^1. THEN He said to me, «Son of man, stand on your feet that I may speak with you!»

^2. As He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me.

^3. Then He said to me, «Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day.

^4. «I am sending you to them who are [2] stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, "Thus says the Lord [1] GOD.'

^5. «As for them, whether they listen or [3] not -- for they are a rebellious house -- they will know that a prophet has been among them.

^6. «And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house.

^7. «But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or [4] not, for they are rebellious.

^8. «Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.»

^9. Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a [5] scroll was in it.

^10. When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe.