4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says.'
4 For they are impudent
4 The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD.'
4 They're a hard case, these people to whom I'm sending you - hardened in their sin. Tell them, 'This is the Message of God, the Master.'
4 For they are impudent and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God.'
4 They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says!'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:4
Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1-5
(Read Ezekiel 2:1-5)
Lest Ezekiel should be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, he is put in mind that still he is a son of man, a weak, mortal creature. As Christ usually called himself the Son of man, it was also an honourable distinction. Ezekiel's posture showed reverence, but his standing up would be a posture of greater readiness and fitness for business. God will speak to us, when we stand ready to do what he commands us. As Ezekiel had not strength of his own, the Spirit entered into him. God is graciously pleased to work in us whatever he requires of us. The Holy Spirit sets us upon our feet, by inclining our wills to our duty. Thus, when the Lord calls upon the sinner to awake, and attend to the concerns of his soul, the Spirit of life and grace comes with the call. Ezekiel is sent with a message to the children of Israel. Many might treat his message with contempt, yet they should know by the event that a prophet had been sent to them. God will be glorified, and his word made honourable, whether it be a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death.