Which Old Testament prophet was given a book to eat by God?

Ezekiel’s experience with eating the scroll is one of the most unique moments in the Bible! Surrounded by visions of strange creatures and divine chariots, God asks Ezekiel to consume a scroll filled with lamentations and woes. This act wasn’t about grabbing a snack; it symbolized internalizing God's message to the people of Israel. When Ezekiel ate it, he found it as sweet as honey, illustrating the duality of prophetic ministry—it can be both delightful and bitter.

Interestingly, the imagery of consuming scrolls appears not just in Ezekiel. In Revelation (10:9-10), John is also instructed to eat a little scroll. This act connects the two prophets, showing that their messages share a deeper longing for change and repentance in a world often turned away from the divine.

This act also underscores a theme of transformation found throughout scripture: the idea that one must internalize divine instruction in order to share it with others. Ezekiel’s bold message often challenged compliance to tradition and called for a new relationship with the divine, urging reform and deeper understanding among a stubborn people.

Fun trivia: Did you know that the name “Ezekiel” means “God strengthens”? This perfectly tracks with his role as a prophet—being the voice of the divine and inspiring strength among people amidst exile and dislocation. Eating the scroll? It's like their version of a divine pep talk!