Now you, son of man
The term "son of man" is a title used frequently for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people. It is also a title Jesus used for Himself, highlighting His identification with humanity. In Ezekiel's context, it underscores his prophetic mission and the divine authority behind his actions.

take a brick
Bricks were common building materials in ancient Mesopotamia, often used for construction due to the scarcity of stone. This action symbolizes the tangible and concrete nature of the prophecy Ezekiel is about to deliver. The use of a brick indicates a message that is foundational and enduring.

place it before you
This instruction signifies the importance of the message being delivered directly and personally. It suggests that the prophecy is not just for the distant future but is relevant and immediate. The act of placing the brick before him indicates a deliberate and intentional act of communication from God to His people.

and draw on it the city of Jerusalem
Ezekiel is instructed to depict Jerusalem on the brick, symbolizing the city itself. This act of drawing represents the siege and judgment that will come upon Jerusalem. It serves as a visual prophecy, making the impending destruction clear to the exiles. Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel, is central to God's covenant with His people, and its fate is a significant theme in biblical prophecy. This action foreshadows the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem, as well as the eventual hope of restoration.

Then lay siege against it:
Ezekiel is instructed to perform a symbolic act representing the siege of Jerusalem. This act is a prophetic sign to the exiles in Babylon, illustrating the impending judgment on Jerusalem. The siege symbolizes God's wrath due to the people's persistent idolatry and disobedience. The use of a siege in prophecy underscores the severity of the coming destruction, as sieges were brutal and often led to famine and suffering.

Construct a siege wall:
A siege wall was a common military tactic in ancient warfare, used to encircle a city and cut off supplies. This imagery would have been familiar to Ezekiel's audience, as they had witnessed or heard of such tactics used by powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon. The construction of a siege wall signifies the inescapable nature of God's judgment, as the city would be completely surrounded with no means of escape.

Build a ramp to it:
Siege ramps were used to breach city walls, allowing attacking forces to overcome defenses. This detail emphasizes the inevitability of Jerusalem's fall. Historically, the Babylonians were known for their engineering prowess in constructing such ramps, as seen in the siege of Lachish. The ramp signifies the relentless advance of judgment, unstoppable by human means.

Set up camps against it:
The setting up of camps indicates a prolonged siege, with the besieging army establishing a base of operations. This reflects the historical reality of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which lasted for several years. The camps symbolize the persistent and unyielding nature of divine judgment, as well as the complete encirclement and isolation of the city.

And place battering rams around it on all sides:
Battering rams were used to break through city gates and walls, a common practice in ancient warfare. The mention of battering rams on all sides highlights the totality of the assault and the futility of resistance. This imagery points to the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, leaving no part of the city untouched. It also foreshadows the complete destruction that would come upon Jerusalem, as prophesied by Ezekiel and fulfilled in 586 BC.

Then take an iron plate
The iron plate symbolizes a barrier, representing the separation between God and the people due to their sin. Iron, a strong and impenetrable material, signifies the strength of the judgment coming upon Jerusalem. In ancient times, iron was a symbol of strength and durability, often used in warfare and construction.

and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city.
The iron wall represents the divine barrier that God has placed between Himself and Jerusalem. This imagery suggests that the city is cut off from divine protection and favor. The wall signifies the impending judgment and the inability of the people to escape it. Historically, walls were crucial for a city's defense, and the absence of divine protection would leave Jerusalem vulnerable.

Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege,
Ezekiel's action of turning his face toward the city symbolizes God's focus on Jerusalem for judgment. The siege represents the Babylonian attack on Jerusalem, which was a historical event that occurred in 586 BC. This act of turning one's face is often used in Scripture to denote attention or judgment, as seen in other prophetic books.

and besiege it.
Ezekiel's symbolic siege of the city illustrates the actual siege that Babylon would carry out. This prophetic act serves as a warning to the people of Israel about the seriousness of their situation. The siege is a common biblical motif representing God's judgment, as seen in other prophetic warnings throughout the Old Testament.

