Ezekiel 2:6

“And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers 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.”

Context:Ezekiel was a prophet who received a call from God to deliver His messages to the rebellious Israelites during their exile in Babylon. In this verse, God is commissioning Ezekiel and instructing him not to be afraid of the people to whom he is sent, even though they may be hostile and resistant to his message.

Son of Man:The phrase “son of man” is used throughout the book of Ezekiel to address the prophet himself. It emphasizes Ezekiel’s human nature, reminding him that he is an ordinary man chosen by God to deliver His divine message.

Be not afraid:God encourages Ezekiel not to fear the people he will encounter during his prophetic ministry. The mission to confront a rebellious people would not be an easy task, but God reassures Ezekiel that He will be with him, providing the necessary strength and protection.

Briers and thorns:The mention of briers and thorns symbolizes the hostile and difficult environment in which Ezekiel would find himself. The people’s resistance and opposition to his message are likened to sharp and prickly obstacles. Despite these challenges, Ezekiel is encouraged to remain steadfast and courageous.

Dwell among scorpions:This phrase further emphasizes the dangerous and adversarial situation Ezekiel would face. Scorpions represent a threat and potential harm. However, God assures Ezekiel that even in such circumstances, he should not be afraid.

Rebellious house:The term “rebellious house” refers to the Israelites who had repeatedly disobeyed God’s commands and rejected His prophets. Despite their rebelliousness, God still desired to reach out to them through Ezekiel and offer them an opportunity to repent and turn back to Him.

Application:Ezekiel’s commissioning has implications for us today. It reminds us that when God calls us to fulfill His purposes, He equips and empowers us, even in the face of opposition and challenging circumstances. We are called to be courageous and faithful, trusting in God’s presence and guidance. It also teaches us the importance of delivering God’s message faithfully, even if it is unpopular or met with resistance.

• Overall:Ezekiel 2:6 encourages us to trust in God’s strength, overcome our fears, and faithfully fulfill the tasks He has assigned us, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.