But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words.God repeatedly calls Ezekiel “son of man,” reminding him that he is a mortal man sent to speak for the Lord among his own people. The Israelites in exile had rebelled against God and would resist the message entrusted to the prophet. Ezekiel’s authority would rest not in public approval but in the God who commissioned him. God’s servants must not allow threats, ridicule, or rejection to silence faithful proclamation. Deu 1:17 Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great… Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Briers, thorns, and scorpions portray the painful hostility of a rebellious people. Thorns recall the curse brought by sin, and scorpions picture the danger Ezekiel would face as he lived among those who opposed God’s word. The Lord did not remove Ezekiel from this hard setting; He commanded him to stand firm within it. Christ likewise endured rejection from those He came to save, and His disciples were warned to expect opposition as they bore witness to Him. Num 33:55 But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land… Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. Mockery, threats, and intimidating opposition would confront Ezekiel, but God forbade fear and discouragement. Israel’s rebellion was not merely against the prophet but against the Lord whose message Ezekiel delivered. Ezekiel was responsible to speak God’s words whether the people listened or refused, leaving the outcome in God’s hands. Israel’s rejection anticipates the rejection of Jesus by many of His own people, yet God’s purposes of judgment, repentance, and restoration would not fail. Deu 31:8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you.… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his visions and symbolic acts. 2. Israelites The rebellious house referred to in the verse, representing the people of Israel who were in exile due to their disobedience to God. 3. Babylon The place of exile for the Israelites, where Ezekiel was called to prophesy. 4. Briers and Thorns Symbolic of the difficulties and opposition Ezekiel would face in delivering God's message. 5. Scorpions Metaphorically used to describe the hostile and dangerous environment Ezekiel would encounter. Teaching Points Courage in the Face of OppositionAs believers, we are often called to stand firm in our faith despite societal pressures and opposition. Ezekiel's example encourages us to rely on God's strength. Faithfulness to God's Call Ezekiel's mission was challenging, yet he remained faithful. We are reminded to be steadfast in our own callings, trusting in God's purpose. Understanding Spiritual Warfare The imagery of briers, thorns, and scorpions highlights the spiritual battles we face. Recognizing these challenges helps us prepare and rely on God's armor. God's Assurance and Presence The repeated command not to fear underscores God's promise to be with us. This assurance is vital for our daily walk with Him. Responding to Rebellion with Truth Ezekiel was sent to a rebellious people, yet he was to speak God's truth. We are called to lovingly and boldly share the Gospel, even when met with resistance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezekiel's experience of facing opposition relate to the challenges Christians face today in sharing their faith?2. In what ways can we draw strength from God's assurance to "not be afraid" when we encounter difficult situations? 3. How can the imagery of briers, thorns, and scorpions help us understand the nature of spiritual warfare in our lives? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to remain faithful to God's calling, even when it seems daunting? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 2:6 to encourage others who are facing their own spiritual battles? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 1:8Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah is also instructed not to be afraid of the people he is sent to, emphasizing God's protection over His prophets. Matthew 10:28 Jesus instructs His disciples not to fear those who can harm the body but cannot harm the soul, reinforcing the call to fear God above all. 2 Corinthians 12:10 Paul speaks of finding strength in weakness, which relates to Ezekiel's call to stand firm despite opposition. Psalm 23:4 The assurance of God's presence even in the darkest valleys, paralleling the encouragement given to Ezekiel. Hebrews 13:6 The confidence that the Lord is our helper, and we need not fear what man can do to us.
People Ezekiel, IsraelitesPlaces ChebarTopics Affrighted, Afraid, Briars, Briers, Defiers, Despisers, Dismayed, Dwell, Dwellest, Dwelling, Faces, Fear, Looks, Overcome, Presence, Rebellious, Round, Scorpions, Sharp, Sit, Terrified, Thistles, Thorns, Though, Uncontrolled, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 2:6 2233 Son of Man Library Endurance of the World's Censure. "And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them; neither be afraid of their words, though briars and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions; be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house."--Ezekiel ii. 6. What is here implied, as the trial of the Prophet Ezekiel, was fulfilled more or less in the case of all the Prophets. They were not Teachers merely, but Confessors. They came not merely to unfold the Law, or to foretell the Gospel, … John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona . Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician . St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of iveragh. Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 2:6 NIVEzekiel 2:6 NLT Ezekiel 2:6 ESV Ezekiel 2:6 NASB Ezekiel 2:6 KJV Ezekiel 2:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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