⁹ He said, “Go^(A) and tell this people:

¹⁷ “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say^(A) to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified^(B) by them, or I will terrify you before them. ¹⁸ Today I have made you^(C) a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. ¹⁹ They will fight against you but will not overcome^(D) you, for I am with you^(E) and will rescue^(F) you,” declares the Lord.

³ He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day.^{(A) 4} The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn.^(B) Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’^{(C) 5} And whether they listen or fail to listen^(D)—for they are a rebellious people^(E)—they will know that a prophet has been among them.^{(F) 6} And you, son of man, do not be afraid^(G) of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns^(H) are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.^{(I) 7} You must speak^(J) my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.^{(K) 8} But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel^(L) like that rebellious people;^(M) open your mouth and eat^(N) what I give you.”