[1] The LORD said, "Ezekiel, son of man, I want you to stand up and listen." [2] After he said this, his Spirit took control of me and lifted me to my feet. Then the LORD said: [3] Ezekiel, I am sending you to the people of Israel. They are just like their ancestors who rebelled against me and refused to stop. [4] They are stubborn and hardheaded. But I, the LORD God, have chosen you to tell them what I say. [5] Those rebels may not even listen, but at least they will know that a prophet has come to them. [6] Don't be afraid of them or of anything they say. You may think you're in the middle of a thorn patch or a bunch of scorpions. But be brave [7] and preach my message to them, whether they choose to listen or not. [8] Ezekiel, don't rebel against me, as they have done. Instead, listen to everything I tell you. And now, Ezekiel, open your mouth and eat what I am going to give you. [9] Just then, I saw a hand stretched out toward me. And in it was a scroll. [10] The hand opened the scroll, and both sides of it were filled with words of sadness, mourning, and grief.