This will be a sign to the house of Israel.
The sign is a prophetic demonstration meant to convey God's message to the Israelites. Signs in the Bible often serve as tangible representations of spiritual truths or future events. This particular sign is a warning of the impending destruction due to the people's unfaithfulness. It calls the house of Israel to repentance and recognition of their covenantal failures.

Then lie down on your left side
This action is symbolic and prophetic, representing the burden of sin that Israel has accumulated. Lying on the left side signifies the northern kingdom of Israel, which had fallen into idolatry and was exiled by the Assyrians in 722 BC. The left side may also indicate the direction of the northern kingdom in relation to Jerusalem. Prophets often used symbolic acts to convey God's messages, as seen in Isaiah 20:2-4 and Jeremiah 13:1-11.

and place the iniquity of the house of Israel upon yourself.
Ezekiel's act of bearing the iniquity symbolizes the transference of Israel's sins onto himself, akin to a scapegoat. This foreshadows the ultimate bearing of sin by Jesus Christ, who took upon Himself the sins of humanity (Isaiah 53:4-6). The "house of Israel" refers to the collective tribes of the northern kingdom, emphasizing their collective guilt and need for repentance.

You are to bear their iniquity
The concept of bearing iniquity is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where a substitute bore the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:22). Ezekiel's act is a prophetic demonstration of God's judgment and mercy, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. This act prefigures Christ's atoning sacrifice, where He bore the sins of the world (1 Peter 2:24).

for the number of days you lie on your side.
The specific number of days corresponds to the years of Israel's sin, with each day representing a year (Ezekiel 4:5). This prophetic timeline underscores the prolonged period of rebellion and the consequent judgment. It serves as a reminder of God's patience and the eventual fulfillment of His promises, as seen in the seventy years of Babylonian captivity prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11-12).

For I have assigned to you 390 days
This phrase indicates a symbolic action commanded by God to the prophet Ezekiel. The 390 days represent a period of judgment corresponding to the years of Israel's iniquity. In biblical numerology, numbers often have symbolic meanings, and here, the number 390 is significant as it correlates to the years of sin and rebellion by the northern kingdom of Israel. This prophetic act serves as a visual representation of the duration of Israel's disobedience and the ensuing punishment. The use of days to symbolize years is a common prophetic device, seen also in Numbers 14:34 and Daniel 9:24-27.

according to the number of years of their iniquity
This phrase underscores the direct correlation between the duration of the symbolic act and the years of Israel's sin. The northern kingdom of Israel, distinct from Judah, had a history of idolatry and rebellion against God, beginning with Jeroboam's establishment of golden calves in Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). The phrase highlights the concept of divine justice, where the punishment is proportionate to the offense. This principle is echoed in other scriptures, such as Galatians 6:7, which states that a man reaps what he sows.

So you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel
Ezekiel's act of bearing the iniquity symbolizes the burden of sin carried by the prophet on behalf of the people. This act of bearing iniquity is a type of Christ, who ultimately bore the sins of humanity on the cross (Isaiah 53:4-6, 1 Peter 2:24). The phrase also reflects the role of a prophet as an intercessor and representative of the people before God. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, prophets often performed symbolic acts to convey God's message, making the abstract concept of sin and judgment tangible to the people.

When you have completed these days
This phrase refers to the completion of the symbolic act Ezekiel was performing for the house of Israel, which lasted 390 days. This act was a prophetic sign, demonstrating the severity and duration of Israel's punishment. The completion signifies a transition to the next phase of his prophetic message.

lie down again, but on your right side
Lying on the right side symbolizes a new focus, shifting from the northern kingdom of Israel to the southern kingdom of Judah. The right side may also indicate a position of favor or strength, contrasting with the left side used for Israel. This act continues the theme of bearing the sins of the people through symbolic action.

and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah
Ezekiel's actions represent the bearing of Judah's sins, highlighting the prophet's role as a mediator between God and His people. This act underscores the seriousness of Judah's transgressions and the impending judgment. It reflects the broader biblical theme of sin and atonement, seen in the sacrificial system and ultimately fulfilled in Christ's atoning work.

