“And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.”
Injunction not to fear their words and deeds establishes primary struggle is relational and emotional—fear of rejection and harm from opposing kinfolk. Metaphorical briers, thorns, scorpions transform exiled community into hostile environment threatening prophet speaking God's word. Injunction acknowledges natural response would be anxiety and self-protective withdrawal; divine commission requires transcending normal caution, submitting to potential suffering in prophetic service. Environmental language evokes wilderness wandering; exilic community became hostile wilderness where prophet must preach. Divine assurance offers empowerment to remain faithful despite real opposition and threat, not promise of absent danger.
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
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