiving God's word but also sharing it with others for spiritual guidance and nourishment.

One theological interpretation of the verse where Ezekiel is commanded to eat a scroll is that it symbolizes the ingestion and internalization of the word of God. By consuming the scroll, Ezekiel is taking in the message from God and making it a part of himself, preparing him to go forth and share this message with the house of Israel. This act of eating the scroll can be seen as a metaphor for the importance of internalizing and living out the teachings of the Lord in a way that is not only understood intellectually but also integrated into one's being. Additionally, the act of eating the scroll may also symbolize the sweetness and nourishment that comes from the word of God, highlighting the spiritual sustenance that is gained from immersing oneself in His teachings.