I have assigned to you 40 days
The number 40 is significant in biblical literature, often associated with periods of testing, trial, and judgment. Examples include the 40 days of rain during the flood, Israel's 40 years in the wilderness, and Jesus' 40 days of fasting. Here, it symbolizes the years of Judah's iniquity and the corresponding period of judgment.

a day for each year
This prophetic principle of a day representing a year is also seen in other biblical contexts, such as the spies' exploration of Canaan (Numbers 14:34). It emphasizes the precision and certainty of God's judgment. The 40 years likely refer to a specific period of Judah's history marked by disobedience and idolatry, culminating in the Babylonian exile.

You must turn your face toward the siege of Jerusalem
This phrase indicates a direct and intentional focus on Jerusalem, the center of Jewish life and worship. The siege refers to the Babylonian attack on Jerusalem, which culminated in the destruction of the city and the temple in 586 BC. Ezekiel, living in exile in Babylon, is instructed to symbolically enact the siege, emphasizing the certainty of God's judgment. This act serves as a visual prophecy to the exiles, reinforcing the message of impending doom due to the people's unfaithfulness. Jerusalem's significance as the spiritual heart of Israel makes this prophecy particularly poignant, as it underscores the consequences of turning away from God.

with your arm bared
In ancient Near Eastern culture, baring the arm was a gesture associated with readiness for action or battle. It symbolizes strength, determination, and the unveiling of God's power and judgment. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where God's "outstretched arm" signifies His mighty acts (e.g., Exodus 6:6). Here, Ezekiel's bared arm represents the divine authority and power behind the prophecy, indicating that the coming siege is not merely a political event but a divinely orchestrated act of judgment.

and prophesy against it
Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a message of judgment against Jerusalem. Prophecy in the biblical context often involves both foretelling future events and forth-telling, or declaring God's truth. This prophetic act is not just a prediction but a divine indictment against the city for its sins, including idolatry and injustice. The role of a prophet is to be God's spokesperson, and Ezekiel's message aligns with the broader biblical narrative of calling God's people to repentance. This prophecy also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and redemption found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the role of prophet, priest, and king, bringing both warning and hope.

Now behold, I will tie you up with ropes
This phrase indicates divine intervention and control over the prophet Ezekiel's actions. The imagery of being tied with ropes symbolizes the binding nature of God's command and the seriousness of the prophetic message. In the context of Ezekiel's ministry, this act serves as a sign to the people of Israel, illustrating their own impending captivity and inability to escape God's judgment. The use of ropes can also be seen as a metaphor for the constraints placed upon the Israelites due to their disobedience and idolatry.

so you cannot turn from side to side
This restriction emphasizes the totality of the judgment and the completeness of the message Ezekiel is to deliver. It reflects the inescapable nature of God's decree against Jerusalem. The inability to turn symbolizes the fixed nature of the prophecy and the certainty of its fulfillment. This also connects to the broader theme of divine sovereignty found throughout the book of Ezekiel, where God's plans and purposes are unchangeable and must be fulfilled.

until you have finished the days of your siege
The "days of your siege" refers to the symbolic act Ezekiel is performing, representing the siege of Jerusalem. This prophetic act is a visual representation of the coming Babylonian siege, which would lead to the city's destruction in 586 BC. The specific number of days Ezekiel is to lie on his side corresponds to the years of Israel and Judah's sin, highlighting the long-standing rebellion against God. This act serves as a warning and a call to repentance, urging the people to recognize the consequences of their actions. The completion of these days signifies the fulfillment of God's judgment, aligning with the prophetic tradition of using symbolic actions to convey divine messages.

