1 Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man, write thee the name of the day, even of this same day: the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day.

3 And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:

4 Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones.

5 Take the choice of the flock, and burn also the bones under it, and make it boil well, and let them seethe the bones of it therein.

6 Wherefore thus saith the Lord God; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum is therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it.

7 For her blood is in the midst of her; she set it upon the top of a rock; she poured it not upon the ground, to cover it with dust;

8 That it might cause fury to come up to take vengeance; I have set her blood upon the top of a rock, that it should not be covered.

9 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Woe to the bloody city! I will even make the pile for fire great.

10 Heap on wood, kindle the fire, consume the flesh, and spice it well, and let the bones be burned.

11 Then set it empty upon the coals thereof, that the brass of it may be hot, and may burn, and that the filthiness of it may be molten in it, that the scum of it may be consumed.

12 She hath wearied herself with lies, and her great scum went not forth out of her: her scum shall be in the fire.

13 In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.

14 I the Lord have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord God.

15 Also the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

16 Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down.

17 Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men.

18 So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.

19 And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?

20 Then I answered them, The word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

21 Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

22 And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men.

23 And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.

24 Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord God.

25 Also, thou son of man, shall it not be in the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that whereupon they set their minds, their sons and their daughters,

26 That he that escapeth in that day shall come unto thee, to cause thee to hear it with thine ears?

27 In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the Lord.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In the ninth year - Of Zedekiah's reign. Came unto me - The prophet was now in Babylon.
McArther Bible Commentary
this very day. The time was January 15, 588 B.C. (dating from 597 as in Eze 1:2). The Babylonians began the eighteen-month siege of Jerusalem (Jer 39:1-2; Jer 52:4-12).
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 39:1 Jeremiah 52:4 Ezekiel 23:49 Ezekiel 24:2 Ezekiel 29:17 Ezekiel 33:21

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Set himself - Sat down to besiege.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:1 Jeremiah 39:1 Jeremiah 52:4 Ezekiel 24:1 Ezekiel 33:21

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
McArther Bible Commentary
utter a parable. The choice cuts of lamb picture God's flock being boiled in a pot, symbolizing Jerusalem in the heat of the siege. Cf. Eze 11:3. Animal bones were frequently used for fuel.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 4:38 Psalm 78:2 Isaiah 1:2 Isaiah 30:1 Isaiah 30:9 Jeremiah 1:13 Jeremiah 1:14 Ezekiel 2:3 Ezekiel 2:6 Ezekiel 11:3 Ezekiel 11:7 Ezekiel 11:11 Ezekiel 17:2 Ezekiel 20:49 Ezekiel 24:6

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Every good piece - All the chief of the inhabitants of the land, the wealthiest, who will fly from their country - houses to live in safety in Jerusalem: the most war - like, who will betake themselves to Jerusalem for its defence. Fill it - With those pieces that are biggest, fullest of marrow, and which are divided according to the bones; these are the principal members of the state, the king, princes, priests, magistrates, and the most wealthy citizens.
Bible Cross References
Micah 3:2 Micah 3:3

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The bones - Not of the pieces to be boiled, but of the many innocents murdered in Jerusalem; for their blood crieth for vengeance, and their bones scattered on the face of the earth, will both make and maintain this fire.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 25:29 Jeremiah 39:6 Jeremiah 52:10 Jeremiah 52:24

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The bloody city - Jerusalem. Whose scum - Her wickedness is still within her. Piece by piece - One piece after another 'till all be consumed. No lot - Lots are for saving some, but here shall be no sparing any.
McArther Bible Commentary
Woe to the bloody city. Jerusalem's populace was guilty of bloody corruption, which was pictured by the boiled scum or rust in the pot (cf. Eze 22:2).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 24:3 2 Kings 24:4 Ezekiel 11:3 Ezekiel 11:11 Ezekiel 22:2 Ezekiel 22:3 Ezekiel 24:3 Ezekiel 24:9 Micah 7:2 Nahum 3:1

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The blood - Innocent blood which she hath shed. The top of a rock - Where it might be long seen. To cover it - These butchers of innocent ones leave their blood uncovered.
McArther Bible Commentary
her blood. The city's blood (a general symbol of sin) was blatantly open, not hidden, as depicted by exposure on top of a rock. When blood was not covered with dust, the law was violated (Lev 17:13). God's vengeance would come by Babylon's army.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 17:13 Deuteronomy 12:16 Ezekiel 22:4 Zephaniah 1:17

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I have set - I will openly punish, and in such a manner as shall not be soon forgotten.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 26:21 Ezekiel 22:4 Zephaniah 1:17

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
McArther Bible Commentary
the pyre great … cuts be burned up. Intensely provoked by sin, God wanted Ezekiel to picture the fire as furious judgment that kills the people.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 24:6 Ezekiel 24:10 Nahum 3:1 Habakkuk 2:12

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And spice it well - To express this justice, that is acceptable to God and men. The bones - The greatest, strongest, and firmest of the Jews shall perish in this fiery indignation.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 25:29 Ezekiel 24:9 Ezekiel 24:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The filthiness - A type of the unreformed sinfulness of the city. Molten - That their wickedness may be taken away with their persons, and city.
McArther Bible Commentary
set the pot empty. After all pieces (people) were burned up, then the pot was heated empty. This portrayed the Lord's thorough follow-through, using the besieger to destroy the city and the temple with all its residue (cf. the treatment of a leprous house in Lev 14:34-45).
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 21:10 Ezekiel 22:15 Ezekiel 23:27 Ezekiel 24:10 Malachi 4:1

