THEOSISEphraem the Syrian
Look, I fortify your brow, as adamant is stronger than flint; in other words, your forehead, says God to the prophet, I have made as strong as theirs, since adamant is mightier than flint.
Ezekiel 3:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
I have made thy face like an adamant and like flint: fear them not, neither be thou dismayed at their presence: for they are a provoking house.
כְּשָׁמִ֛יר חָזָ֥ק מִצֹּ֖ר נָתַ֣תִּי מִצְחֶ֑ךָ לֹֽא־תִירָ֤א אוֹתָם֙ וְלֹא־תֵחַ֣ת מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם כִּ֛י בֵּֽית־מְרִ֖י הֵֽמָּה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Theodoret of Cyrus
Do not be afraid of those to whom I am sending you. Understand that I am aware of the deceitfulness of their hearts, so dispel any fear you may have. I will empower you in relation to their doubts, providing you with fortitude commensurate with their challenges. I will make your resolve stronger than flint, enabling you to endure insults, physical abuse, and all other adversities without retreating from your mission to share the Word or neglecting your concern for them.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Ezek 2:6And thou, O son of man, fear not, neither be thou afraid of their words: for thou art among unbelievers and destroyers, and thou dwellest with scorpions. Fear not their words, neither be thou dismayed at their looks: for they are a provoking house.
- Isa 50:7The Lord God is my helper, therefore am I not confounded: therefore have I set my face as a most hard rock, and I know that I shall not be confounded.
- Isa 41:10Fear not, for I am with thee: turn not aside, for I am thy God: I have strengthened thee, and have helped thee, and the right hand of my just one hath upheld thee.
- Zech 7:12And they made their heart as the adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts sent in his spirit by the hand of the former prophets: so a great indignation came from Lord of hosts.
- Jer 1:8Be not afraid at their presence: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
- Jer 17:18Let them be confounded that persecute me, and let not me be confounded: let them be afraid, and let not me be afraid: bring upon them the day of affliction, and with a double destruction, destroy them.
- 1 Tim 2:3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour,
- Mic 3:8But yet I am filled with the strength of the spirit of the Lord, with judgment and power: to declare unto Jacob his wickedness and to Israel his sin.