‘Then said I, “Ah, Lord Yahweh. Behold my life has not been polluted, for from my youth up, even until now, I have not eaten of what dies of itself, or is torn of beasts, nor came there any abominable flesh into my mouth.” '
Ezekiel had borne much without protest, but he was so appalled at the thought of using human excrement that he made his first protest to God. He pointed out the great care he had taken from childhood to keep himself ritually clean. He had not eaten meat from an animal that died naturally, nor from an animal that was killed by wild beasts (Exodus 22:31; Leviticus 11:39; Leviticus 17:15; Leviticus 22:8; Deuteronomy 14:21). Nor had he eaten ‘abominable flesh' (Isaiah 65:4; Leviticus 7:18; Leviticus 11:4-8; Leviticus 11:10-20; Leviticus 11:23-31; Leviticus 11:41). He was horrified to think that now his body should be tainted by something ‘unclean'. This brings out how dedicated a man Ezekiel had always been, scrupulous in his dealings with things pertaining to God. And God graciously conceded to his position. He was thoughtful concerning the feelings of His servant.