Reading for December 19th

Read Ezekiel 1.28b-2.7. In 1.28b-3.15: The Commisioning of Ezekiel. In 1.28b: A voice of someone speaking: Compare 1 Kings 19.12. In 2.1-2: God addresses Ezekiel as mortal, literally "son of adam," ninety-three times in the book. Adam means "human" in Hebrew, and "son of adam" conveys Ezekiel's mortal status in contrast to God. The spirit (literally, "wind") of the Lord prepares Ezekiel to serve as a prophet (see 1 Sam 10.6, 10; 1 Kings 18.12). In verses 2-3: The charge of Israel's rebellion against God is a constant theme throughout the prophets to justify Israel's suffering as an act of divine punishment. Habbakkuk and Job question this theology but ultimately defend God's righteousness. The messenger formula, Thus says the Lord God, indicates Ezekiels's role as God's representative. Comments or Questions..