Ezekiel 2:4

For they are impudent children and stiffe hearted: I doe send thee vnto them, and thou shalt say vnto them, Thus sayth the Lord God. Ezekiel 2:4 (KJV)

For

they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. Ezekiel 2:4 (KJV)

Ezekiel received his prophetic call during the Babylonian exile, a time when the nation of Israel was in captivity. God appointed him as a watchman and sent him to proclaim His messages to the exiled Israelites. The book of Ezekiel records his visions, prophecies, and the words he delivered on God’s behalf.

In this verse God describes the people as “impudent” and “stiff‑hearted.” The term impudent conveys stubbornness, insolence, and rebellion, while stiff‑hearted refers to a hardened, obstinate heart that refuses to listen to God’s call. This description underscores the difficulty of the mission that lies before Ezekiel; he is to address a people who are resistant and unresponsive.

Despite the people’s attitude, God declares, “I do send thee unto them.” This phrase emphasizes that Ezekiel’s commission is intentional and divinely authorized. He is not acting on his own initiative but is sent as God’s representative, empowered by divine authority to fulfill the task.

Ezekiel’s prophetic utterance is to be delivered exactly as God says: “Thus saith the Lord GOD.” The wording makes clear that the message belongs to the Lord, not to Ezekiel’s personal opinion. The prophet is to be a faithful conduit, proclaiming God’s words even when they are difficult or unpopular.

Overall, the verse highlights the challenging nature of Ezekiel’s assignment: he is sent to a stubborn and rebellious people, yet God equips him with authority and purpose. This serves as a reminder that God commissions and equips His servants, even in the face of opposition. As you continue studying Ezekiel, you will see how he faithfully carried out his mission, delivering messages of judgment, warning, and hope to the exiled nation, demonstrating God’s steadfast presence amid hardship.