יחזקאל, פרק ב׳, פסוק ז׳

A true prophet's mission is not measured by how successfully he convinces his audience, but by the faithful delivery of the divine message. God commands the prophet to share His prophecies under all conditions, whether the people choose to listen or refuse. The path ahead is expected to be incredibly difficult, and the prophet's actual impact is highly doubtful, as the people will almost certainly refuse to pay attention [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Despite this anticipated rejection, the words must still be spoken. The ultimate goal is that even while suffering in exile, the people will remember they were never abandoned. They will realize that a prophet of God stood among them on guard, offering them a clear warning [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The reason the people are so closed off to this message is their deeply ingrained defiance. They are not just individuals who occasionally rebel; they are defined entirely by their resistance. Describing the people as the very embodiment of rebellion is a vivid way to show that defiance has become their core identity [רד״ק].