Ezekiel 2:6-7

C. Ezekiel Charged 2:6-7

TRANSLATION

(6) But as for you, son of man, do not fear them nor be afraid of their words; for thorns[109] and thistles are with you, and you are sitting upon scorpions. Do not fear their words, and do not be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. (7) But speak My words unto them whether they hear or refuse for they are rebellious.

[109] The Hebrew word is not elsewhere found in the Bible and is of uncertain meaning. Context favors the traditional rendering briers or thorns.

COMMENTS

Unlike Moses and Jeremiah, Ezekiel had no opportunity to protest his inability and timidity. God moved to forestall such excuses with earnest exhortation: Do not fear them nor be afraid of their words. Ezekiel would face terrible opposition. Four times in Ezekiel 2:6 God tells his prophet not to be afraid.

Such an exhortation is in order because his hearers are thorns and thistles. This preacher must have tough hide to endure the digs, scratches, abrasions and stinging sarcasm which a hostile audience heaps on him. Dwelling among those thorns and thistles are scorpions with deadly stings. There would be threats to his life. He would be pierced through on many occasions by this ungrateful and irresponsive crowd. At such times he must remember that this kind of conduct is entirely in character as far as these exiles are concerned for they are a rebellious house. For this reason Ezekiel must not fear their words or be dismayed (lit., shattered) at their looks (Ezekiel 2:6).

This section of explanation and exhortation closes with renewed exhortation to be faithful to his preaching ministry regardless of the audience reaction (Ezekiel 2:7).