Ezekiel 2:5
Ezekiel 2:5 in Multiple Translations
And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.
And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.
And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear (for they are a rebellious house), yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.
And they, if they give ear to you or if they do not give ear (for they are an uncontrolled people), will see that there has been a prophet among them.
Whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious people—they will realize that a prophet has come to them.
But surely they will not heare, neither in deede will they cease: for they are a rebellious house: yet shall they knowe that there hath bene a Prophet among them.
and they — whether they hear, or whether they forbear, for a rebellious house they [are] — have known that a prophet hath been in their midst.
They, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that there has been a prophet among them.
And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.
If so be they at least will hear, and if so be they will forbear, for they are a provoking house: and they shall know that there hath been a prophet in the midst of them.
Andwhen you tell them my messages, perhaps those rebellious people will heed those messages and perhaps they will not heed them, but they will know thatyou are a prophet who has been among them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 2:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 2:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֵ֨מָּה֙
אִם
יִשְׁמְע֣וּ
וְ/אִם
יֶחְדָּ֔לוּ
כִּ֛י
בֵּ֥ית
מְרִ֖י
הֵ֑מָּה
וְ/יָ֣דְע֔וּ
כִּ֥י
נָבִ֖יא
הָיָ֥ה
בְ/תוֹכָֽ/ם
וְ/הֵ֨מָּה֙
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יִשְׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
יֶחְדָּ֔לוּ
châdal
H2308
to cease
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
מְרִ֖י
mᵉrîy
H4805
rebellion
N-ms
הֵ֑מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
וְ/יָ֣דְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נָבִ֖יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
N-ms
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְ/תוֹכָֽ/ם
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 2:5
וְ/הֵ֨מָּה֙
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יִשְׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יֶחְדָּ֔לוּ
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מְרִ֖י
mᵉrîy
H4805
"rebellion"
N-ms
Rebellion or bitterness, often used to describe someone who is against authority. It can also mean being rebellious or having a bitter attitude.
Definition: 1) rebellion 1a) rebellion 1b) rebellious (in construct)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bitter, (most) rebel(-lion, -lious). See also: Numbers 17:25; Ezekiel 2:8; Proverbs 17:11.
הֵ֑מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
וְ/יָ֣דְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נָבִ֖יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
N-ms
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְ/תוֹכָֽ/ם
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 2:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 2:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 2:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 2:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 2:5
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 2:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:5
- Sermons on Ezekiel 2:5
Context — Ezekiel’s Call
3“Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me.
4They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’
5And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.
6But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. 7But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 33:33 | So when it comes to pass—and surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 3:27 | But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house. |
| 3 | Matthew 10:12–15 | As you enter the home, greet its occupants. If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it; but if it is not, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. |
| 4 | John 15:22 | If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. |
| 5 | Acts 13:46 | Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. |
| 6 | Luke 10:10–12 | But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 2:7 | But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 2:15–17 | For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task? For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God. |
| 9 | Romans 3:3 | What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? |
| 10 | Ezekiel 3:19 | But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself. |
Ezekiel 2:5 Summary
This verse means that whether the Israelites listen to Ezekiel's message or not, they will know that God has sent a prophet to speak to them. This is important because it shows that God is always trying to reach out to us, even if we don't always listen. As it says in Romans 1:20, we are all without excuse for not knowing God, because He has made Himself known to us. By sending Ezekiel, God is giving the Israelites another chance to turn back to Him, and this is a reminder to us today that God is always calling us to come back to Him, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Israelites are a rebellious house?
This refers to their consistent disobedience and resistance to God's will, as seen in Ezekiel 2:3 and throughout the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 9:7 and Jeremiah 5:23.
Will the prophet Ezekiel be successful in his mission to the Israelites?
The success of Ezekiel's mission is not measured by the Israelites' response, but by his faithfulness to proclaim God's words, as stated in Ezekiel 2:5 and Ezekiel 2:7, similar to the charge given to the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6:9-10.
What is the significance of the Israelites knowing that a prophet has been among them?
This knowledge will serve as a witness to God's faithfulness and justice, as He has sent a prophet to warn and call them to repentance, as seen in Ezekiel 2:5 and supported by Luke 12:48 and Romans 3:19-20.
How does this verse relate to the concept of responsibility and accountability before God?
The Israelites' knowledge of the prophet's presence and message will hold them accountable for their response, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility before God, as taught in Ezekiel 18:20 and Romans 2:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways in which I may be rebellious against God, and how can I surrender to His will?
- In what ways can I be a faithful messenger of God's words, even if others may not listen or respond?
- How can I balance the need to speak truth with the risk of rejection or persecution, as seen in Ezekiel's experience?
