God asked Ezekiel to eat a scroll before speaking to Israel. Discover why it was sweet as honey and how to receive His Word as a family.
Explore more biblical characters or continue with a related Bible class.
Meet more Bible characters and discover what their stories teach us.
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God called Ezekiel while he lived among the exiles by the Chebar River. His story encourages us to listen to and share God's word even in difficult times.
Read storyCan you imagine God asking you to eat a scroll full of words? Although it may seem strange, that is exactly what the prophet Ezekiel experienced in one of the most astonishing visions in the Bible.
Ezekiel in the Bibleis known for his extraordinary visions, his messages to the people of Israel, and his obedience to God in difficult times. However, one of the most significant moments in his story occurred when he received an unexpected command: to eat a scroll that contained a divine message.
The most surprising thing was that, although that message contained warnings and laments, the scroll was sweet as honey in his mouth.
What did that experience mean? Why did God want Ezekiel to receive His Word in that way? Let us discover his story and a lesson that remains important for our lives:before sharing the Word of God, we must learn to receive it in our hearts.
Ezekiel was a priest and prophet of the Old Testament. His name is related to the idea thatGod strengthens, something that reflects the mission he received during an especially difficult time for the people of Israel.
He was the son of Buzi and belonged to a priestly family, as mentioned in Ezekiel 1:3.
He lived during the 6th century BC, when the kingdom of Judah was going through a deep crisis. Many Israelites had been taken captive to Babylon, far from Jerusalem, from their homes and the temple where they worshiped God.
Ezekiel was among the exiles by the Kebar River when he received an extraordinary vision of the glory of God.
There he began his prophetic ministry.
God called him to deliver His message to a people who needed to recognize their mistakes, repent, and return to Him.
The book of Ezekiel, composed of 48 chapters, contains his visions, warnings, and promises of restoration. Among his most well-known accounts are the scroll he ate, the valley of dry bones, and the promise of a new heart.
The story begins far from Jerusalem.
The people of Judah had suffered the consequences of their decisions, and many of its inhabitants lived exiled in Babylon.
In that context, by the Kebar River, Ezekiel received an impressive vision of the glory of the Lord.
The Bible describes living creatures, wheels, and a manifestation of divine majesty. Ezekiel fell face down before that vision, and God began to speak to him.
The Lord was calling him to become His messenger.
However, his mission would not be easy. He had to speak to a people who frequently resisted hearing the voice of God.
Biblical reference: Ezekiel 1:1-3; 1:26-28; 2:1-7.
During his calling, Ezekiel saw a hand extended toward him holding a scroll written on both sides.
On that scroll were words of lamentation, mourning, and woe.
Then God gave him an extraordinary command:
“Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” — Ezekiel 3:1, RVR1960.
Why did he have to eat it?
The account is part of a prophetic vision. We should not understand it simply as an ordinary meal, but as an action with a profound spiritual meaning.
The scroll contained the message that God wanted to communicate to His people. By eating it, Ezekiel represented the need to fully receive those words before proclaiming them.
It was not enough to hear the message from the outside. He had to make it his own and be prepared to faithfully transmit it.
Biblical reference: Ezekiel 2:8-10; 3:1-2.
Ezekiel obeyed.
He opened his mouth and received the scroll that God gave him.
Then something unexpected happened.
The Bible declares:
So I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth." — Ezekiel 3:3, NIV.
How could a message containing such serious warnings be sweet?
The text does not fully explain why the scroll had that taste. However, it offers a beautiful image of the value of receiving the Word of God.
Although some of its teachings confront us and call us to change, they remain true, necessary, and good.
The message Ezekiel received was not pleasant because of its content of judgment, but his experience invites us to recognize that the Word that comes from God deserves to be welcomed and obeyed.
The sweetness of the scroll did not mean the mission would be easy either. Later, Ezekiel would experience the harshness of proclaiming that message.
Biblical reference: Ezekiel 3:1-3.
After eating the scroll, God explained to Ezekiel what he had to do.
He had to go to the house of Israel and communicate the words he had received.
But first he gave him a fundamental instruction:
“Take to heart all my words.” — Ezekiel 3:10, NIV.
