3:8 3:8

Ezekiel 3:9

3:10 3:10

Bible Versions

As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.
As an adamant {H8068} harder {H2389} than flint {H6864} have I made {H5414} thy forehead {H4696}: fear {H3372} them not, neither be dismayed {H2865} at their looks {H6440}, though they be a rebellious {H4805} house {H1004}.
Yes, I am making your resoluteness harder than flint, as hard as a diamond. So don't be afraid of them or depressed by how they look at you, because they are a rebellious house."
I will make your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or dismayed at their presence, even though they are a rebellious house.”
As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.

Context

Ezekiel 3:9 is part of the prophet Ezekiel's divine commission, occurring early in his prophetic ministry. Having been called by God while in exile among the Babylonians, Ezekiel was tasked with delivering God's message to the exiled Israelites, who were described as a "rebellious house" (Ezekiel 2:3). This verse immediately follows God's command to Ezekiel to consume the scroll of lamentations, mourning, and woe, symbolizing his full absorption of God's difficult message. Knowing the profound resistance Ezekiel would face, God here prepares and strengthens him for the challenging mission ahead, ensuring he would not be intimidated by his audience.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment and Commission: The verse highlights God's active role in equipping His servants. He doesn't just send Ezekiel; He fortifies him, making him spiritually resilient. This speaks to the principle that God provides the necessary strength for the tasks He assigns (Isaiah 41:10).
  • Boldness in Ministry: Ezekiel is commanded to be fearless and undismayed, even when confronted by the defiant stares and rebellious nature of his own people. This emphasizes the necessity of courage and conviction when proclaiming God's truth, regardless of the opposition.
  • The Stubbornness of Israel: The phrase "a rebellious house" underscores the deep-seated disobedience and spiritual hardness of the Israelites, making Ezekiel's task exceptionally difficult. This stubbornness is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 9:7).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses vivid imagery: "As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead."

  • The Hebrew word for "adamant" is shamir (שָמִ֢ר), which refers to an extremely hard stone, often identified as diamond or corundum. It signifies something impenetrable and unbreakable.
  • "Flint" (Hebrew: tzor, צֹּּר) also denotes a very hard, sharp stone. The comparison emphasizes the extraordinary spiritual toughness God imparts to Ezekiel.
  • The "forehead" (Hebrew: metzach, מֶצָּּּ) is a symbol of resolve and defiance. To have a forehead "harder than flint" means to be unyielding, unashamed, and unafraid in the face of scorn or opposition.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 3:9 offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as God fortified Ezekiel, He promises to strengthen His followers for the challenges of living out their faith and sharing His truth in a world that can be resistant or hostile. We are called to:

  • Be Fearless in Faith: When faced with opposition, ridicule, or discouragement, we are reminded not to be dismayed. God equips us to stand firm (Jeremiah 1:8).
  • Rely on Divine Strength: Our ability to withstand pressure does not come from our own inherent toughness but from God's empowering presence within us.
  • Speak Truth Boldly: Whether in personal evangelism, defending biblical principles, or simply living authentically, this verse encourages us to deliver God's message with conviction, even when it is unpopular or challenging to hear.

This verse serves as an encouragement that God’s commission comes with His divine enablement, allowing His servants to remain steadfast and resolute in their calling.

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.

  • Ezekiel 2:6

    ¶ 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.

  • Isaiah 50:7

    For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

  • Isaiah 41:10

    ¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Zechariah 7:12

    Yea, they made their hearts [as] an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.

  • Jeremiah 1:8

    Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 17:18

    Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.

  • 1 Timothy 2:3

    For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
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