King James Version
Ezekiel 12
28 verses with commentary
The Exile Symbolized
The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,</strong> The prophetic formula introduces another sign-act prophecy concerning exile. Chapter 12 contains dramatic enacted prophecies where Ezekiel performs symbolic actions representing Jerusalem's coming captivity. The formula's repetition (occurring over 50 times in Ezekiel) establishes each oracle's divine origin. God initiates revelation...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**32. added besides ... many like words--**Sinners gain nothing but additional punishment by setting aside the word of Jehovah. The law was similarly rewritten after the first tables had been broken owing to Israel's idolatry (Ex 32:19, 34:1).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>"Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house."</strong> God diagnoses Israel's problem—willful blindness and deafness. They possess physical faculties ("eyes to see," "ears to hear") but lack spiritual perception. The double designation "rebellious house" (<em>beit m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **A rebellious house.**—Comp. Deuteronomy 1:26; Romans 10:21. The *seeing not *and *hearing not *is that perverse refusing to see and to hear so often spoken of in Scripture. (See Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 6:9; Jeremiah 5:21; Matthew 13:14-15.) It was because of this disposition that the prophet was to give them a sign to which they could not shut their eyes.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house. stuff: or, instruments
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>"Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house."</strong> God commands Ezekiel to publicly enact exile—packing belongings and departing visibly. The "stuff for removing" (<em>keli golah</em>, כְּלֵי גוֹלָה) me...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Prepare thee stuff for removing.**—The same words are translated in Jeremiah 46:19, “Furnish thyself to go into captivity.” Stuff includes all that an emigrant would require, clothes, utensils, &c.; and “removing” is the same word as is translated *captivity *in Ezekiel 12:4. The symbolical action was that of one preparing to leave his home to go into captivity. The prophet is to make his pr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 37 Jr 37:1-21. Historical Sections, Thirty-seventh through Forty-fourth Chapters. The Chaldeans Raise the Siege to Go and Meet Pharaoh-hophra. Zedekiah Sends to Jeremiah to Pray to God in Behalf of the Jews: in Vain, Jeremiah Tries to Escape to His Native Place, but Is Arrested. Zedekiah Abates the Rigor of His Imprisonment.
**1. Coniah--**curtailed from Jeconiah by way of reproach.
**w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity. as they: Heb. as the goings forth of captivity
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>"Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity."</strong> Ezekiel must publicly pack and depart, mimicking exiles' actions. The timing ("by day...at even") suggests full-day performance creating maximum visibility. "As stuff for removing" and "as they that go forth int...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. Amazing stupidity, that they were not admonished by the punishment of Jeconiah [Calvin], (2Ch 36:12, 14)!
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →Dig thou through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby. Dig: Heb. Dig for thee
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>"Dig thou through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby."</strong> Ezekiel must dig through his house wall and exit through the hole—symbolizing escape attempts during siege. This dramatic action would be shocking and memorable. The wall-digging represents desperate measures during Jerusalem's siege when trapped residents tried breaching walls to escape. The public performance ("i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Dig thou through the wall.**—This is a sub sequent action, as shown by Ezekiel 12:7. The wall was probably of adobe, sun-dried brick, the common building material of the country, and there was, therefore, no great difficulty in digging through it; but this way of entering the house indicates something of stealth and secrecy. He was to carry forth his goods openly through his door during the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Zedekiah ... sent--**fearing lest, in the event of the Chaldeans overcoming Pharaoh-hophra, they should return to besiege Jerusalem. See on Jr 21:1; that chapter chronologically comes in between the thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth chapter. The message of the king to Jeremiah here in the thirty-seventh chapter is, however, somewhat earlier than that in the twenty-first chapter; here it is whi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →In their sight shalt thou bear it upon thy shoulders, and carry it forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: for I have set thee for a sign unto the house of Israel.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>"In their sight shalt thou bear it upon thy shoulders, and carry it forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: for I have set thee for a sign unto the house of Israel."</strong> Ezekiel must carry baggage on shoulders with covered face "in twilight"—depicting shameful, furtive departure. Covering the face represents disgrace and inability to see where g...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Bear it . . . carry it.**—The pronouns are not in the original, and are better omitted. Otherwise, the “it” might seem to refer to the stuff already carried out during the day. Read, “Thou shalt bear upon thy shoulders, and carry forth in the dark.” The word rendered “twilight” is used only here and in Ezekiel 12:12, and in Genesis 15:17, and means *dark.*
