The book of Revelation is filled with vivid imagery and profound symbolism, and one of the intriguing elements is the little scroll in Revelation 10. To fully grasp its significance, it’s essential to consider its parallels with the scroll in the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet is also commanded to eat a scroll. This comparison offers deeper insights into the nature of prophetic revelation and the responsibilities of God’s messengers.
Word Count: 724 / Time to read: 4 minutes
The Little Scroll in Revelation (Revelation 10)
In Revelation 10, John describes an encounter with a mighty angel who holds a little scroll:
- The Angel and the Scroll:
- Revelation 10:1-2: John sees a powerful angel coming down from heaven, robed in a cloud with a rainbow above his head, his face like the sun, and legs like fiery pillars. The angel holds a little scroll, which lies open in his hand.
- Revelation 10:8-10: John is instructed to take the scroll from the angel and eat it. The angel tells him, “It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” John eats the scroll and experiences exactly what the angel described.
- Revelation 10:11: After consuming the scroll, John is told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”
The Scroll in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:8-3:3)
In Ezekiel 2:8-3:3, the prophet Ezekiel recounts a similar vision where God commands him to eat a scroll:
- Command to Eat the Scroll:
- Ezekiel 2:8-10: God instructs Ezekiel to open his mouth and eat a scroll covered with writing on both sides, containing words of lament and mourning and woe.
- Ezekiel 3:1-3: God commands, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.” Ezekiel eats the scroll and finds it as sweet as honey in his mouth.
Symbolism and Themes
1. Content of Lamentation:
- Ezekiel: The scroll given to Ezekiel contains words of lamentation, mourning, and woe, symbolizing the severe messages Ezekiel is to deliver to Israel due to their disobedience and idolatry.
- Revelation: John’s scroll also signifies prophetic messages of judgment and events to unfold during the end times, marked by both sweetness and bitterness.
2. Sweetness and Bitterness:
- Ezekiel: The sweetness of the scroll in Ezekiel’s mouth contrasts with the bitterness of its contents, representing the initial joy of receiving God’s word and the sorrow of its judgments.
- Revelation: John’s experience reflects the duality of prophetic ministry – the joy of receiving divine revelation and the sorrow of its implications.
3. Prophetic Commissioning:
- Ezekiel: By eating the scroll, Ezekiel internalizes God’s message, preparing him to deliver it to Israel. The act symbolizes complete assimilation and acceptance of God’s word.
- Revelation: John’s act of eating the little scroll symbolizes his acceptance of the divine commission to prophesy about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.
Connection and Implications
The parallel between Ezekiel’s scroll and John’s little scroll highlights important themes:
1. Divine Revelation:
- Both scrolls signify direct divine communication, underscoring the role of prophets as messengers of God’s word. The act of eating the scroll symbolizes the prophet’s total commitment to and internalization of the divine message.
2. Bittersweet Nature of Prophecy:
- The sweetness followed by bitterness experienced by both Ezekiel and John emphasizes the dual nature of prophetic ministry. While delivering God’s word can be a source of joy and fulfillment, it often involves delivering messages of judgment and lamentation.
3. Continuity of Prophetic Tradition:
- The experiences of Ezekiel and John link the Old and New Testament prophetic traditions, showing the continuity of God’s communication with humanity through his chosen messengers. It demonstrates the recurring theme of God calling prophets to deliver difficult truths to rebellious or unbelieving audiences.
Summary on the Significance of the Prophetic Scrolls
The little scroll in Revelation 10 serves as a powerful symbol of the prophet’s role in God’s plan, echoing the experiences of Ezekiel. Both Ezekiel and John are called to internalize God’s word, representing the deep commitment required to deliver divine messages. The bittersweet nature of the scrolls underscores the duality of prophetic ministry—where the sweetness of receiving God’s word is often accompanied by the bitterness of impending judgment. This scene in Revelation highlights the continuity of God’s prophetic tradition and reaffirms John’s mission to prophesy to all nations, emphasizing the enduring and urgent nature of God’s message throughout history.
After consuming the scroll, John is told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.
Revelation 10:11
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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