Ezekiel 1:28–2:7

²⁸The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. ^pThis was the appearance of the form of the Lord’s glory. ^qWhen I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. ^r

Mission to Rebellious Israel

2He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet ^sand I will speak with you.” ²As He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, ^tand I listened to the One who was speaking to me. ³He said to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to ^uthe rebellious pagans ^vwho have rebelled against Me. The Israelites and their ancestors have transgressed against Me to this day. ^w4The children are obstinate ^xand hardhearted. ^yI am sending you to them, and you must say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ ⁵Whether 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, ^bthough briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions. ^cDon’t be afraid of their words or be discouraged by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house. ⁷But speak My words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen, ^dfor they are rebellious.