**That thou see not the ground.**—T...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. Jeremiah ... not put ... into prison--**He was no longer in the prison court, as he had been (Jr 32:2; 33:1), which passages refer to the beginning of the siege, not to the time when the Chaldeans renewed the siege, after having withdrawn for a time to meet Pharaoh.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →And I did so as I was commanded: I brought forth my stuff by day, as stuff for captivity, and in the even I digged through the wall with mine hand; I brought it forth in the twilight, and I bare it upon my shoulder in their sight. digged: Heb. digged for me
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>"And I did so as I was commanded: I brought forth my stuff by day, as stuff for captivity, and in the even I digged through the wall with mine hand; I brought it forth in the twilight, and I bare it upon my shoulder in their sight."</strong> Ezekiel's obedience report demonstrates faithful execution of difficult commands. Despite personal cost (damaging his house, public humiliation), the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. After this temporary diversion, caused by Pharaoh in favor of Jerusalem, the Egyptians returned no more to its help (2Ki 24:7). Judea had the misfortune to lie between the two great contending powers, Babylon and Egypt, and so was exposed to the alternate inroads of the one or the other. Josiah, taking side with Assyria, fell in battle with Pharaoh-necho at Megiddo (2Ki 23:29). Zedekiah, seekin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →And in the morning came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Ezekiel receives further revelation: 'And in the morning came the word of the LORD unto me, saying.' The phrase 'in the morning' indicates God's timing in revelation—He speaks when He purposes, not on human schedule. The formula 'word of the LORD came unto me' appears throughout Ezekiel, authenticating the message as divine revelation not human speculation.<br><br>This verse introduces God's expla...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **In the morning.**—This implies that the foregoing symbolical action was actually performed, since the Divine message comes in answer to the inquiry of the people (Ezekiel 12:9), “What doest thou?”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →Son of man, hath not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said unto thee, What doest thou?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God informs Ezekiel: 'Son of man, hath not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said unto thee, What doest thou?' This rhetorical question expects affirmative answer—yes, they asked. Their question 'What doest thou?' shows curiosity about Ezekiel's strange behavior. The description 'rebellious house' (<em>beit meri</em>, בֵּית מְרִי) characterizes Israel's persistent covenant unfaithfulness....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. shall return--**without accomplishing any deliverance for you.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that are among them.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>"Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that are among them."</strong> God explains the sign-act's meaning—it concerns "the prince" (King Zedekiah) and all Israel. The Hebrew <em>nasi</em> (נָשִׂיא, "prince") may deliberately avoid "king" (<em>melek</em>) to emphasize Zedekiah's reduced status as Babylonian p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **All the house of Israel.**—The *burden *(or message of woe) was directed immediately to the king and his princes, but the people were also necessarily involved. Israel is here, as elsewhere, used. for the then existing nation, which was considered as representing the whole, although composed chiefly of the tribe of Judah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. (Jr 34:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →Say, I am your sign: like as I have done, so shall it be done unto them: they shall remove and go into captivity. they: Heb. by removing go into captivity
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>"Say, I am your sign: like as I have done, so shall it be done unto them: they shall remove and go into captivity."</strong> Ezekiel explicitly declares himself a prophetic sign—his enacted exile foreshadows Israel's actual exile. "Like as I have done, so shall it be done unto them" establishes direct correspondence between symbol and reality. The double description "remove and go into cap...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Your sign.**—The change of pronoun is intentional. The prophet’s action was to be a sign not only to Zedekiah and the people in Jerusalem, but also to those in captivity, since they rested their hope upon the safety of the holy city.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. yourselves--**Hebrew, "souls."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →And the prince that is among them shall bear upon his shoulder in the twilight, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with his eyes.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God explains the sign-act's specific reference: 'And the prince that is among them shall bear upon his shoulder in the twilight, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with his eyes.' The 'prince' refers to King Zedekiah, who would attempt escape during Jerusalem's fall. The specific details—bearing belongings o...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **They shall dig through the wall.**—This circumstance is not mentioned in the history of Zedekiah’s flight; yet it is not necessary to understand it figuratively, since such a breach in the walls at a place unwatched by the enemy might easily be arranged to secure secrecy, and as easily be passed over in the brevity of the historical account. (See Note on Ezekiel 12:6.)