This expression helps us understand one of the main teachings of the episode.
God was not calling Ezekiel to repeat words without understanding their importance. His mission required attentive listening, receiving the message, and communicating it faithfully.
We can learn the same.
A father who teaches the Bible to his children also needs to spend time listening to it. A Sunday school teacher does not just prepare a lesson: first, they must approach God through His Word.
And a child learning a verse may discover that it is not only about memorizing it but also about practicing it.
God’s Word was not given just to be repeated, but also to be heard, believed, and obeyed.
Bible reference: Ezekiel 3:4-11.
After receiving those instructions, Ezekiel was taken among the exiles.
In Tel-abib he stayed seven days among them, deeply affected by what he was experiencing.
Later, God entrusted him with the responsibility of acting as a watchman, someone who had to warn the people about the danger of continuing in their evil ways.
His task was not to make everyone accept his words, but to faithfully communicate God’s message.
The people could listen or reject it, but Ezekiel had to fulfill his mission.
Over time, he also received messages of hope and restoration for Israel.
Bible reference: Ezekiel 3:14-21; 33:1-11; 36–37.
Although the scroll episode is fundamental, Ezekiel’s story contains other events that help us understand his ministry.
What happened?Ezekiel received a vision of the glory of God by the Kebar River while living in exile.
Why is it important?It shows that God had not abandoned His people and that He could manifest His presence even far from Jerusalem.
Reference: Ezekiel 1–2.
What happened?God commanded him to eat a scroll that contained His message. Ezekiel obeyed and found it to be sweet as honey.
Why is it important?It represents the importance of receiving the Word of God before communicating it.
Reference: Ezekiel 2:8–3:11.
What happened?God tasked him with warning the people about their evil ways.
Why is it important?It teaches that conveying the truth involves responsibility, even when others do not want to hear it.
Reference: Ezekiel 3:16-21; 33:1-9.
What happened?Ezekiel suffered the death of his wife. God used that painful circumstance as a prophetic sign related to the tragedy Jerusalem would experience.
Why is it important?It helps us understand that Ezekiel’s ministry was accompanied by personal suffering. The Bible does not present his service as a life free of pain.
Reference: Ezekiel 24:15-24.
What happened?God announced that He would restore His people, cleansing them from their impurity and giving them a new heart and a new spirit.
Why is it important?It reveals that God’s purpose was not only to denounce sin but also to call the people to true transformation.
Reference: Ezekiel 36:25-27.
What happened?God showed Ezekiel a valley full of dry bones that came to life by the power of His word and His Spirit.
Why is it important?The Bible itself explains that the bones represented Israel, a people who had lost hope and whom God promised to restore.
Reference: Ezekiel 37:1-14.
The story of Ezekiel contains lessons that can help us strengthen our relationship with God and share our faith with others.
Ezekiel did not immediately receive the order to speak without preparation. First, he had to eat the scroll and then communicate the message.
This order teaches us that our personal relationship with God must hold an important place.
Application:Before explaining a biblical story to your children, take a few minutes to read the passage and ask yourself what God is teaching. Then share what you have understood.
You do not need to know the entire Bible to start. You can grow together with your family.
The scroll that Ezekiel received contained laments and warnings, but in his mouth it was sweet as honey.
The experience reminds us that God's truth is good, even though sometimes it shows us attitudes we need to change.
Application:When you read a passage about forgiveness, obedience, or honesty, do not only think about what other people should do.
Also ask yourself: is there something I need to change in my way of acting?
God asked Ezekiel to perform an unusual action and then entrusted him to speak to people who probably would not accept his warnings.
Even so, the prophet received and communicated the message.
Application:A child can demonstrate obedience to God when they decide to tell the truth, even if they fear the consequences, or when they treat someone who does not treat them well with respect.
Obedience is also learned in small decisions.
Ezekiel's mission as a watchman was to warn the people to abandon their evil ways.
His responsibility was to communicate the received message, not to control the decisions of those who heard it.
Application:When we teach our children, we can clearly explain what is right and what is wrong without resorting to humiliation.