But take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt;
This phrase lists the ingredients for a unique bread that Ezekiel is instructed to make. Wheat and barley were common grains in ancient Israel, often used in daily sustenance. Beans and lentils were also staple foods, providing necessary protein. Millet and spelt, though less common, were known in the region. The combination of these ingredients suggests a time of scarcity, as they are mixed together rather than used separately, indicating a lack of abundance. This reflects the impending siege of Jerusalem, where food would be scarce, and people would have to make do with what was available.

put them in a single container and make them into bread for yourself.
The act of placing these ingredients in a single container symbolizes the coming together of various elements under duress. Bread, a staple of life, is here made from a mixture of grains and legumes, which would not typically be combined. This signifies the dire circumstances of the siege, where normal food preparation methods are abandoned. The personal instruction to Ezekiel to make this bread "for yourself" emphasizes the prophetic act he is performing, symbolizing the suffering and deprivation that the people of Jerusalem will experience.

This is what you are to eat during the 390 days you lie on your side.
The 390 days represent the years of iniquity of the house of Israel, as Ezekiel is commanded to lie on his side for this period to bear their sin. This prophetic action is a vivid illustration of the burden of sin and the consequences that follow. The specific duration underscores the long period of rebellion against God. The act of lying on his side while eating this bread further symbolizes the hardship and judgment that will come upon the people. This period of time also connects to the broader narrative of Israel's history, where prolonged disobedience led to exile and suffering.

You are to weigh out twenty shekels of food to eat each day
In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is instructed to measure out a specific amount of food, symbolizing the scarcity and rationing that would occur during the siege of Jerusalem. Twenty shekels is approximately eight ounces, indicating a meager daily allowance. This reflects the dire conditions of famine and deprivation that the inhabitants of Jerusalem would face. The act of weighing the food emphasizes the precision and severity of the judgment. In the broader biblical context, this rationing is reminiscent of the curses for disobedience outlined in Leviticus 26:26, where bread would be rationed by weight. The use of shekels, a unit of weight, also connects to the economic aspects of the siege, where resources would become scarce and precious.

and you are to eat it at set times
The instruction to eat at set times further underscores the discipline and control imposed during the siege. This regimented eating schedule highlights the lack of freedom and the constant reminder of the city's dire situation. It also serves as a prophetic sign to the people of Israel, illustrating the consequences of their rebellion against God. The set times for eating may also reflect the structured nature of God's judgment, as well as His sovereignty over the events unfolding. In a broader theological sense, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who provides spiritual sustenance at appointed times, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21), where Jesus provides for the needs of the people in an orderly manner.

You are also to measure out a sixth of a hin of water to drink
In this phrase, the prophet Ezekiel is instructed to measure a specific amount of water, a sixth of a hin, which is approximately 0.6 liters or about 2.5 cups. This precise measurement signifies the scarcity of resources during the impending siege of Jerusalem. The act of measuring water highlights the dire conditions and rationing that the inhabitants would face. In biblical times, water was a precious commodity, especially in arid regions like the Middle East. This rationing serves as a symbolic act to convey the severity of the judgment coming upon Jerusalem due to their disobedience and idolatry. The scarcity of water can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual drought, where the people have turned away from the living water that God provides (Jeremiah 2:13).

and you are to drink it at set times
The instruction to drink the water at set times further emphasizes the discipline and control required during a siege. This reflects the reality of living under siege conditions, where resources must be carefully managed to ensure survival. The set times for drinking may also symbolize the structured and ordained nature of God's judgment, as well as His sovereignty over the events that unfold. This aspect of the prophecy can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God's timing and order, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1, where there is a time for every purpose under heaven. Additionally, the discipline required in this act can be seen as a call to spiritual discipline and reliance on God, who provides for His people even in times of trial.