- What does it mean for me to 'know that a prophet has been among' me, and how should this knowledge impact my life and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 2:5
And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear,.... Or "cease" (y); that is, from hearing, as Jarchi and Kimchi interpret it; or from sinning, as the Targum.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 2:5
And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. Whether they will forbear - namely, to hear. Yet shall know.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:5
Though the omniscient God knows which they will do, yet he lets not the prophet know, but enjoins him his duty, affords these sinners the mercy of warnings and calls, and expects that they act like men, hear and obey. Hear; they only hear that comply with God’ s counsel, and as for others, they hearing hear not. Forbear; either forbear their ways of sinning, and cease to do evil, or forbear to hear thee: be not too much dejected about it: some perhaps may hear and forbear to sin, others will forbear to hear thee but not forbear to sin, the greatest part will show themselves a rebellious house. For they are a rebellious house; family, house put for the whole nation; yet wait the event, do thy duty. Shall know that there hath been a prophet among them; all of them shall know; they that hear and obey shall know by the good that I will do to them, I will bless them and bring them back; those that will neither hear what they should do, nor forbear doing what they should not do, shall know by the evil which I will bring upon them. Thy truth and name will I vindicate, and prove thee a prophet, to the comfort of thyself and others who are obedient, but to the shame and confusion of the evil and wicked.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:5
Ezekiel 2:5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.Ver. 5. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.] Some refractories will not so much as hear a minister of God; but bid him, as those old Italians once did the Roman ambassador, Ad quercus dicere, se interim alia acturos, speak to the posts; they had somewhat else to do than to give ear to them. See 1 Corinthians 1:22. Of those also that do hear, scarce the hundredth man believeth our report, saith Calvin; Nay, scarce the thousandth man, saith Chrysostom. For they are a rebellious house.] This was small encouragement. Hence prophets have so hung off, as Moses, Isaiah, Jonah, Jeremiah, &c. Knox, when called first to preach, burst forth into abundance of tears. Bradford was hardly persuaded by Bucer to enter into the ministry, &c. Yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.] Let them prove incorrigible, they shall also prove inexcusable, and self-condemned. See 2 Corinthians 2:16.
Convinced they shall be, if not converted; and who knows how the word, now slighted, may hereafter work upon them? Saepe fit ut audientes verbum moleste, suscipiant fructuose, They may better bethink themselves. Acts and Mon. Jerome.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:5
(5) Whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.—Comp. Ezekiel 3:11. God’s word remains the same whatever reception man may accord to it; it cannot return unto Him void, but must accomplish that which He pleases (Isaiah 55:11); just as the Apostles remained “unto God a sweet savour of Christ” alike “in them that are saved and in them that perish” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). But while the mighty power of the Divine word must thus produce its effect, the character of the effect depends upon those to whom it comes; “to the one we are a savour of death unto death, and to the other the savour of life unto life.” So it would be among the captives by the Chebar: some would be brought back to their allegiance to their God, and would constitute the remnant through whom He would bless His people and the world; and some, resisting the offered grace, would be thus made more obdurate than ever. In either case, they could not remain as before. Whether for gain or for loss, they should “know that there hath been a prophet among them,” by the change his ministrations should produce among them. The offer of grace, imposing the responsibility of accepting or rejecting it, ever becomes thus “a great and terrible day of the Lord.” (See Joe 2:31; Malachi 4:5, compared with Matthew 17:12; Acts 2:16-22.) A rebellious house.—Literally, a house of rebellion. This phrase, used in Ezekiel about eleven times, seems to be more than a simple epithet; it is a significant substitute for the name in which they gloried. Instead of “house of Israel, the prince of God,” they had come to be the “house of rebellion.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:5
Verse 5. Yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.] By this they shall be assured of two things: 1. That God in his mercy had given them due warning. 2. That themselves were inexcusable, for not taking it.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 2:5
5. for they are a rebellious house] Whether they hear or whether they forbear—and they will forbear, for they are a rebellious house—yet shall they know that a prophet has been among them. The future shall bring this home to them. They shall see the prophet’s words come to pass, and shall know that a true messenger from the Lord spoke to them. The true prophet, the man who has anything to announce from God, may assure himself that, however he be received when he speaks, in the long run he shall receive his due and be recognized for what he was.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 2:5
A rebellious house - A phrase employed continually by Ezekiel in bitter irony, in the place of house of Israel, as much as to say, “House no longer of Israel, but of rebellion.” Compare Isaiah 30:9.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:5
5. Whether they will hear — Heredity may have determined the form of their guilt, but it does not relieve them from responsibility.
Sermons on Ezekiel 2:5
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Hearing and Doing God's Word - Part 1 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of spectatorship in American culture, particularly in the context of church services. He criticizes the mindset of going to church |
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The Delapitated House by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of a house that was once a shining example of God's creative power. The house, which represents our testimony as believers, is des |
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The Sin and Judgment of Spiritual Barrenness: Fruitlessness, Unprofitableness, & Ruin by John Owen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of recognizing the call of God and looking after one's own spiritual condition. He emphasizes the need to respond to the gospe |
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Titus 2:11-14 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the transformative power of God's grace, emphasizing the need to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live a life of sobriety, righteousness, a |
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The Price of the Presence of Christ by Allan Halton | Allan Halton delves into the early Christian history, highlighting the persecution faced by the early Christians in a world that hated God, drawing parallels to the present day whe |
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Concerning Sin by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan addresses the profound nature of sin, emphasizing its reality and the moral responsibility of individuals in the face of it. He highlights Jesus' authority to fo |
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The Ark Convicts of Righteousness by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches on the significance of Noah's building of the ark as a demonstration of God's provision for salvation in a wicked world, justifying God's judgment on the ungo |