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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 3 - Verse 7

3:7
But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted.

Meaning

In this verse, God is expressing His frustration with the house of Israel, as they continuously refuse to listen to His warnings through His prophets. The term "impudent" refers to their stubbornness and unwillingness to follow God's commandments, while "hardhearted" signifies their lack of compassion and empathy towards others. Despite countless opportunities to repent and turn back to God, the Israelites remain defiant and resistant to His teachings. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of being receptive to God's guidance. It highlights the challenging nature of dealing with a people who have strayed from the path of righteousness and emphasizes the need for humility and repentance in order to receive God's forgiveness and blessings.

Theological Overview

According to theological interpretation, this verse from Ezekiel 3:7 reveals a crucial aspect of the relationship between God and His people, Israel. The phrase "But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee..." highlights the disobedience of the Israelites towards both the prophet Ezekiel and ultimately towards God himself. The word "hearken" signifies not just listening but obeying and following the guidance provided. God laments that the Israelites are stubborn and rebellious, as indicated by the words "impudent and hardhearted." These qualities describe the people's refusal to heed the warnings and teachings from both the prophet and God, indicating a lack of repentance and a hardened stance against God's will. The theological implication here is that disobedience leads to spiritual blindness and a distancing from God's intended path for His people.

American Standard Version

But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are of hard forehead and of a stiff heart.
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