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
She - Jerusalem. With lies - Her allies, their promises, their forces, and their idols, all prove a lie to the house of Judah. Her scum - Her unrepented sins shall be punished in the fire that burns their city.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 9:5 Ezekiel 24:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Lewdness - Or obstinacy and boldness. Purged thee - Used all means to purge thee.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 22:14 Jeremiah 6:28 Lamentations 1:9 Ezekiel 5:13 Ezekiel 8:18 Ezekiel 22:24 Hosea 7:1 Zechariah 6:8

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The fate of Jerusalem.
The pot on the fire represented Jerusalem besieged by the Chaldeans: all orders and ranks were within the walls, prepared as a prey for the enemy. They ought to have put away their transgressions, as the scum, which rises by the heat of the fire, is taken from the top of the pot. But they grew worse, and their miseries increased. Jerusalem was to be levelled with the ground. The time appointed for the punishment of wicked men may seem to come slowly, but it will come surely. It is sad to think how many there are, on whom ordinances and providences are all lost.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 11:23 1 Samuel 15:29 Job 27:22 Psalm 33:9 Isaiah 3:11 Isaiah 55:11 Jeremiah 13:14 Ezekiel 9:10 Ezekiel 18:30 Ezekiel 24:15 Ezekiel 36:19 Zechariah 8:14

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 24:14 Ezekiel 24:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
With a stroke - A sudden stroke, by my own immediate hand. We know not how soon the desire of our eyes may be removed from us. Death is a stroke, which the most pious, the most useful, the most amiable are not exempted from.
McArther Bible Commentary
Ezekiel's wife died as a sign to Israel. All personal sorrow was eclipsed in the universal calamity. Just as Ezekiel was not to mourn the death of his wife (Eze 24:17), so Israel was not to mourn the death of her families (Eze 24:19-24). Though the text emphasizes how precious his wife was, the "desire of his eyes" (Eze 24:16, Eze 24:21), his "boast" and "delight" (Eze 24:21), the prophet was obedient and submitted to God's will. He became a heartbreaking sign to his people.
Bible Cross References
Job 23:2 Song of Solomon 7:10 Jeremiah 13:17 Jeremiah 16:5 Jeremiah 22:10 Ezekiel 24:15 Ezekiel 24:18 Ezekiel 24:21

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Bind the tire - Adorn thy head, as thou wast used to do; go not bare - headed as a mourner. Thy shoes - ln great mournings the Jews went bare - footed. Cover not thy lips - It was a custom among them to cover the upper lip. Eat not - Of thy neighbours and friends, who were wont to visit their mourning friends, and send in choice provision to their houses.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:23 Leviticus 13:45 Leviticus 21:10 2 Samuel 15:30 Isaiah 20:2 Jeremiah 13:18 Jeremiah 16:7 Ezekiel 24:18 Ezekiel 44:18 Hosea 9:4

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I spake - Told them what I expected would be.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 12:7 Ezekiel 24:16 Ezekiel 24:17 Ezekiel 24:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 12:9 Ezekiel 17:12 Ezekiel 24:18 Ezekiel 24:20 Ezekiel 37:18

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 24:19 Ezekiel 24:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Profane - Cast off, and put into the hands of Heathens. The excellency of your strength - So it was while God's presence was there. The desire - As much your desire, as my wife was mine; most dear to you.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 26:19 Psalm 27:4 Psalm 84:1 Jeremiah 6:11 Jeremiah 16:3 Jeremiah 16:4 Ezekiel 7:24 Ezekiel 23:25 Ezekiel 23:47 Ezekiel 24:16 Ezekiel 24:20 Ezekiel 24:22 Ezekiel 24:25 Ezekiel 33:28 Hosea 9:16 Malachi 2:12

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ye shall do - When you are in captivity, where you may not use your own customs.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 13:45 Ezekiel 24:21 Ezekiel 24:23

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Pine away - You shall languish with secret sorrow, when you shall not dare to shew it openly.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 26:16 Leviticus 26:39 2 Samuel 15:30 Job 27:15 Psalm 78:64 Psalm 107:17 Isaiah 20:2 Jeremiah 13:18 Lamentations 4:9 Ezekiel 4:17 Ezekiel 24:22 Ezekiel 33:10 Ezekiel 44:18

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
Bible Cross References
Luke 11:29 Luke 11:30 Ezekiel 4:3 Ezekiel 12:6 Ezekiel 20:44

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Their strength - Their walls and fortifications. The joy - All their public and private joys and hopes shall be destroyed in the destruction of the kingdom, and their children.
McArther Bible Commentary
in the day. This refers to the destruction of the temple.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 48:2 Psalm 50:2 Lamentations 2:4 Ezekiel 24:21

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To hear it - To give thee a narrative of all he had seen.
McArther Bible Commentary
on that day. A person who escaped the destruction of Jerusalem (586 B.C.) would come to Ezekiel in Babylon and report the story. From that day forward, he was to be silent until the captives arrived; then he could speak of Judah (cf. Eze 3:26-27). This amounted to about a two-year period (cf. Eze 33:21; Jer 52:5-7), when there was no need to preach judgment because it had come. He did speak of other nations (beginning in ch. 25).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 4:12 Job 1:15

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The extent of the sufferings of the Jews.
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
No more dumb - From this prophecy for eighteen months during the siege, he does not prophesy of Israel, but of other nations. Thou shalt be a sign - Until the event shall convince the Jews, thou shalt by sign, signify to them, what is coming.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 3:26 Ezekiel 3:27 Ezekiel 25:1 Ezekiel 29:21 Ezekiel 33:22 Daniel 10:15