**Shall cover his fac...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. yet ... they--**Even a few wounded men would suffice for your destruction.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>"My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there."</strong> This verse precisely predicts Zedekiah's fate—captured ("taken in my snare"), brought to Babylon, yet not seeing it. The paradox resolves in Zedekiah's blinding (2 Kings 25:7)—he went to Babylon b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.**—The prophet does not explain how this could be; but Jeremiah (Jeremiah 52:11) makes it plain by recording that Zedekiah’s eyes were put out in Riblah, before he was carried to Babylon. Josephus has a curious story (*Antiq. *x. 7, § 2), that Zedekiah was inclined to believe the warnings of Jeremiah that he should be carried captive to Bab...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. broken up--**"gone up."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →And I will scatter toward every wind all that are about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God continues describing judgment: 'And I will scatter toward every wind all that are about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.' This announces the dispersion of Zedekiah's supporters and military forces. 'Scatter toward every wind' indicates comprehensive dispersion in all directions—total breakdown of organized resistance and community.<br><br>The phrase...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **I will scatter toward every wind.**—The people of Judah were not carried captive to Babylon only, but many of them were scattered wherever they could find refuge; and, finally, the remnant left in the land by Nebuchadnezzar, after the murder of his governor Gedaliah, escaped into Egypt (Jeremiah 41-43).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Benjamin--**to his own town, Anathoth.
**to separate himself--**Margin translates, "to slip away," from a Hebrew root, "to be smooth," so, to slip away as a slippery thing that cannot be held. But it is not likely the prophet of God would flee in a dishonorable way; and "in the midst of the people" rather implies open departure along with others, than clandestine slipping away by mixing wi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God states judgment's ultimate purpose: 'And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.' The recognition formula—'know that I am the LORD'—appears throughout Ezekiel. Even through judgment, God's purpose is that people acknowledge His unique deity, sovereignty, and covenant lordship.<br><br>Knowledge of God (<em>yada et-Yahw...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. ward--**that is, the "guard," or "watch."
**Hananiah--**whose death Jeremiah predicted (Jr 28:16). The grandson in revenge takes Jeremiah into custody on the charge of deserting ("thou fallest away," Jr 38:19; 52:15; 1Sa 29:3) to the enemy. His prophecies gave color to the charge (Jr 21:9; 38:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD. a few: Heb. men of number
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God announces: 'But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD.' God preserves a remnant through judgment not for their merit but for testimonial purposes. The few who survive will declare Israel's abominations among the nations, ser...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **May declare all their abominations.**—This they were to do, that the false impression that God was unable to protect His people might be removed from the minds of the heathen, and the truth that He was punishing them for their sins be made known. They should do it both by word of mouth (as in Jeremiah 22:8-9), and also by their conduct (as in Ezekiel 14:22-23). The word “few” is literally, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
The approaching captivity. (Ezek 12:1-16) An emblem of the consternation of the Jews. (Ezek 12:17-20) Answers to the objections of scoffers. (Ezek 12:21-28)
**Verses 1-16** By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet signified the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. When God has delivere...
Read full commentary →Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Another prophetic word comes: 'Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying.' This formula introduces a new oracle, distinct from the previous message. Ezekiel receives multiple revelations, each addressing specific aspects of coming judgment. The accumulation of oracles reinforces the message's certainty—God repeatedly warns through various angles and images.<br><br>The phrase 'word of the LO...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. scribe--**one of the court secretaries; often in the East part of the private house of a public officer serves as a prison.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-20** The prophet must eat and drink in care and fear, with trembling, that he might express the condition of those in Jerusalem during the siege. When ministers speak of the ruin coming upon sinners, they must speak as those that know the terrors of the Lord. Afflictions are happy ones, however grievous to flesh and blood, that improve us in the knowledge of God.
Son of man, eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling and with carefulness;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God commands another sign-act: 'Son of man, eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling and with carefulness.' Ezekiel must eat and drink while visibly trembling and anxious. This dramatic behavior communicates the fear and anxiety Jerusalem's inhabitants will experience during Babylon's siege. The Hebrew <em>ra'ash</em> (רַעַשׁ, 'quaking') indicates violent shaking; <em>de'agah...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Eat thy bread with quaking.—**This is another symbolical action, the meaning of which is immediately explained. The prophet is to eat and drink as men in the terror and distress of a siege.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. dungeon ... cabins--**The prison consisted of a pit (the "dungeon") with vaulted cells round the sides of it. The "cabins," from a root, "to bend one's self."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-20** The prophet must eat and drink in care and fear, with trembling, that he might express the condition of those in Jerusalem during the siege. When ministers speak of the ruin coming upon sinners, they must speak as those that know the terrors of the Lord. Afflictions are happy ones, however grievous to flesh and blood, that improve us in the knowledge of God.
