Mission to Rebellious Israel

1He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feeta and I will speak with you.” 2As he spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet,a and I listened to the one who was speaking to me. 3He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, toA the rebellious pagans who have rebelled against me. The Israelites and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this day.a 4The descendants are obstinateA and hardhearted.a I am sending you to them, and you must say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ 5Whether they listen or refuse to listena — for they are a rebellious house — they will know that a prophet has been among them.b

6“But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them and do not be afraid of their words,a even though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions.b Don’t be afraid of their words or discouraged by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house. 7Speak my words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen,a for they are rebellious.

8“And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you: Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”a 9So I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me,a and there was a written scroll in it.b 10When he unrolled it before me, it was written on the front and back; words of lamentation, mourning, and woe were written on it.