4 The descendants are obstinateB and hardhearted.d 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 listene—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.f

6 “But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them and do not be afraid of their words,g even though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions.h Don’t be afraid of their words or discouraged by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house.