And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein. all that: Heb. the fulness thereof
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God provides interpretation: 'And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein.' The sign-act's meaning is explained—Jerusalem's in...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Unto the people of the land,**—*i.e.*, of the land of Chaldæa: Ezekiel’s fellow-captives. All these prophecies, though concerning Jerusalem and its people, were immediately addressed to the exiles, and their teaching was primarily for them. It is not unlikely, however, as St. Jerome says, that all these prophecies of Ezekiel were sent to Jerusalem, and the corresponding utterances of Jeremi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. secretly--**Zedekiah was ashamed to be seen by his courtiers consulting Jeremiah (Joh 12:43; 5:44; 19:38).
**thou shalt be delivered--**Had Jeremiah consulted his earthly interests, he would have answered very differently. Contrast Jr 6:14; Is 30:10; Eze 13:10.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-20** The prophet must eat and drink in care and fear, with trembling, that he might express the condition of those in Jerusalem during the siege. When ministers speak of the ruin coming upon sinners, they must speak as those that know the terrors of the Lord. Afflictions are happy ones, however grievous to flesh and blood, that improve us in the knowledge of God.
And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God continues: 'And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.' This announces comprehensive destruction—inhabited cities will become waste, productive land will become desolate. The Hebrew <em>charav</em> (חָרַב, 'laid waste') indicates violent destruction, while <em>shemamah</em> (שְׁמָמָה, 'desolate') suggests uninhab...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. What--**In what respect have I offended?
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-20** The prophet must eat and drink in care and fear, with trembling, that he might express the condition of those in Jerusalem during the siege. When ministers speak of the ruin coming upon sinners, they must speak as those that know the terrors of the Lord. Afflictions are happy ones, however grievous to flesh and blood, that improve us in the knowledge of God.
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Another oracle begins: 'And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying.' This formula introduces yet another prophetic message, continuing the pattern of multiple warnings. The accumulation demonstrates thorough testimony—God leaves no excuse, warning repeatedly through various images and angles. This persistence reveals both God's justice (comprehensive warning) and His patience (repeated opportun...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21-28) These verses contain two distinct messages from the Lord (Ezekiel 12:21-28), both designed to meet the objection that warning prophecies had been uttered now for a long time, and as they had not come to pass there was no reason to expect their fulfilment, at least until some far distant future. It is always the tendency of sinful man to take this ground while experiencing the long-sufferin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. Where are now your prophets--**The event has showed them to be liars; and, as surely as the king of Babylon has come already, notwithstanding their prophecy, so surely shall he return.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28** From that forbearance of God, which should have led them to repent, the Jews hardened themselves in sin. It will not serve for an excuse in speaking evil, to plead that it is a common saying. There is but a step between us and an awful eternity; therefore it concerns us to get ready for a future state. No one will be able to put from himself the evil day, unless by seeking peace w...
Read full commentary →Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses a skeptical proverb: 'Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?' The people had developed a cynical saying dismissing prophetic warnings—'days drag on, visions fail.' This reflects skepticism born from delayed judgment. Prophets warned for decades, yet Jerusalem still stood, creating false security a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **In the land of Israel, **is not here simply equivalent to the “in Israel” of Ezekiel 12:23, but refers to a proverb current among those who had not yet been carried into captivity, and who fancied that they should not be.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. be accepted--**rather, "Let my supplication be humbly presented" (see on Jr 36:7), [Henderson].
**lest I die there--**in the subterranean dungeon (Jr 37:16), from want of proper sustenance (Jr 37:21). The prophet naturally shrank from death, which makes his spiritual firmness the more remarkable; he was ready to die rather than swerve from his duty [Calvin].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28** From that forbearance of God, which should have led them to repent, the Jews hardened themselves in sin. It will not serve for an excuse in speaking evil, to plead that it is a common saying. There is but a step between us and an awful eternity; therefore it concerns us to get ready for a future state. No one will be able to put from himself the evil day, unless by seeking peace w...
Read full commentary →Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God responds to the mocking proverb: 'Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.' God announces He will silence the mocking saying by fulfilling prophecies. When judgment comes, skeptics will stop quoting their dismissive proverb. The ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **The effect of every vision.**—The sense would be made clearer by rendering “the accomplishment” of every vision.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bible Hub
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. court of the prison--**(Jr 32:2; 38:13, 28).
