Ezekiel 2:7

KJV

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt speak {H1696} my words {H1697} unto them, whether they will hear {H8085}, or whether they will forbear {H2308}: for they are most rebellious {H4805}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to speak my words to them, whether they listen or not, for they are very rebellious.

Berean Standard Bible

But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear; for they are most rebellious.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 2:7 stands as a foundational declaration of the prophet Ezekiel's divine commission, unequivocally stating his non-negotiable duty to proclaim God's words to the house of Israel. This verse powerfully encapsulates the absolute authority of the divine message and the prophet's singular responsibility for its faithful delivery, irrespective of the audience's anticipated and deeply entrenched rebellion. It serves as a crucial mandate, setting the trajectory for Ezekiel's challenging ministry as an unwavering voice of God amidst a people determined to resist, highlighting that the efficacy of the word lies in its divine origin, not in human reception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is strategically placed at the culmination of Ezekiel's initial call narrative, which spans [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory") through [Ezekiel 3](/ezekiel/3 "Ezekiel 3 - Ezekiel's Commission and Resistance"). Following the overwhelming and awe-inspiring vision of God's glory manifested in the divine chariot-throne in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory"), Ezekiel is directly addressed by God. The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 2:1-2](/ezekiel/2-1-2 "Ezekiel 2:1-2 - The Spirit Enters Ezekiel") describe the Spirit entering Ezekiel, empowering him to stand and receive the divine commission. The verses immediately leading up to [Ezekiel 2:7](/ezekiel/2-7 "Ezekiel 2:7 - The Prophet's Unwavering Duty") ([Ezekiel 2:3-6](/ezekiel/2-3-6 "Ezekiel 2:3-6 - God Describes Israel's Rebellion")) vividly characterize the "house of Israel" as a "rebellious nation," "impudent children," and "stiffhearted." This stark portrayal of the audience's spiritual condition establishes the formidable challenge of Ezekiel's ministry, making the direct command in [Ezekiel 2:7](/ezekiel/2-7 "Ezekiel 2:7 - The Prophet's Unwavering Duty") a critical instruction for navigating such an unyielding people. The verse therefore functions as a foundational principle, emphasizing the prophet's uncompromising obedience to the divine word above all else.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophetic ministry unfolds during a profoundly turbulent period in Judah's history: the Babylonian exile. Specifically, he ministered among the Judean captives by the Chebar Canal (located in modern-day Iraq), having been deported in the first wave of exiles in 597 BC, alongside King Jehoiachin and other elites. At this time, the Temple in Jerusalem was still standing, though its eventual destruction was imminent, a truth Ezekiel would later prophesy. The exiles, despite their displacement and suffering, often remained spiritually hardened, clinging to false hopes of a swift return to Jerusalem or stubbornly rejecting the notion that their exile was a direct divine judgment for their persistent sins. They were a people steeped in a covenant relationship with Yahweh, yet they consistently violated its terms through widespread idolatry, social injustice, and outright disobedience. Culturally, prophets were generally expected to deliver messages from God, but their reception was highly conditional, often dependent on whether the message was palatable or popular. Ezekiel's commission to speak regardless of their response directly confronts and subverts this cultural expectation, powerfully highlighting the unique nature of God's sovereignty over human will and the prophet's singular accountability to God.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 2:7](/ezekiel/2-7 "Ezekiel 2:7 - The Prophet's Unwavering Duty") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and indeed, throughout prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Authority of God's Word**, emphasizing that the message originates solely from God ("my words") and carries inherent, unchangeable authority, independent of human reception or interpretation. Secondly, it highlights the **Unwavering Nature of Prophetic Responsibility**, where the prophet's faithfulness in delivering the message, not the audience's immediate response or conversion, is the true measure of success. This principle is a recurring motif in prophetic calls, paralleling aspects of [Jeremiah's commission](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - Jeremiah's Call to Speak God's Words") and the steadfastness required of all God's messengers. Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays the **Deep-Seated Rebellion of Israel**, a pervasive and tragic motif throughout Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 2:3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3 - Israel as a Rebellious Nation"), [Ezekiel 3:9](/ezekiel/3-9 "Ezekiel 3:9 - Forehead Like Adamant")). This rebellion is depicted not merely as isolated acts of disobedience but as a persistent, ingrained state of heart, necessitating a divine intervention that is both judgmental and, ultimately, redemptive. Lastly, it introduces the theme of **Divine Accountability**, where the people are held fully responsible for their chosen response to God's clearly spoken word, even if they deliberately choose to "forbear."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root (H1696) signifies more than simple utterance; it carries the weight of arranging, declaring, commanding, and even appointing. When God commands Ezekiel to "speak my words," it conveys that the prophet is not merely relaying information but is an authoritative spokesperson, delivering a divinely ordained message that inherently carries the weight of command, declaration, and divine purpose. It highlights the active, purposeful, and often performative nature of God's communication through His chosen vessel.
* **forbear (Hebrew, _châdal'_):** The root (H2308) literally means "to be flabby" and, by implication, "to desist." It extends to ceasing, refraining, leaving off, or being idle. In this prophetic context, it describes the deliberate and stubborn choice of the house of Israel to refuse to listen or act upon God's message. It implies a conscious and willful cessation of engagement with the divine word, a wilful refusal to comply, or even to acknowledge the message's legitimacy, indicating a deep-seated spiritual apathy or defiance.
