What did John do with the little book he took from the angel?

In Revelation 10:10, we see this fascinating moment where John eats the little book he received from the angel. The act of eating in biblical literature isn't just about the physical act; it's deeply symbolic. By consuming the book, John internalizes the prophetic message it contains. This communicates a powerful idea—that profound revelations and truths must be digested spiritually to be truly understood and lived out.

Fun fact: The imagery harkens back to the prophecies in Ezekiel 3:1-3, where Ezekiel is also commanded to eat a scroll. In both instances, the prophetic messages initially taste “sweet” but later become “bitter” as the weight of the truths they contain manifests. This echoes the common theme throughout scripture—the intertwining of hope and suffering, joy and sorrow. The messages from God can often delight at first but may ultimately call for struggles and challenges within the mission they convey.

Moreover, the act of eating a book reflects a ritualistic significance—much like absorbing wisdom from scripture today. Just as bread sustains us physically, the Word provides spiritual sustenance. By eating the book, John exemplifies how engaging deeply with such messages is essential for spiritual nourishment. This imagery enriches our understanding of scripture as a transformative experience, emphasizing the importance of both the joyous and hard truths found within spiritual writings. Overall, digesting God’s word is crucial for living a life in harmony with divine intent and understanding the deeper layers of our existence.