Behold, I will make your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. BeholdThe Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an imperative to pay attention or to see something significant. In the context of Ezekiel, this word is a divine call to the prophet to focus on the gravity of his mission. It is a reminder that God is about to reveal something crucial, demanding Ezekiel's full attention and readiness to act. This word sets the stage for the divine empowerment that follows, emphasizing the importance of the message Ezekiel is to deliver. I have made your face as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts. 2. God The speaker in this verse, empowering Ezekiel to stand firm against opposition. 3. Israelites The audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, often described as rebellious and hard-hearted. 4. Babylonian Exile The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a period of great trial and testing for the Israelites. 5. Jerusalem Though not directly mentioned in this verse, it is central to Ezekiel's prophecies, as he often speaks of its destruction and eventual restoration. Teaching Points Divine EmpowermentGod equips those He calls. Just as He made Ezekiel's face and forehead hard, He strengthens us to stand firm in our faith and mission. Facing Opposition Believers should expect resistance when delivering God's truth. Like Ezekiel, we must be prepared to face it with courage and resilience. Spiritual Resolve The hardening of Ezekiel's face and forehead symbolizes the need for spiritual resolve. We must be unwavering in our commitment to God's word. Rebellion and Hard-heartedness The Israelites' resistance serves as a warning against hard-heartedness. We must remain open to God's correction and guidance. Prophetic Mission Ezekiel's mission highlights the importance of obedience to God's call, regardless of the challenges or the audience's response. Bible Study Questions 1. How does God's empowerment of Ezekiel in this verse encourage you in your own spiritual journey?2. In what ways can you prepare yourself to face opposition when sharing your faith, as Ezekiel did? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually resolved. How did that experience strengthen your faith? 4. How can we guard against becoming hard-hearted like the Israelites Ezekiel was sent to? 5. What lessons can we learn from Ezekiel's obedience to God's call, and how can we apply them in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 1:18Similar to Ezekiel, Jeremiah is made a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land, showing God's empowerment of His prophets. Isaiah 50:7 Isaiah speaks of setting his face like flint, indicating resolve and determination, akin to Ezekiel's hard face and forehead. Acts 7:51 Stephen accuses the Sanhedrin of being stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, echoing the rebellious nature of the Israelites Ezekiel faced.
People EzekielPlaces Chebar, Tel-abibTopics Behold, Brow, Brows, Face, Faces, Forehead, Foreheads, Hardened, StrongDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 3:7-9Library Cæsarius of Arles. He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety … Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Boniface, Apostle of the Germans. Epistle xxxiv. To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse . The Greatness of the Soul, The Servant's Inflexible Resolve The Iranian Conquest The Prophet Jonah. Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 3:8 NIVEzekiel 3:8 NLT Ezekiel 3:8 ESV Ezekiel 3:8 NASB Ezekiel 3:8 KJV Ezekiel 3:8 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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