The answer is: Ezekiel|Zacharias|Zechariah

Eze 3 / Luke 1

When we think of figures in the Bible who were suddenly made unable to speak, Ezekiel and Zacharias (or Zechariah) spring to mind. It's interesting to note the distinct circumstances surrounding their muteness. Let's start with Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 3:26, God tells him that he will be mute and unable to speak unless specifically communicating God’s messages. This enforced silence didn’t hinder his prophetic mission but, instead, highlighted the seriousness of the messages he had to deliver. Imagine being so charged with a divine duty that silence becomes a part of your message!

Now, shifting to Zacharias in Luke 1, his loss of speech serves as a direct consequence of unbelief. He questioned the angel Gabriel about the announcement of his son's birth. Both narratives showcase themes centered on communication with the divine; Ezekiel’s predetermined silence contrasts sharply with Zacharias’s temporary punishment for doubt. It invites us to consider how our interaction with divine will and faith impacts our journey and expression.

Here's a fun tidbit: the Hebrew name for Ezekiel, "Yehezkel," means “God strengthens,” while "Zacharias" in Hebrew means “Yahweh remembers.” This resonant significance underlines how both these figures symbolize much more than ends or periods of silence; they represent the powerful, ongoing dialogue between humanity and divinity. Each of them speaks volumes through their experience!