Because the Lord God helps me, I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame. Isaiah 50:7
Flint is a such a hard mineral that it is often used to sharpen other tools. Isaiah uses this hardness as an example of his resolute firmness in standing his ground. His stance was based on the goodness of God who was helping him and so he is applauded. Yet a hardened face, might we even say a hard head, is also associated with obstinate stubbornness.
But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to Me: because all the house of Israel have a hard forehead and a stubborn heart. Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. Like diamond (emery) harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. Ezekiel 3:7-9
God called Israel stubborn and He emphasized the point by saying it wasn’t just their head but their heart. They had a hard forehead, a hard face. Their stubbornness was a flaw, actually a sin, because they closed their ears to God.
But God told Ezekiel that He would make him just as stubborn, or resolved, as they were, “your forehead as hard as theirs.” Actually, God made it harder. They were set like flint, but God made Ezekiel like diamond. This stone is not mentioned because it is beautiful or precious, but because it is hard. It is diamond that is used to shape the softer flint when needed.
Stubbornness can be good or bad – depending on what is being resisted. In a positive light it is called steadfastness, or standing firm.
I want to be soft, not stubborn, to the voice of God. But firm in standing up for righteousness and against sin. If we are listening to God, a firm face, like diamond, can help shape even those who are set like flint.
