Ezekiel 1:25-2:5

New International Version

²⁵ Then there came a voice from above the vault over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. ²⁶ Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne^(A) of lapis lazuli,^(B) and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man.^{(C) 27} I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.^{(D) 28} Like the appearance of a rainbow^(E) in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.^(F)

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory^(G) of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown,^(H) and I heard the voice of one speaking.

Ezekiel’s Call to Be a Prophet

2 He said to me, “Son of man,^[a](I) stand^(J) up on your feet and I will speak to you.^(K)” ² As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me^(L) to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

³ He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day.^{(M) 4} The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn.^(N) Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’^{(O) 5} And whether they listen or fail to listen^(P)—for they are a rebellious people^(Q)—they will know that a prophet has been among them.^(R)