* **rebellious (Hebrew, _mᵉrîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "bitterness," this term (H4805) denotes a deep, persistent, and often bitter rebellion. It signifies not merely a momentary act of disobedience but a characteristic state of defiance, a fundamental opposition to rightful authority, particularly God's covenant and commands. The intensifying phrase "most rebellious" underscores a profound and ingrained resistance, indicating that this defiance is a defining characteristic of the house of Israel, a deeply rooted spiritual malady.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt speak my words unto them":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes Ezekiel's core mission and the ultimate source of his authority. The command is direct, absolute, and personal ("thou shalt speak"), indicating the prophet's non-negotiable role as God's mouthpiece. The phrase "my words" is crucial, clearly declaring divine authorship and inherent authority. This emphasizes that the message Ezekiel is to deliver is not his own opinion, wisdom, or interpretation, but the very utterance of Yahweh, carrying all the weight, truth, and power of the Almighty God.
* **"whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear":** This pivotal phrase underscores the prophet's unwavering duty regardless of the audience's response. "Hear" (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ_) implies not just auditory perception but intelligent listening, understanding, and, most importantly, obedient action. "Forbear" (Hebrew, _châdal_) signifies a deliberate refusal to listen, to desist from paying attention, or to refrain from acting on the message. This clause profoundly liberates Ezekiel from the burden of "success" as measured by human conversion, placing the responsibility squarely on the people's free will and accountability. His faithfulness is measured solely by his proclamation, not by their reception or lack thereof.
* **"for they [are] most rebellious.":** This concluding clause provides the divine rationale and context for the preceding instruction. The house of Israel's inherent, pervasive, and deeply ingrained "rebellion" (Hebrew, _mᵉrîy_) is the explicit reason for God's clear and uncompromising directive to Ezekiel. Their hard-heartedness, persistent defiance, and bitter opposition are fully known to God, and this divine knowledge informs the nature of Ezekiel's challenging commission. It highlights the severity of their spiritual condition and prepares the prophet for the inevitable resistance and rejection he will face throughout his ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 2:7 is rich with potent literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, powerfully displayed in the stark binary choice presented: "whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear." This direct contrast highlights the critical decision facing the house of Israel and simultaneously underscores the prophet's unwavering duty regardless of their chosen response. There is also a strong element of **Divine Command** and **Direct Address**, as God speaks directly to Ezekiel, employing an imperative verb ("shalt speak"). This establishes the absolute authority of the divine sender and the non-negotiable nature of the prophetic mission. The phrase "most rebellious" functions as intense **Characterization** and borders on **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the profound, ingrained, and pervasive nature of Israel's defiance. This strong descriptor sets a somber tone for the challenging ministry ahead and reinforces the necessity of the prophet's uncompromising obedience. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Proleptic Statement**, anticipating the future resistance Ezekiel will inevitably encounter and preparing him mentally and spiritually for the difficult realities of his calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 2:7 profoundly articulates the nature of divine communication, the integrity of the prophetic office, and the reality of human responsibility. It establishes that God's word is inherently authoritative, potent, and effective in achieving its divine purpose, regardless of its immediate human reception. The prophet's role is one of faithful stewardship and uncompromising proclamation, delivering the message precisely as given, rather than being concerned with its immediate impact or perceived success. This principle safeguards the integrity of the divine message from human manipulation, discouragement, or the temptation to dilute its truth for popularity. The stark reality of Israel's "most rebellious" heart, a characteristic emphasized in this verse, highlights humanity's persistent struggle with sin, defiance against God's loving call, and the tragic consequences of rejecting divine truth. This theme resonates throughout biblical history and underscores the profound need for divine grace and a transformative work of the Spirit.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Acts 28:26-27](/acts/28-26-27 "Acts 28:26-27 - Paul Quotes Isaiah on Israel's Hardness")
* [2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word in Season and Out of Season")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 2:7 offers enduring and liberating lessons for believers today, particularly for those called to share God's truth in a world often resistant, indifferent, or even hostile to it. It profoundly liberates us from the burden of outcome-based ministry, shifting our focus from human response to divine obedience and faithfulness. Our primary calling is to faithfully steward the Word of God, proclaiming it with integrity, clarity, and courage, whether it is met with open hearts, closed minds, or outright rejection. This verse prepares us for the reality that genuine spiritual truth often confronts deeply ingrained rebellion, apathy, and spiritual blindness. It serves as a powerful encouragement for perseverance in the face of discouragement or rejection, reminding us that our faithfulness, not our perceived success or the immediate results, is what truly honors God. The inherent power and efficacy of the message reside in its divine origin, not in our persuasive abilities, eloquence, or the audience's receptiveness. It calls us to trust God with the outcome, knowing His Word will accomplish His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I struggle with the fear of rejection or failure when sharing God's truth?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over the outcome of His Word free me from anxiety, discouragement, or the temptation to compromise the message?**
* **What does it mean for me to faithfully "speak God's words" in my current context, even to those who may appear "most rebellious" or indifferent?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of obedience that prioritizes God's clear command over human approval, anticipated results, or personal comfort?**

