Mission to Rebellious Israel

2 He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet s and I will speak with you.” 2 As He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, t and I listened to the One who was speaking to me. 3 He said to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to u the rebellious pagans v who have rebelled against Me. The Israelites and their ancestors have transgressed against Me to this day. w 4 The children are obstinate x and hardhearted. y I am sending you to them, and you must say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ 5 Whether they listen or refuse to listen z—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. a

6 “But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, b though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions. c Don’t be afraid of their words or be discouraged by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house. 7 But speak My words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen, d 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.” e 9 So I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, f and there was a written scroll in it. g 10 When He unrolled it before me, it was written on the front and back; words of lamentation, mourning, and woe were written on it.