“And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.”
Introduction
This brief verse is part of God’s commissioning of Ezekiel. God addresses Ezekiel as "son of man," calling him to stand firm and not be intimidated by the people he must confront. The imagery is stark: briers, thorns, and scorpions picture a hostile environment. The command is simple and pastoral: do not fear their words or looks, for they are a rebellious house.
Historical-Cultural Context and Authorship
Ezekiel was a priest called by God to be a prophet during the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). His book records visions and oracles given to the exiles and concerns both the judgment of Judah and hope for restoration. The phrase "son of man" is the prophet's regular title in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing his human identity in contrast to God’s sovereignty. In the context of Ezekiel 2, God commissions him to speak to a people steeped in rebellion; the vivid metaphors of briers, thorns, and scorpions would have communicated the real danger, hostility, and pain Ezekiel could expect from his audience.
Characters and Places
- Son of Man: the prophet Ezekiel, addressed directly by God.
- They/them: the exiled Israelites, their elders and leaders—those resistant to God’s message.
- Rebellious house: Israel (and specifically the people of Judah in exile), described as persistently disobedient.
- Place: the Babylonian exile, the setting in which Ezekiel proclaims God’s word and experiences opposition.
Explanation and Meaning of the Text
"Be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words" is a double exhortation against fear—fear of persons and fear of slander, ridicule, or opposition. God prepares Ezekiel for resistance: the people will speak harshly and look with contempt, but these reactions must not determine the prophet’s course. The images of "briers and thorns" and "sitting on scorpions" compress several ideas: persistent discomfort and entanglement (briers and thorns), and the constant risk of sharp, stinging pain (scorpions). Together they convey that the prophet’s ministry will be fraught with personal cost and suffering, but not insurmountable.
The final clause, "for they are a rebellious house," gives the reason for Ezekiel’s required steadfastness. Their rebellion explains their hostility; it is not a reflection of the prophet’s failure but of the people’s hardened hearts. Theologically, the verse reassures that the prophet’s role is obedience to God rather than successful persuasion of the audience. The authority of the divine commission, not human approval, legitimizes the messenger. This verse thus models prophetic courage grounded in God’s promise and purpose: speak faithfully, regardless of response.
Devotional
When God sends us with difficult words or a costly calling, He often prepares us by commanding peace and courage. Like Ezekiel, we may encounter hostile looks, cutting words, and painful opposition when we speak truth in love or live counterculturally for Christ. Remember that such resistance frequently springs from the other person’s rebellion or fear, not from God’s lack of presence or power. Hold fast to the commission: God equips those He calls and will be with them amid thorns and scorpions.
Practically, this means cultivating reliance on God rather than approval from people. Pray for the courage to speak what is right, for the humility to listen when correction is due, and for compassion toward those who resist. Let God’s steady command—do not be afraid—shape your response to criticism: respond with courage, clarity, and love, trusting that obedience matters more than applause.