Ezekiel 2:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do we toil in futility? Are we not scattering seeds upon rocky ground, or do they fall along the path and amidst thorns contrary to our expectations? I am deeply troubled and anxious that our labor may yield no results, not for my own sake, but for the sake of our ministry. The role of teachers differs significantly from that of farmers. A farmer, after toiling for a year with great effort and sweat, if the land fails to produce a harvest, finds no solace from anyone and must return home in shame and heartache to his family, having no grounds to claim recompense for his arduous work. However, this cannot be our experience.

You are to convey my message to them; perhaps they will heed it, feel trepidation, or remain silent, as they are provokers. Yet, you, son of man, listen to what I communicate to you. Therefore, we must not hesitate, even if those to whom we speak act wickedly; as the Apostle instructs (2 Tim. 4:2), we are to proclaim the Gospel both in season and out of season, for it is possible that even the callous may be moved to compassion, while the faithful may choose not to listen due to a change of heart.

He regarded the address with skepticism, hoping to guide them towards repentance; for he observes that they might be intimidated by the possibility of punishment, and the fulfillment of such a warning will frighten them when they remain resistant to compassionate appeals.

You are to convey My words to them, whether they choose to listen or to have reverence, for those who provoke The Almighty. Anyone who transgresses; what else can they expect but to provoke their Creator? We recognize that every time we sin through our actions, our speech, or our thoughts, we incite God's displeasure against ourselves. Nevertheless, He remains patient, graciously awaiting our return, providing us with opportunities for repentance through Himself and a message of encouragement from His ministers. A minister of truth, when heeded, soothes the anger of the Creator towards a wayward people. Thus, it is essential for him to refrain from wrongdoing, which typically stirs the wrath of God among the people. For this reason, it is said: And thou, son of man, listen to the one who speaks to you and do not be disheartened, as a house that is troubled.

When the Lord instructs a prophet to communicate His intentions to humanity, it becomes essential for the prophet to carry out that directive, despite the challenge of gaining a hearing from the people. The decision to listen or not is not for the prophet to determine. Only God possesses that knowledge, yet the prophet should find solace in the possibility that they might choose to listen to him with humility and recognize the seriousness of incurring God's anger, as they consistently provoke Him through their defiance. However, if this hope proves fruitless and they encounter the consequences of their actions, they must acknowledge their own guilt regarding their misfortune, as they failed to heed the prophet's warnings.