The root of the word for “strong” is the root also of the first half of Ezekiel’s name (see p. 567) and is probably used with reference to it. The prophet may have pleaded his own weakness in contrast with the obduracy of hardened sinners. Here is the promise that, hard as the Israelites might be, the prophet would be made harder than they and would prevail against them. This promise does not imply any coercion to secure acceptance of that message. Under God’s government acceptance is always a voluntary act.