³ He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to^[a] the rebellious pagans who have rebelled against me. The Israelites and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this day.^{(A) 4} The descendants are obstinate^[b] and hardhearted.^(B) I am sending you to them, and you must say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ ⁵ Whether they listen or refuse to listen^(C)—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.^(D)

⁶ “But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them and do not be afraid of their words,^(E) even though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions.^(F) Don’t be afraid of their words or discouraged by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house. ⁷ Speak my words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen,^(G) for they are rebellious.

⁸ “And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you: Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”^(H)