Ezekiel 2:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 2:6
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.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 2 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, faith. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-10: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 2:6
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.
Analysis
God commands Ezekiel four times: "be not afraid" of briars, thorns, scorpions, or their words. The metaphors describe hostile opposition—physical danger and verbal persecution. This divine commission requires courage grounded in God's presence, not human bravery. The repetition emphasizes the natural fearfulness of prophetic ministry and the supernatural courage required. Jesus echoes this in Matthew 10:28: "Fear not them which kill the body." The fear of God expels the fear of man; when we stand before the Holy One, human threats lose their power. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's calling includes His sustaining grace.
Historical Context
Prophets in ancient Israel faced severe persecution. Jeremiah was imprisoned, beaten, and thrown into cisterns. Zechariah was stoned. Tradition holds that Isaiah was sawn in two. Elijah fled Jezebel's murderous rage. Ezekiel would experience mockery, threats, and social ostracism from his own people. The imagery of briars, thorns, and scorpions reflects the painful reality of ministry among rebellious Israel. Despite dangers, God's command to speak His words without fear demonstrates that divine authority trumps human opposition. The exiled community's hardness made Ezekiel's ministry particularly hazardous.
Reflection
- What "briars, thorns, and scorpions" do you face in faithfully proclaiming God's truth?
- How does the fear of God practically overcome the fear of human opposition in your life?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Word: Jeremiah 18:18
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 51:12, Jeremiah 1:8, 1:17, Micah 3:8, 7:4, Matthew 10:28