Ezekiel 3:9
As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Original Language Analysis
כְּשָׁמִ֛יר
As an adamant
H8068
כְּשָׁמִ֛יר
As an adamant
Strong's:
H8068
Word #:
1 of 15
a thorn; also (from its keenness for scratching) a gem, probably the diamond
מִצֹּ֖ר
than flint
H6864
מִצֹּ֖ר
than flint
Strong's:
H6864
Word #:
3 of 15
a stone (as if pressed hard or to a point); (by implication, of use) a knife
נָתַ֣תִּי
have I made
H5414
נָתַ֣תִּי
have I made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אוֹתָם֙
H853
אוֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵחַ֣ת
them not neither be dismayed
H2865
תֵחַ֣ת
them not neither be dismayed
Strong's:
H2865
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
at their looks
H6440
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
at their looks
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
11 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בֵּ֥ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
13 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
Ezekiel 2:6And 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.Isaiah 50:7For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Jeremiah 1:8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.Zechariah 7:12Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.Jeremiah 17:18Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.1 Timothy 2:3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;Micah 3:8But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.Isaiah 41:14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.Jeremiah 1:17Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.
Historical Context
Ezekiel needed extraordinary courage to minister to rebellious exiles (593 BC) who would mock, threaten, and reject him. The promise of supernatural strength sustained prophets through persecution. Jeremiah received similar assurance (Jeremiah 1:18). The early church experienced this: unlearned fishermen boldly confronted religious authorities (Acts 4:13). The pattern continues: God equips whom He calls, providing courage exceeding natural capacity. Ministers don't rely on personal strength but on divine empowerment.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God strengthened you beyond natural capacity in difficult ministry situations?
- What comfort does knowing God makes prophets' foreheads harder than flint provide when facing opposition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house." God promises to strengthen Ezekiel against opposition through supernatural fortitude. The "adamant" (Hebrew shamir, שָׁמִיר) denotes the hardest substance known—perhaps diamond or emery. God makes His prophet's resolve exceed the people's resistance. Divine calling includes divine enabling. Ministers facing opposition can trust God to provide necessary courage and perseverance. This isn't natural boldness but supernatural endurance through the Spirit.