But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.
God declares He will open Ezekiel's mouth at specific times to deliver messages, while at other times the prophet will be silent. The phrase 'He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear' (shomea yishma vehechadel yechdal, שֹׁמֵעַ יִשְׁמָע וְהֶחָדֵל יֶחְדָּל) acknowledges human freedom in responding to divine revelation. God's word divides hearers into two categories: those who receive it and those who refuse. This same principle appears in Jesus' parabolic teaching: 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear' (Matthew 11:15, 13:9, Mark 4:9). The designation 'they are a rebellious house' (beyit-meri, בֵית־מֶרִי) repeats throughout Ezekiel (2:5-8, 3:9, 12:2-3), explaining why many will refuse the message. Yet God persists in sending His word even to rebellious hearers, demonstrating both His justice (they cannot claim ignorance) and His mercy (He continues offering opportunity for repentance).
Historical Context
Ezekiel's selective speech (periods of divinely imposed muteness, 3:26) distinguished him from false prophets who spoke constantly without divine authorization. True prophets spoke only when God gave specific messages, while false prophets manufactured oracles on demand. This pattern tested Ezekiel's obedience—would he remain silent when people wanted words, and speak when they didn't? The exiles, accustomed to prophets who told them what they wanted to hear, found Ezekiel's intermittent ministry frustrating. Yet this very pattern authenticated his messages as genuinely divine rather than humanly contrived. God controlled both the timing and content of prophetic utterance.
Questions for Reflection
How do you discern when to speak God's truth and when to remain silent, waiting for His timing?
How should the reality that some will refuse God's word affect your evangelism and witness?
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Analysis & Commentary
God declares He will open Ezekiel's mouth at specific times to deliver messages, while at other times the prophet will be silent. The phrase 'He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear' (shomea yishma vehechadel yechdal, שֹׁמֵעַ יִשְׁמָע וְהֶחָדֵל יֶחְדָּל) acknowledges human freedom in responding to divine revelation. God's word divides hearers into two categories: those who receive it and those who refuse. This same principle appears in Jesus' parabolic teaching: 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear' (Matthew 11:15, 13:9, Mark 4:9). The designation 'they are a rebellious house' (beyit-meri, בֵית־מֶרִי) repeats throughout Ezekiel (2:5-8, 3:9, 12:2-3), explaining why many will refuse the message. Yet God persists in sending His word even to rebellious hearers, demonstrating both His justice (they cannot claim ignorance) and His mercy (He continues offering opportunity for repentance).