Ezekiel 3:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When it is stated, "Go and visit the house of Israel," it becomes evident that he was not amidst the sinful individuals, despite their physical proximity by the river Hobar. As it is written, "I was also among the displaced at the river Hobar" (Ezekiel 1:1). Yet, the prophet did not engage in fellowship with them and felt anguish at witnessing the unrighteous. Similarly, Moses took action (Ex. 33) by placing the tabernacle away from the encampment of the people, and upon his entry, a pillar of cloud descended and stood at the entrance of the tabernacle.

The distinctions between the efforts of the apostles and the prophets are made evident here. One group was assigned the responsibility of caring for a single nation, their origin, communicating in a shared language, while the other, following the directive of the Lord, was given the mission to reach the entire world and all peoples. It is stated, "Come, teach all tongues" (Matthew 28:19), reflecting the multitude of dialects, diverse ethics, and contrasting laws that exist. Those entrusted with a wide range of nations and languages have brought correction to the cosmos, yet those assigned to this rebellious populace have endured immense toil without seeing results commensurate with their efforts.