“Son of Man, I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me... They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, 'This is what the sovereign Lord says,' and whether they listen or refuse to listen-at least they will know they have had a prophet among them. Son of Man, do not fear them or their words. Don't be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions.