Discovery BoxEzekiel 2:5-8 
Context2:5 And as for them, 1 whether they listen 2 or not – for they are a rebellious 3 house 4 – they will know that a prophet has been among them. 2:6 But you, son of man, do not fear them, and do not fear their words – even though briers 5 and thorns 6 surround you and you live among scorpions – do not fear their words and do not be terrified of the looks they give you, 7 for they are a rebellious house! 2:7 You must speak my words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious. 2:8 As for you, son of man, listen to what I am saying to you: Do not rebel like that rebellious house! Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”
1 tn Heb “they”; the phrase “And as for them” has been used in the translation for clarity.
2 tn The Hebrew word implies obedience rather than mere hearing or paying attention.
3 tn This Hebrew adjective is also used to describe the Israelites in Num 17:25 and Isa 30:9.
4 sn The book of Ezekiel frequently refers to the Israelites as a rebellious house (Ezek 2:5, 6, 8; 3:9, 26-27; 12:2-3, 9, 25; 17:12; 24:3).
5 tn The Hebrew term occurs only here in the OT.
6 tn The Hebrew term is found elsewhere in the OT only in Ezek 28:24.
sn Here thorns may be a figure for hostility (Ezek 28:24; Mic 7:4).
7 tn Heb “of their faces.”
