Summary of the Verse

This verse captures the essence of God’s commissioning of Ezekiel as a prophet amid a disobedient and hostile environment. God instructs Ezekiel not to fear the people or their words, despite being surrounded by difficult and dangerous circumstances. The metaphors used – briers, thorns, and scorpions – symbolize the challenges and hostility Ezekiel will face in his prophetic ministry.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the prophetic call as a divine empowerment rather than a personal endeavor. God reassures Ezekiel that he will be fortified against the adversities he will face. The "briers and thorns" signify the painful and pricking words of his audience, while "scorpions" represent potential spiritual threats that could sting his resolve.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes that Ezekiel’s ministry is marked by the reality of living among a rebellious people. He interprets God's command as a call to withstand not only verbal assaults but also the emotional dismay that can arise from facing a resistant audience. The mention of "dismayed" is particularly striking, indicating that the prophet's inner fortitude is as important as his outward mission.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke discusses the cultural and historical context, highlighting that the rebellious nature of the house of Israel made the prophetic work increasingly daunting. He points out that divine support is vital for overcoming the fear of man, encouraging Ezekiel to focus on his divine mandate rather than earthly responses to his ministry.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

Ezekiel 2:6 has implications that resonate with numerous other Scriptures highlighting the themes of fearlessness in service, the call to prophetic ministry, and the challenges faced by the prophets of God. Here are some related Bible verses that provide deeper insight:

• 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."
• Jeremiah 1:8: "Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."
• Luke 12:4: "And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do."
• Acts 4:29: "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word."
• 1 Peter 3:14: "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled."
• Romans 8:31: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
• Hebrews 13:6: "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
• Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
• Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
• 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Conclusion

The message in Ezekiel 2:6 continues to inspire those called to lead and proclaim truth amidst opposition. The reassurances given to Ezekiel are not just the words of an ancient text; they resonate through the ages, offering strength to anyone facing adversity in their calling.

Cross-referencing biblical texts like Ezekiel 2:6 with other scriptural passages enriches our understanding of God’s promises and the nature of prophetic ministry. It shows the continuity of God's message throughout the Bible and invites deeper exploration into the relational dynamics within the sacred texts.