The truth must be shared with patience and love, also remembering the teaching of Ephesians 4:15.
Ezekiel lived during the exile and announced painful events. However, he also received promises of restoration for Israel.
The valley of dry bones is one of the most powerful examples of that hope.
Application:When a family goes through a difficulty, they can turn to God in prayer and remember His promises.
This does not mean that all problems will disappear immediately, but that we can trust in His faithfulness as we face each situation.
The Bible does not present a clear episode of personal sin or disobedience by Ezekiel comparable to the mistakes narrated of other biblical characters.
Therefore, it would not be correct to invent faults, doubts, or regrets that the Scriptures do not record.
What we do find are significant challenges.
Living far from his land.Ezekiel exercised his ministry during the exile in Babylon, at a time of uncertainty for his people.
Speaking to people who did not want to listen.God warned him that many Israelites would reject the message because of the hardness of their hearts (Ezekiel 3:7).
Bearing the burden of difficult messages.After his calling, the prophet describes an experience of bitterness and indignation in his spirit (Ezekiel 3:14). This shows that his mission was not free from intense emotions.
Facing a family loss.The death of his wife was one of the most painful events recorded in his life (Ezekiel 24:15-18).
These challenges help us understand that serving God does not mean being free from suffering.
Faithfulness may require perseverance, strength, and trust, even when circumstances are unfavorable.
The experience of the scroll can become a practical lesson for our family life.
It is not necessary to start with long chapters.
You can spend five or ten minutes reading a story and discussing its meaning.
For example, after reading Ezekiel 3:1-3, ask: what was the most surprising part of this story?
After hearing the Word of God, look for a concrete way to obey it.
If you have studied kindness, you can help someone. If you have read about forgiveness, you can talk about how to resolve a conflict.
Thus, the teaching moves from words to actions.
During dinner or before bedtime, each member can share a verse or a biblical teaching.
Parents can also share what they are learning and how they are trying to apply it.
This helps children understand that the Christian life is a continuous learning process for the whole family.
A child learns from what they hear, but also observes how their parents act.
If we teach patience, let us strive to respond with patience. If we talk about sincerity, let us practice truthfulness.
Our behavior can reinforce what we teach with words.
Sunday school teachers and children's leaders can prepare their lessons by starting with a careful reading of the passage.
It is important to explain what the Bible really says and distinguish it from our applications.
A well-understood story can help children develop a love for the Scriptures.
Choose a short verse during the week.
Repeat it as a family, explain its meaning, and look for an opportunity to put it into practice.
The goal is not just to memorize words, but to understand them and allow them to guide our decisions.
Did you know that in the Bible there was a man who was ordered to eat a scroll with written words?
His name was Ezekiel.
Ezekiel was a prophet, that is, a person whom God called to communicate His message to the people.
One day, during a vision, God showed him a scroll and told him he had to eat it.
What a surprising command!
Ezekiel opened his mouth and received the scroll.
And do you know what happened?
Although it contained a very serious message, the scroll was sweet as honey.
God was teaching him something important: he had to receive His words before sharing them with others.
We can also learn from this story.
When we hear a Bible verse, we should not forget it as soon as the class or reading ends.
We can think about what it means and look for ways to obey it.
For example, when we learn that we must love our neighbor, we can show it by sharing, helping, and treating others well.
The great lesson for children:God wants us to listen to His Word, keep it in our hearts, and put it into practice.
God showed Ezekiel a scroll that contained words of lamentation and warning.
This passage helps us understand that the prophet's message came from God and had to be communicated faithfully.
Ezekiel was commanded to eat the scroll and discovered that its taste was sweet as honey.
It is the central passage of this story and a very significant image of receiving the Word of God.
God instructed Ezekiel to receive His words in his heart and listen attentively.
It reminds us that biblical teaching must go beyond our ears and become part of our lives.
In this verse, God expresses His desire for the sinner to abandon their evil ways and live.
It shows us that God's warnings contain a serious call to repentance.
God promises to transform His people inwardly and put His Spirit within them.
This passage reminds us of the importance of a deep transformation that produces obedience to God.
God announces that He will give life and restore His people through His Spirit.