And you shall eat the food as you would a barley cake
This phrase indicates a symbolic act commanded by God to Ezekiel. Barley was a common grain in ancient Israel, often associated with the food of the poor. This act symbolizes the dire conditions and scarcity of food that would occur during the siege of Jerusalem. Barley cakes were a staple, simple to make, and represented basic sustenance. The use of barley here underscores the theme of judgment and the humbling of the people.

after you bake it over dried human excrement
The use of human excrement as fuel for baking is a shocking and defiling act, intended to convey the severity of the coming judgment. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, using human waste was considered unclean and abhorrent, highlighting the desperation and degradation that would accompany the siege. This act serves as a vivid illustration of the defilement and impurity that the Israelites would experience due to their disobedience. It also reflects the extreme conditions of famine and the lack of resources.

in the sight of the people.
Ezekiel's actions were to be performed publicly, serving as a prophetic sign to the people of Israel. This public demonstration was meant to capture attention and provoke reflection on their spiritual state and the consequences of their actions. The visibility of the act emphasizes the role of the prophet as a messenger and a living symbol of God's warnings. It also serves as a call to repentance, urging the people to recognize the seriousness of their situation and turn back to God.

Then the LORD said
This phrase indicates direct communication from God, emphasizing the divine authority and seriousness of the message. In the prophetic books, such direct speech underscores the importance of the message being conveyed. The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the covenant name of God, Yahweh, highlighting His relationship with Israel.

This is how the Israelites will eat their defiled bread
The "defiled bread" symbolizes the unclean and impure conditions the Israelites will face in exile. In Levitical law, food purity was crucial, and eating defiled bread would have been abhorrent to the Israelites. This phrase foreshadows the loss of religious and cultural identity due to their disobedience. It also reflects the broader theme of judgment and purification found throughout the prophetic literature.

among the nations
This indicates the dispersion of the Israelites, known as the Diaspora, which was a result of their unfaithfulness to the covenant. Being "among the nations" implies living in foreign lands with different customs and religions, which would challenge their identity and faith. This dispersion is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, seen in the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles.

to which I will banish them
The act of banishment is a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. It reflects the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience leads to exile. This phrase underscores God's sovereignty and justice, as well as His role as the ultimate judge of His people. The concept of banishment also points to the hope of eventual restoration, as seen in later prophecies of return and renewal.

“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said,
This phrase reflects a direct and personal communication with God, indicating a relationship where Ezekiel feels comfortable expressing his concerns. The use of "Lord GOD" emphasizes the sovereignty and authority of God, a common theme in prophetic literature. This expression of reverence and submission is seen throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books where prophets often address God with deep respect and awe.

“I have never defiled myself.”
Ezekiel asserts his adherence to the purity laws outlined in the Torah, specifically those concerning dietary restrictions. This claim of personal purity is significant in the context of a prophet, as it underscores his commitment to living a life set apart for God. The concept of defilement is central to the Levitical laws, where physical purity often symbolizes spiritual purity. Ezekiel's statement reflects his dedication to maintaining holiness in accordance with God's commandments.

From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts.
This part of the verse refers to specific dietary laws found in Leviticus 17:15 and Deuteronomy 14:21, which prohibit the consumption of animals that have died naturally or been killed by other animals. Such meat was considered unclean because it had not been properly slaughtered according to ritual standards. Ezekiel's lifelong observance of these laws highlights his faithfulness and the importance of ritual purity in maintaining a covenant relationship with God.

No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”
Ezekiel's declaration aligns with the dietary laws in Leviticus 11, which outline clean and unclean animals. The distinction between clean and unclean was a critical aspect of Israelite identity, setting them apart from surrounding nations. This commitment to dietary laws is echoed in the lives of other biblical figures, such as Daniel (Daniel 1:8), who also refused to defile himself with unclean food. This adherence to dietary restrictions can be seen as a type of Christ, who lived a sinless life, fulfilling the law perfectly.

“Look,” He replied,
This phrase indicates a direct response from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the immediacy and authority of the divine communication. In the context of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, God often speaks directly to him, underscoring the seriousness of the message. This direct address highlights the personal relationship between God and His prophet, a common theme throughout the prophetic books.

