Symbols of Jerusalem’s Exile

Ezekiel 12 – Ezekiel Symbolizes The Exile Of Jerusalem
Ezekiel 12:1–16 – An Exile’s Baggage
Ezekiel 12:17–20 – Anxious Eating
Ezekiel 12:21–28 – The Imminence Of Judgment

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One Reply to “Symbols of Jerusalem’s Exile”

  1. Ezekiel 12 Outline

    • vv1-2. Intro
    • Symbols of Exile
      • vv 3-16. Packing for Exile
      • vv17-20. Anxious Eating
    • vv21-25. Proverb Dismissed,
      • vv 21-25. Ending the proverb: “The days go by and every vision comes to nothing”
      • vv 26-27. No more delay
    • v 28. Conclusion

    Ezekiel is told by the Lord to demonstrate what is about to happen in Jerusalem, they are about to be taken into exile in broad daylight, in full vision of all to see. “They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people” (Ezekiel 12:2). King Zedekiah will not listen to the prophets, but will be taken into exile, “The prince among them will put his things on his shoulder at dusk and leave…he will cover his face to that he cannot see the land” (12:12).  When captured by the Babylonians, they put out Zedekiah’s eyes as part of their torture.

    Jeremiah prophesied for some 30 years before (and during) Ezekiel’s time. It’s likely that the people grew tired of hearing his woes, seeing no result, and ignored him as much as Ezekiel. This time is different. Exile is upon them and will happen during Ezekiel’s time of prophesy. “For in your days, you rebellious people, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign Lord” (12:25).

    It seems they’d heard this before, the same old story, just a different street corner prophet yelling doom and gloom. No longer able to hear the words, they went about their busy lives unaware that right around the corner the Babylonians were marching. I believe the #1 tactic of Satan is to distract us with being busy, so caught up in our daily activities that we don’t see what’s right in front of us, we don’t hear the word clearly presented. Lord, I don’t know what the daily routine in Jerusalem looked like and it’s difficult to project myself into the pace of their lives, but it is clear that they (as a group) did not believe Ezekiel (or Jeremiah). Please don’t let us fall into this trap. Help us recognize the divine calling to which we have been called, to see how you see and to hear your voice.

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