Definition: And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 2:7. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about leadership and obedience. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to directly communicate with a group of people – specifically, the leaders – and give them instructions. But these leaders are acting in a way that’s resisting God’s will. It’s a warning about disobedience. Let's unpack it word by word: “Ezekiel 2:7 And thou shalt speak my words unto them…” - This means God is going to give instructions to these leaders. It’s like a divine message being delivered. “…whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear…” – This is the key part. It's asking if they will listen or won't listen . “Forbear” means stop or cease doing something. ”…for they [are] most rebellious.” - This is where it gets important. "Rebellious" means defying God’s authority, disobeying his commands, and acting against what he wants. So, putting it all together: God is going to give instructions to leaders – and they are actively refusing to listen to those instructions. They're not just passively ignoring them; they’re actively opposing God’s will. It suggests a serious problem with the leadership involved. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about: Leadership Responsibilities: It highlights that leaders have a duty to listen and follow God's guidance. The Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes that obedience to God’s commands is crucial for maintaining order and righteousness. Potential Consequences: It suggests that resisting God can lead to negative outcomes, even if those outcomes aren't immediately apparent. Important Note: This verse is from a very old text (Ezekiel’s writings) and has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. It doesn't necessarily mean the leaders are actively trying to disobey God in a malicious way. It’s more about their unwillingness to accept God’s guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how it might be used in a story or situation?