Ezekiel 2:4-7

4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says.’

5 And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them.

6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.

7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.

Ezekiel 2:4-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EZEKIEL 2

This chapter contains me prophet's call, commission, and instruction to prophesy. The preparation to it is in Eze 2:1,2; being fallen upon his face, he is bid to stand upon his feet, with a promise to speak to him; and the Spirit entering into him, he is set by him on his feet, and he hears what is spoken to him; then follows his mission to the children of Israel, who are described as rebellious, impudent, and stiff-hearted; and to whom he is sent, to render them inexcusable, Eze 2:3-5; and he is exhorted not to be afraid of their words, nor dismayed at their looks, however fierce and furious they might be; but faithfully declare his message, and not be discouraged, should it be without success, Eze 2:6,7; and he is instructed not to be rebellious, as they were; but open his mouth and eat what should be given him, Eze 2:8; when, in a visionary way, a hand was seen, and a roll in it, and this spread before him, written within and without, full of lamentation, mourning, and woes, as a symbol of the substance of his prophecy, Eze 2:9,10.

Cross References

• 1. S Exodus 32:9; S Isaiah 9:9; Ezekiel 3:7
• 2. Amos 7:15
• 3. Ezekiel 3:11
• 4. Ezekiel 3:27
• 5. S Jeremiah 5:3; Ezekiel 33:33; John 15:22
• 6. S Deuteronomy 31:6; S 2 Kings 1:15; Jeremiah 1:8,17
• 7. S Numbers 33:55; Isaiah 9:18; Micah 7:4
• 8. S Isaiah 1:2; Isaiah 30:9; Ezekiel 24:3; Ezekiel 44:6; Ezekiel 3:9
• 9. Jeremiah 7:27
• 10. Jeremiah 1:7; S Jeremiah 42:21; Ezekiel 3:10-11