Symbolic Actions of the Prophets Table

12:2 Son of man The standard address from Yahweh to Ezekiel. See note on 2:1.

the house of rebellion A unique phrase used in Ezekiel to refer collectively to the people of Israel (see note on 2:5).

who has eyes to see While Ezekiel will act out his prophecy in plain view, the people will still not understand (compare Isa 6:9–10; Matt 13:13).

12:3 the baggage of an exile Assyrian reliefs depict prisoners being deported and carrying large bags on their shoulders. The Talmud claimed that the baggage consisted of a sleeping mat, a lamp, and a bowl. Ezekiel was part of the first group of exiles, along with King Jehoiachin, in 597 bc (see note on Ezek 1:2).

Rabbinic Writings Table

go into exile by day before their eyes Ezekiel is to do everything in plain view of the exiles. The act progresses by stages in the day, evening, and dusk. Ezekiel must set out his baggage during the day and depart in the evening (see v. 4).

12:4 you must go out in the evening Ezekiel’s departure at evening is unusual since night would not seem to be the optimal time to begin a long journey. The darkness may symbolize the exiles’ desire to avoid capture. The timing makes sense if Ezekiel’s act is understood as mirroring what happens to Zedekiah, who flees besieged Jerusalem at night (see 2 Kgs 25:4).

12:5 Before their eyes dig through for yourself, through the wall Mimes the actions of Zedekiah and his army, who breach the wall of Jerusalem to escape (see 2 Kgs 25:4).

12:6 your face you must cover Perhaps symbolizing the exiles’ ignorance of their destination or grief over the loss of the land (see 2 Sam 19:4–5). The image is repeated in Ezek 12:12 with reference to the king’s departure into exile.

a sign to the house of Israel Ezekiel’s actions make him a sign (mopheth in Hebrew), a living reminder of God’s prophetic word. Isaiah is similarly called a mopheth after a dramatic sign-act in Isa 20:3 (compare Isa 8:18).

12:9 What are you doing The people apparently saw but did not understand Ezekiel’s actions. The question gave him the opportunity to explain the sign in detail.

12:10 oracle is about the prince in Jerusalem Refers to Zedekiah. Ezekiel uses the title nasi, or “prince,” for Zedekiah, brother of Josiah and uncle to the rightful king, Jehoiachin. Ezekiel never refers to Zedekiah as king or melekh since the status of “king in exile” was still afforded to Jehoiachin, who was living in Babylon.

12:11 so will it be done to them Ezekiel explains that he has been dramatizing the captivity and exile of Zedekiah and his officials. The explanation reviews all the details of what Ezekiel was commanded to do and when.

12:13 but he will not see it Possibly an allusion to Zedekiah being blinded by the Babylonians (see 2 Kgs 25:7).

12:16 from the sword, from the famine The judgments associated with the curses from Leviticus (see Ezek 6:1–14; note on 7:15).

they may tell of all their abominations A group of survivors is preserved precisely so they can acknowledge Israel’s guilt to the nations.

12:18 you must eat your food with trembling Reminiscent of the siege rations from 4:10–11. Ezekiel now depicts either the rations of a prisoner heading into exile or the plight of someone left in the land after invaders have destroyed nearly everything.

Symbolic Actions of the Prophets Table

12:19 will be desolate from its fullness Invading armies often took the crops and livestock of the inhabitants.

12:22 you people have Indicates a proverb popular among the people of Israel.

every vision has come to nothing The people have become complacent in light of repeated prophecies of judgment that have not been fulfilled.

12:23 days are near, and The truth is opposite of what the proverb claimed. The time of judgment and the fulfillment of all predictions of doom will be soon.

12:24 any false vision False prophecy was a problem during Ezekiel’s day—especially in Jerusalem, where prophets promoted a false sense of security (compare Jer 28–29).

12:25 I, Yahweh, I will speak Yahweh has tired of false prophets claiming to speak on His behalf and expecting their false visions to be fulfilled. Ezekiel 13 expands on the problem of false prophecy and what will happen to the false prophets.

12:28 None of my words will be prolonged Judgment is now imminent after being long promised but delayed in hope that the people would repent.