The Prophet’s Call

1Then He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” 2And as He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me. 3Then He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have revolted against Me to this very day. 4So I am sending you to those who are [a]impudent and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord [b]GOD says:’ 5As for them, whether they listen or [c]not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6And as for you, son of man, you are not to fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; you are not to fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, since they are a rebellious house. 7But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or [d]not, for they are rebellious.

8“Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth wide and eat what I am giving you.” 9Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and behold, a [e]scroll was in it. 10When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were songs of mourning, sighing, and woe.