What other biblical figures faced similar tasks as described in Ezekiel 2:7? The Commission Echoing through Scripture “ But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.” — Ezekiel 2:7 Old-Testament Messengers with the Same Challenge • Moses – Sent to both Pharaoh and an unbelieving Israel (Exodus 6:9; 7:16). • Isaiah – Told to preach to people who would “be ever hearing but never understanding” (Isaiah 6:9-10). • Jeremiah – Warned: “When you speak all these words to them, they will not listen to you” (Jeremiah 7:27; cf. 1:17-19). • Hosea – Commanded to expose covenant unfaithfulness despite Israel’s hardness (Hosea 4:1-6). • Amos – Instructed to prophesy judgment to a complacent northern kingdom (Amos 7:14-17). • Micah – Called to declare impending ruin to leaders who hated justice (Micah 3:8-12). • Jonah – Sent to Nineveh to cry out against entrenched wickedness (Jonah 1:2; 3:4). • Malachi – Addressed priests and people who “have wearied the LORD with your words” (Malachi 2:17). New-Testament Voices Facing Stubborn Listeners • John the Baptist – Confronted unrepentant crowds: “Brood of vipers!” (Matthew 3:7-12). • Jesus – Wept over Jerusalem that “kills the prophets” (Matthew 23:37; John 12:37-40). • Stephen – Accused the Sanhedrin of resisting the Spirit “as your fathers did” (Acts 7:51-54). • Peter – Preached at Pentecost to the very city that crucified Christ (Acts 2:23, 36-40). • Paul – Declared, “To you the word of God was spoken first, but since you reject it … we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46; cf. 28:25-28; 2 Timothy 4:2-5). Shared Threads • Divine mandate: each was explicitly “sent.” • Rebellious audience: hearers labeled stiff-necked, hard-hearted, or unbelieving. • Message unchanged by response: truth delivered “whether they listen or refuse.” • God’s assurance: resistance predicted, but His presence promised. |
    |