Within the context of the chapter, this promise is directed to Israel and shows that their situation of exile and despair would not be the end of their story.
These questions can be used during family devotionals, a Bible class, or a Sunday school activity.
Who was Ezekiel and what mission did he receive from God?
What did God ask him to do with the scroll?
What kind of message did the scroll contain and what did it taste like when Ezekiel ate it?
What can we learn from the command to receive God's words before speaking to the people?
Why is it important to put into practice what we learn from the Bible?
Do you remember any Bible verse that has helped you make a good decision?
What can we do as a family to better know the Word of God?
How could you apply a teaching of Jesus this week at school, at home, or with your friends?
“Do not only listen to the Word of God; keep it in your heart and live it every day.”
Beloved Lord,
Thank you for giving us Your Word and teaching us through the life of Ezekiel.
Help us to listen carefully to what You tell us and to keep Your teachings in our hearts.
May we not be merely people who know verses, but families who seek to obey You with love.
Teach us to speak truthfully, act kindly, and share Your message with those around us.
May our children grow up loving Your Word and learning to trust You every day.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
The story ofEzekiel in the Biblepresents us with a prophet who received a difficult but deeply important mission.
God called him in the midst of exile, showed him His glory, and gave him a message for His people.
One of the most remembered moments of his life occurred when he was commanded to eat a scroll that was sweet as honey.
That experience invites us to reflect on our relationship with the Scriptures.
It is not enough to hear the Word of God. We need to understand it, receive it with faith, and strive to obey it.
As parents, we can teach this truth to our children through Bible reading, prayer, and daily example.
And as Christian families, we can remember that every moment dedicated to knowing God is an opportunity to grow together.
InPequeños del ReinoWe want to continue discovering the stories of the Bible and the teachings that help us know the Lord better.
Keep exploring our content about biblical characters and share this story with someone who wants to strengthen their relationship with the Word of God.
And remember: let the Word of God not only reach your ears but also find a place in your heart.
Ezekiel was a priest and prophet of the Old Testament, son of Buzi. He lived during the exile of the people of Judah in Babylon and received God's call to deliver His messages to the Israelites. His ministry included warnings about sin, calls to repentance, and promises of restoration. His story is found in the biblical book that bears his name.
God asked him to eat the scroll during a vision that was part of his prophetic calling. The action represented fully receiving the divine message before communicating it to the people. Ezekiel 3:10 reinforces this teaching when God commands him to receive His words in his heart. The episode shows the importance of listening to and faithfully embracing what God says.
Ezekiel 3:3 states that the scroll was sweet as honey in the prophet's mouth. The Bible does not explain all the symbolic aspects of that taste. However, we can understand it as an image of the value of receiving God's words, even when they contain difficult warnings. The sweetness does not mean that the message announced only pleasant events.
His mission was to communicate the Word of God to the people of Israel during the exile. He was to warn about the consequences of sin, call for repentance, and announce God's purposes. He also received messages of hope and restoration. In Ezekiel 3 and 33, his responsibility is compared to that of a watchman who warns the people of danger.
One of the most important teachings of the scroll episode is that we must attentively receive the Word of God before sharing it. Ezekiel listened, obeyed, and transmitted the message he received. His experience encourages us to read the Bible carefully, reflect on its teachings, and allow them to guide our decisions and daily conduct.
You can start by telling them that Ezekiel was a prophet who received messages from God. One day, during a vision, God asked him to eat a scroll, and it was sweet as honey. Then explain that God wanted him to receive His words before teaching them. To apply it, invite the children to learn a verse and practice it during the week.
In Ezekiel 37, God showed the prophet a valley full of dry bones that came to life by His power. The passage itself explains that the bones represented the people of Israel, who had lost hope during their suffering. Through that vision, God announced their restoration. It is one of the best-known images of the message of hope Ezekiel received.
The story is mainly recorded in Ezekiel 2:8–3:11. Chapter 2 describes the scroll God presented to the prophet, while chapter 3 recounts how Ezekiel received it and discovered it was sweet as honey. To better understand the context, it is also recommended to read Ezekiel 1, where his prophetic calling begins.
