Ezekiel 2:6

6. Briers… thorns… scorpions The work of a true prophet is not easy, and will necessarily arouse the most bitter opposition. To suffer the grief of exile is bad enough (Psalms 137:0), but extra torments are in reserve for the faithful preacher. Ezekiel must be prepared for “thorns in the flesh” and scorpion stings. (Compare Matthew 10:16-23.) The constant irritation of the brier is as bad for the temper as the sting of the scorpion. Many who could go into the lion’s jaws without shrinking are beaten back from the path of daily duty by the briers in the path.

Though they be a rebellious house Literally, for they be a house of rebelliousness. They always have been and are yet rebellious, and therefore they could not do otherwise than dislike and persecute one who tells them the truth.