If so be they at least will hear, and if so be they will forbear, for they are a provoking house: and they shall know that there hath been a prophet in the midst of them.

and they, whether they hear, or whether they forbear, for a rebellious house they are, have known that a prophet hath been in their midst.

And they, if they give ear to you or if they do not give ear (for they are an uncontrolled people), will see that there has been a prophet among them.

Perhaps it may be that they will hear, and perhaps they may be quieted. For they are a provoking house. And they shall know that there has been a prophet in their midst.

Et ipsi sive audiant sive desistant quoniam domus rebellionis ipsi: et [60] scient quod propheta fuerit inter ipsos.

A rebellious house - A phrase employed continually by Ezekiel in bitter irony, in the place of house of Israel, as much as to say, "House no longer of Israel, but of rebellion." Compare Isaiah 30:9.

Yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them - By this they shall be assured of two things:
1. That God in his mercy had given them due warning.
2. That themselves were inexcusable, for not taking it.

And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that (d) there hath been a prophet among them.
(d) This declares on the one part God's great affection toward his people, that despite their rebellion, yet he will send his prophets among them, and admonishes his ministers on the other part that they cease not to do their duty, though the people are never so obstinate: for the word of God will be either to their salvation or greater condemnation.

And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear,.... Or "cease" (y); that is, from hearing, as Jarchi and Kimchi interpret it; or from sinning, as the Targum. The sense is, whether they would hear the word of the Lord, as spoken by the prophet, attend unto it, receive it, and obey it; or whether they would reject it, turn their backs on it, and discontinue hearing it; or whether they would so hear as to leave their sinful course of life, or not: this the prophet could not know beforehand, nor should he be concerned about it, or be discouraged if his ministry should be fruitless; since he could not expect much from them:
(for they are a rebellious house); or, "a house of rebellion" (z); a most rebellious one; hard of heart, face, and neck:
yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them; so that they were left without excuse, which was the end of the prophet's being sent unto them; there was little or no hope of reclaiming them; but, however, by such a step taken, they could not say that they had no prophet sent to reprove them for their sins, and warn them of their danger; had they, they would have listened to him, and so have escaped the evils that came upon them,
(y) "cessaverint", Pagninas, Montanus, Starckius; "desistent", Calvin, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. (z) "domus rebellionis", Montanus, Calvin, Piscator, Junius & Tremellius, Starckius.

forbear--namely, to hear.
yet shall know--Even if they will not hear, at least they will not have ignorance to plead as the cause of their perversity (Ezekiel 33:33).

Shall know - They that obey shall know by the good I will do them, those that will not, by the evil which I will bring upon them.