Ezekiel 2:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do not let your hearts become hardened, as this household has become. We previously noted that instead of hardened or vexed, the Seventy translates the term as chagrin. Therefore, his statement implies that you should not follow the example of those you are called to admonish, lest you incur a similar penalty for the same wrong. Open your mouth and partake of what I offer you. Show yourself deserving of My words and accept the spiritual nourishment; for as the Gospel proclaims, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8), likewise, it is said here, “He that hath an open mouth to eat, let him eat.” Consequently, the Lord also instructs the Psalmist: “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it” (Ps.

In other words, do not oppose my directives; refrain from arguing with those who challenge them, and instead, carry out the command given to you.

And you, son of man, listen to the one who speaks to you, so that you are not troubled like a house in turmoil. This means that the wrongdoing you witness should not be emulated, lest you fall into the very actions you are called to denounce. Any messenger of the Gospel must always be acutely aware that while tasked with guiding the wayward, he must avoid succumbing to the same sins as those he is meant to instruct, keeping in mind Paul's admonition: "If by this judgment you judge another, you condemn yourself" (Rom. 2:1). Thus, Balaam, who was divinely inspired to speak yet remained trapped in a worldly existence, declared of himself: "Hearing the words of God, knowing the knowledge of the Most High, and seeing the vision of God in a dream, his eyes were opened" (Num. 24:16).

Hear the voice that speaks to you. Even if you fear that those to whom you are sent will not listen, do not hesitate to fulfill the Lord’s command to reach them, but respond to His calling. Neglecting this duty will provoke My wrath, just as their disobedience angers Me. Do not burden yourself with this sin, nor should you mimic those you are called to guide; do not become a grief-stricken individual, for a troubled heart reflects a troubled home. The further instruction, “Open thy mouth, and open thine mouth, and eat the food that I give thee,” refers symbolically to the scroll. The prophet is instructed to open his spirit to receive divine truths, just as a mouth is opened to accept nourishment.