### FAQ
**What does "whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear" mean for the prophet's responsibility?**

Answer: This phrase clarifies that Ezekiel's responsibility is solely to deliver God's message faithfully, irrespective of how the people receive it. "To hear" implies not just auditory perception, but intelligent listening, understanding, and, crucially, obedient action. Conversely, "to forbear" means to deliberately refuse to listen, to cease paying attention, or to refrain from acting on the divine message. God explicitly removes the burden of the outcome from Ezekiel, ensuring that the prophet's success is measured by his unwavering obedience to the divine command, not by the people's repentance or conversion. This principle is foundational for all who are called to speak God's truth, as it emphasizes faithfulness over results, trusting that God's Word will accomplish His ultimate purpose, even if that purpose is to confirm judgment upon the unrepentant ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")).

**Why does God describe His people as "most rebellious"?**

Answer: The description of Israel as "most rebellious" (Hebrew, _mᵉrîy_) highlights their deep-seated, persistent, and characteristic defiance against God's covenant and commands. This was not an isolated incident but a pervasive spiritual condition that had led to their exile and continued even in captivity. God uses this strong, emphatic language to prepare Ezekiel for the exceedingly difficult nature of his ministry, emphasizing that he would be speaking to a people who were inherently resistant and hardened against divine authority. This theme of Israel's profound rebellion is central to the book of Ezekiel, explaining the necessity of God's severe judgments and, ultimately, setting the stage for the glorious promise of a new heart and spirit that God would one day give them ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 2:7, with its profound emphasis on the prophet's unwavering duty to speak God's words to a deeply rebellious people, finds its ultimate and most perfect fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel was a faithful servant and messenger, Christ is the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), the ultimate Prophet who perfectly embodies and delivers God's message. Jesus consistently declared, "I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak" ([John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")), demonstrating His absolute fidelity to the Father's will and words. Like Ezekiel, Jesus faced profound rebellion, hard-heartedness, and rejection from His own people, a reality prophesied in [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Isaiah's Commission to a Hardened People") and explicitly quoted by Jesus Himself to explain the parables ([Matthew 13:14-15](/matthew/13-14-15 "Matthew 13:14-15 - The Parable of the Sower and Hardened Hearts")). Despite their persistent rejection, even to the point of His crucifixion, Jesus remained utterly faithful to His divine commission, fulfilling the Father's will and speaking the truth, whether people would hear or forbear. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the supreme act of delivering God's redemptive word, became the means by which the "most rebellious" could be reconciled to God, offering a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")) through faith in Him ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, Christ stands as the faithful Prophet who perfectly delivered God's word and the Lamb who bore the rebellion of humanity, opening the way for true hearing and obedience.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 23:28

The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What [is] the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 1:7

But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Ezekiel 2:5

And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

Ezekiel 3:17

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Ezekiel 3:10

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears.

Jeremiah 1:17

Thou 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.

Jeremiah 26:2

Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word: