Ezekiel 3 completes the prophet’s initial commission. He receives the word inwardly, is sent to resistant Israel, and is appointed a watchman among the captives.
Ezekiel is told to eat the roll and then speak to the house of Israel. He fills himself with it, and it is sweet in his mouth like honey. The word is good to receive, even though its message includes severe judgments.
Ezekiel is commissioned to proclaim Yahweh’s word to a rebellious people, whether they listen or refuse. The Spirit strengthens him, and the prophet is warned not to fear their hostility.
Yahweh commands Ezekiel to stand and speak. The Spirit enters him and sets him on his feet. The commission comes with the strength needed to carry it out.
Ezekiel’s first vision reveals the glory of Yahweh to the captives by the river Chebar. The prophet sees a storm from the north, living creatures and wheels moving together, a firmament above them, and a throne surrounded by fiery brightness and rainbow glory. The vision begins Ezekiel’s commission and shows that Yahweh’s presence is not confined to Jerusalem.
PROBLEM: The most widely accepted view of inspiration in Protestant circles is that inspiration was an enlightening of the Biblical authors which, while it gave them moral and spiritual insight and made their work "inspiring" (or, as some say, a vehicle of God's word to their readers), it did not guarantee doctrinal or historical trustworthiness to all they actually wrote.
