Ezekiel 3:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

At the command of the Lord, he entered and left at His instruction, sitting among those who were seated, for he was not visible to the multitude of captives while standing. When he ventured into an open expanse, he beheld the glory of the Lord, a sight he had witnessed before, whether in motion, ascending, or occasionally remaining still. As he positioned himself beside the river Hobar, which can be translated as very strong, the divine glory was revealed to him. This signifies that all worldly splendor is fleeting and lacks permanence, contrasted with the Lord’s glory, which remains steadfast alongside the prophet in the open field; yet, among the captives, it neither stood nor was perceptible. Further see v. 24.

The Prophet frequently engages in thoughtful reflection to enhance his commitment to proclaiming the Word. However, it is essential to acknowledge that even those with the most pure intentions have struggled to grasp divine revelations that align with human comprehension. For instance, the Prophet Seil, who has received vision countless times before, collapses upon trying to gaze upwards, requiring restorative grace. He then addressed me, instructing, “Come in, and shut thyself in the midst of thy house.” The Lord mandates prophecy not merely through spoken words but through actions, and by following the commands given to him, the impending siege of Jerusalem will be symbolically demonstrated.

When the Prophet, the basis for our discussion, beheld the glory of God in a holy vision, he recounted, “I fell on my face” (Ezekiel 3:23; Ezekiel 43:3). Similarly, another prophet declared, “I saw the Lord seated on a lofty and exalted throne, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Woe is me! For I am lost; I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:1-5). If you, dear Christian, have humbled yourself since the moment the announcement of “the Lord of Hosts, ... the King of Glory” (Psalm 24:10) was made at this gate, you have bowed your spirit before His majesty.