“I will let you use cow dung instead of human excrement,”
In ancient times, fuel for cooking was scarce, and various materials were used, including animal dung. The initial command to use human excrement (Ezekiel 4:12) was meant to symbolize the defilement and desperation that would come upon Jerusalem during the siege. The concession to use cow dung instead reflects God's mercy, even in judgment, allowing for a less defiling alternative. This change also underscores the theme of God's willingness to relent or adjust His commands in response to human concerns, as seen in other scriptures like Jonah 3:10.

“and you may bake your bread over that.”
The act of baking bread over dung serves as a vivid symbol of the dire conditions during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Bread, a staple of life, being prepared in such a manner, illustrates the extreme scarcity and unclean conditions the people would face. This imagery connects to the broader biblical theme of judgment and purification, where physical acts symbolize spiritual realities. The use of cow dung, a common fuel in some ancient cultures, also reflects the adaptability and resilience required in times of hardship, pointing to the broader biblical narrative of God's people enduring through trials.

Then He told me,
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophetic nature of the message. The phrase "He told me" underscores the authority and divine origin of the prophecy. In the context of Ezekiel, God often speaks directly to the prophet, providing instructions and revelations about the future of Israel and surrounding nations.

“Son of man,
The term "Son of man" is a title used frequently in Ezekiel, highlighting the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It is a reminder of the distinction between the divine and human, and it foreshadows the use of the same title for Jesus Christ in the New Testament, emphasizing His incarnation and identification with humanity.

I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem.
This phrase predicts a severe famine in Jerusalem, a common consequence of siege warfare in the ancient Near East. Historically, the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem led to extreme scarcity of food, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:1-3. The cutting off of food supply is a divine judgment, reflecting the covenant curses outlined in Leviticus 26:26 and Deuteronomy 28:52-57, where disobedience to God results in dire consequences for the nation.

They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight,
The rationing of bread by weight signifies extreme scarcity and the anxiety that accompanies it. In ancient times, bread was a staple food, and its rationing would indicate a dire situation. This imagery is reminiscent of the curses in Leviticus 26:26, where God warns of breaking the staff of bread, leading to careful weighing and rationing. The anxiety reflects the psychological impact of famine and the desperation of the people.

and in despair they will drink water by measure.
Water, like bread, is essential for survival, and its rationing indicates a severe shortage. The despair associated with drinking water by measure highlights the hopelessness and distress of the people under siege. This situation fulfills the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:48, where thirst is a consequence of disobedience. The careful measuring of water also reflects the meticulous control and limitation of resources during a siege, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment on Jerusalem.

So they will lack food and water;
This phrase highlights the severe famine that would come upon the people as a result of their disobedience to God. In the historical context, this prophecy was directed towards the inhabitants of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege. The lack of food and water symbolizes God's judgment and the dire consequences of turning away from His commandments. This situation is reminiscent of the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28:48, where disobedience leads to hunger and thirst. The scarcity of resources serves as a physical manifestation of spiritual deprivation.

they will be appalled at the sight of one another
The phrase indicates the horror and shock that the people will experience as they witness the effects of the famine and siege on their community. This reflects the communal aspect of suffering, where the distress of one becomes the distress of all. The appalling sight of their neighbors wasting away would serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin. This communal suffering is echoed in Lamentations 4:9-10, where the dire conditions lead to unimaginable actions among the people.

wasting away in their iniquity.
This part of the verse underscores the direct connection between sin and its consequences. The term "wasting away" suggests a gradual decline, both physically and spiritually, as a result of persistent iniquity. Theologically, this reflects the principle that sin leads to death, as stated in Romans 6:23. The wasting away is not just a physical deterioration but also a spiritual one, highlighting the destructive power of sin. This can be seen as a type of Christ, where Jesus, though sinless, took upon Himself the iniquity of humanity and experienced the ultimate consequence of sin—death—so that believers might have life.