1He said to me, "Human being! Stand up! I want to speak with you!"
2As he spoke to me, a spirit entered me and put me on my feet, and I heard him who was speaking to me.
3He said, "Human being! I am sending you to the people of Isra'el, that nation of rebels who have rebelled against me - they and their ancestors have been transgressing against me to this very day.
4Because they are defiant, hardhearted children, I am sending you; and you are to tell them, 'Here is what Adonai ELOHIM says.'
5Whether they listen or not, this rebellious house will still know that a prophet has been among them!
6"As for you, human being, don't be afraid of them or their words, even if briars and thorns surround you, and you sit among scorpions. Don't be afraid of their words or be upset by their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
7You are to speak my words to them, whether they listen or not, for they are very rebellious.
8But you, human being, hear what I am telling you: don't you be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth, and eat what I am about to give you."
9When I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me, holding a scroll.
10He spread it out in front of me, and it was covered with writing front and back. Written on it were laments, dirges and woes.