Ezekiel 3:8
Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.
Original Language Analysis
נָתַ֧תִּי
Behold I have made
H5414
נָתַ֧תִּי
Behold I have made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
their faces
H6440
פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
their faces
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לְעֻמַּ֥ת
against
H5980
לְעֻמַּ֥ת
against
Strong's:
H5980
Word #:
6 of 12
conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with
פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
their faces
H6440
פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
their faces
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְאֶֽת
H853
וְאֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued honor and shame dynamics. Prophets faced intense social pressure to conform. God's hardening Ezekiel's forehead countered this pressure, enabling unpopular proclamation. The exile community in Babylon resented prophetic critique, preferring comforting messages. Ezekiel needed supernatural courage to deliver God's hard words to hostile audiences.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's empowerment of Ezekiel challenge our fear of man when proclaiming unpopular biblical truths?
- What does divine hardening of the prophet's forehead teach us about asking God for boldness rather than relying on natural courage?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's making Ezekiel's face 'strong against their faces' and forehead 'hard against their foreheads' demonstrates divine empowerment for difficult ministry. Ezekiel faces a rebellious house requiring supernatural boldness. The forehead represents determination and shamelessness—God removes fear of man, replacing it with prophetic courage. This parallels Jeremiah's fortified city (Jer. 1:18). Effective ministry requires God-given boldness transcending natural timidity.