**bakers' street--**Persons in the same business in cities in the East commonly reside in the same street.
**all the bread ... spent--**Jeremiah had bread supplied to him until he was thrown into the dungeon of Malchiah, at which time the bread in the city was spent. Compare this verse with Jr 38:9; that time must have been very shortly before...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28** From that forbearance of God, which should have led them to repent, the Jews hardened themselves in sin. It will not serve for an excuse in speaking evil, to plead that it is a common saying. There is but a step between us and an awful eternity; therefore it concerns us to get ready for a future state. No one will be able to put from himself the evil day, unless by seeking peace w...
Read full commentary →For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God explains why false prophecies proliferate: 'For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel.' God announces cessation of false prophecy along with fulfillment of true prophecy. The Hebrew <em>shav</em> (שָׁוְא, 'vain') indicates empty, false messages, while <em>qesem chalaqqot</em> (קֶסֶם חֲלַקּוֹת, 'flattering divination') refers to smooth, plea...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28** From that forbearance of God, which should have led them to repent, the Jews hardened themselves in sin. It will not serve for an excuse in speaking evil, to plead that it is a common saying. There is but a step between us and an awful eternity; therefore it concerns us to get ready for a future state. No one will be able to put from himself the evil day, unless by seeking peace w...
Read full commentary →For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God declares His sovereign control: 'For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.' This powerful declaration emphasizes divine sovereignty, efficacy of God's word, and imminence of judgment. The repeated first-person 'I' statemen...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 38 Jr 38:1-28. Jeremiah Predicts the Capture of Jerusalem, for Which He Is Cast into a Dungeon, but Is Transferred to the Prison Court on the Intercession of Ebed-melech, and Has a Secret Interview with Zedekiah.
All this was subsequent to his imprisonment in Jonathan's house, and his release on his interview with Zedekiah. The latter occurred before the return of the Chaldeans to the si...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28** From that forbearance of God, which should have led them to repent, the Jews hardened themselves in sin. It will not serve for an excuse in speaking evil, to plead that it is a common saying. There is but a step between us and an awful eternity; therefore it concerns us to get ready for a future state. No one will be able to put from himself the evil day, unless by seeking peace w...
Read full commentary →Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Another prophetic word comes: 'Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying.' This formula introduces yet another oracle addressing skepticism. The repetition emphasizes God's patience and thoroughness in warning. Multiple oracles on similar themes (delayed judgment, false prophets, certainty of fulfillment) ensure comprehensive testimony removing all excuse.<br><br>The phrase 'again' (<em>vayehi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. life ... a prey--**He shall escape with his life; though losing all else in a shipwreck, he shall carry off his life as his gain, saved by his going over to the Chaldeans. (See on Jr 21:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28** From that forbearance of God, which should have led them to repent, the Jews hardened themselves in sin. It will not serve for an excuse in speaking evil, to plead that it is a common saying. There is but a step between us and an awful eternity; therefore it concerns us to get ready for a future state. No one will be able to put from himself the evil day, unless by seeking peace w...
Read full commentary →Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God identifies another skeptical saying: 'Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.' Unlike the previous proverb mocking prophecy as failed (v. 22), this one dismisses it as irrelevant—fulfilled only in distant future, not affecting the current generation. This represents sophisticated s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28** From that forbearance of God, which should have led them to repent, the Jews hardened themselves in sin. It will not serve for an excuse in speaking evil, to plead that it is a common saying. There is but a step between us and an awful eternity; therefore it concerns us to get ready for a future state. No one will be able to put from himself the evil day, unless by seeking peace w...
Read full commentary →Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God responds decisively: 'Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.' God announces immediate fulfillment—no more delay. The Hebrew emphasizes divine determination: what God has spoken will be accomplished without further postponement. The time of warning has ended; the ti...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4. Had Jeremiah not had a divine commission, he might justly have been accused of treason; but having one, which made the result of the siege certain, he acted humanely as interpreter of God's will under the theocracy, in advising surrender (compare Jr 26:11).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28** From that forbearance of God, which should have led them to repent, the Jews hardened themselves in sin. It will not serve for an excuse in speaking evil, to plead that it is a common saying. There is but a step between us and an awful eternity; therefore it concerns us to get ready for a future state. No one will be able to put from himself the evil day, unless by seeking peace w...
Read full commentary →