Ezekiel 2:4

They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, 'This is what the Lord GOD says.'

Study Bible

They are obstinate and stubborn children
The Hebrew words for "obstinate" and "stubborn" are "qasheh" and "chazaq," respectively. "Qasheh" conveys a sense of being hard, difficult, or severe, often used to describe a rebellious spirit. "Chazaq" means strong or firm, but in this context, it implies a resistance to change or correction. Historically, Israel had a pattern of rebellion against God, despite His continuous guidance and provision. This phrase highlights the spiritual condition of the Israelites, who were resistant to God's messages and messengers. The imagery of "children" suggests a relationship with God as a Father, emphasizing their disobedience and need for correction.

I am sending you to them
The phrase "I am sending you" underscores the divine commission given to Ezekiel. The Hebrew verb "shalach" means to send or dispatch, indicating that Ezekiel's mission is not self-appointed but divinely ordained. This reflects the biblical theme of God choosing and sending prophets to guide, warn, and call His people back to righteousness. The historical context is significant, as Ezekiel was among the exiles in Babylon, and his mission was to speak to a people who were experiencing the consequences of their rebellion.

and you are to say to them
This directive emphasizes the role of the prophet as a mouthpiece for God. The Hebrew phrase "dabar alehem" means to speak or declare to them. Ezekiel's task was not to convey his own thoughts but to faithfully deliver God's message. This highlights the importance of obedience and fidelity to God's word, a central theme in the prophetic ministry. The prophet's role is to communicate God's truth, regardless of the people's receptiveness.

‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’
The phrase "This is what the Lord GOD says" is a common prophetic formula, "koh amar Adonai YHWH," which establishes the authority and authenticity of the message. "Adonai" is a title for God, denoting His lordship and sovereignty, while "YHWH" is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This declaration serves as a reminder that the message comes from the highest authority, demanding attention and response. In the conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the belief in the inerrancy and divine inspiration of Scripture, affirming that God's word is authoritative and relevant for all generations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. His role is to be a watchman and a voice for God.

2. The Israelites
Referred to as "obstinate and stubborn children," they are the people of God who have turned away from His commandments and are living in rebellion.

3. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel is prophesying. The Israelites are in captivity due to their disobedience to God.

4. The Lord GOD
The sovereign God who commissions Ezekiel to speak His words to the rebellious Israelites.

5. Prophetic Commission
The event where God calls and sends Ezekiel to deliver His message to the people, despite their resistance.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Rebellion
Rebellion against God is characterized by obstinacy and stubbornness. It is a refusal to listen and submit to God's authority.

The Role of the Prophet
Prophets are called to speak God's truth, regardless of the audience's receptiveness. Their duty is to be faithful to God's message.

God's Sovereignty and Patience
Despite the people's rebellion, God continues to reach out to them through His prophets, demonstrating His patience and desire for repentance.

Courage in Proclaiming Truth
Like Ezekiel, believers today are called to stand firm and proclaim God's truth, even in the face of opposition or indifference.

The Importance of Listening to God
The Israelites' failure to listen serves as a warning to us to remain open and responsive to God's word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's mission to the Israelites reflect God's character and His approach to dealing with rebellion?

2. In what ways can we identify "obstinate and stubborn" tendencies in our own lives, and how can we address them?

3. How does the role of a prophet in the Old Testament compare to the role of believers in sharing God's message today?

4. What can we learn from Ezekiel's example about the importance of obedience to God's calling, even when it seems difficult or fruitless?

5. How do the themes of rebellion and repentance in Ezekiel 2:4 connect with the message of the Gospel in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:7-8
Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah is called by God to speak to a rebellious nation, emphasizing God's authority and the prophet's duty to deliver His message.

Isaiah 6:9-10
Isaiah is also sent to a people who are resistant to God's message, highlighting the common theme of prophetic missions to rebellious audiences.

Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem's resistance to God's messengers, showing the continuity of this theme throughout the Bible.

Acts 7:51
Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of being stiff-necked, echoing the description of the Israelites in Ezekiel's time.