“And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.”
Face, to adore God. (Menochius) — Son of man. Our Saviour, out of humility, takes this title, which no other gave him; as the angel does commonly to this prophet, who was his figure: few else have received it, (Daniel viii. 17.) but the reason is not known. (Worthington) — God here teaches Ezechiel not to boast of the honour shewn to him, since he must always remember that he is but a feeble mortal. (Calmet)
“And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.”
Spirit of prophecy; (St. Jerome; Tirinus) or, I revived, and took courage.
“And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. nation: Heb. nations”
Israel. His commission was chiefly to them. (Calmet)
“And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.”
Forbear to sin. (Haydock) — He thus insinuates free-will. (St. Jerome) — If they refuse to hear my prophet, they will at least perceive that they are inexcusable. (Calmet)
“And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. briers: or, rebels”
Scorpions. This people is no less destructive (Haydock) and hardened, Psalm cxvii. 12. — For might be better rendered, “though.” (Calmet)
“But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.”
Eat. “If we do not eat the open book, we cannot teach.” (St. Jerome)
“And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;”
Without. This was only done when the work was long. (Calmet) —