Ezekiel 24 Siege Begins

The final siege begins against Jerusalem. God has been telling the people, through Ezekiel and MANY other prophets that this day was coming.

When I started thinking about this event, I was reminded of good verses bad parenting. A child with no concept of a boundary is lost. A child who is warned of consequences that never come is also lost. The child who is told of the boundaries, warned to keep away from them, given clear consequences, AND has those consequences carried out is the only well adjusted and safe child. It is the only LOVED child.

You may thing that giving your children whatever they want is ‘good parenting’ but it is exactly the opposite. It creates a MONSTER that everyone, including you, have to deal with. Setting and enforcing boundaries creates healthy children that learn respect and responsibility.

Israel has been warned over MANY hears that her behavior is unacceptable. The ‘switch has been cut’ and she is headed to the ‘woodshed’ to receive her justly earned punishment. Let’s join Ezekiel as he bears witness in his spirit to the beginning of the end. Holy Spirit, please lead this journey today. Show me what You would have me take from it for my own life.

♥ ♦ ♥

Today is a day like all the others, until Ezekiel meets with the Lord. It is the nineth year, the tenth month, and the tenth day since Jehoiachin and those taken with him went into exile in Babylon. Ezekiel has no idea that this day will be important.

Ezekiel and his wife rise and begin their day like any other. It has been two weeks since God gave Ezekiel a message to share with the people. Ezekiel is expecting that, some day soon, God will fulfill His promises concerning Jerusalem. But he has no idea when that day will be.

Ezekiel goes to his special spot in their home and kneels down for his time with the Lord. This is his favorite part of the day. As he begins to pray and seek the Lord, God speaks to him.

“Son of man, write down the name of this day, this very day. The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day. ³ And utter a parable to the rebellious house and say to them, Thus says the Lord God:

“Set on the pot, set it on; pour in water also; put in it the pieces of meat, all the good pieces, the thigh and the shoulder; fill it with choice bones. Take the choicest one of the flock; pile the logs under it; boil it well; seethe also its bones in it” (Ezekiel 24:2-5).

Ezekiel hurries over to his desk and writes down this day. Ezekiel uses a knife to carve the date into the top of his desk. He will have to get a clay tablet and reed to do a proper recording of this date. Then he will pass it on to the Levites to have it written in a scroll. As Ezekiel is planning all this, the Lord continues speaking to him.

“Therefore thus says the Lord God: Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose corrosion is in it, and whose corrosion has not gone out of it! Take out of it piece after piece, without making any choice. For the blood she has shed is in her midst; she put it on the bare rock; she did not pour it out on the ground to cover it with dust. To rouse my wrath, to take vengeance, I have set on the bare rock the blood she has shed, that it may not be covered. Therefore thus says the Lord God: Woe to the bloody city! I also will make the pile great. Heap on the logs, kindle the fire, boil the meat well, mix in the spices, and let the bones be burned up. Then set it empty upon the coals, that it may become hot, and its copper may burn, that its uncleanness may be melted in it, its corrosion consumed. She has wearied herself with toil; its abundant corrosion does not go out of it. Into the fire with its corrosion! On account of your unclean lewdness, because I would have cleansed you and you were not cleansed from your uncleanness, you shall not be cleansed anymore till I have satisfied my fury upon you. I am the Lord. I have spoken; it shall come to pass; I will do it. I will not go back; I will not spare; I will not relent; according to your ways and your deeds you will be judged, declares the Lord God” (Ezekiel 24:6-14).

Ezekiel waits a little longer to be certain that the Lord is finished speaking. With his finger, he traces the date he has inscribed on his desk. “So it has begun” he thinks to himself. “It’s time to let the people know.”

Ezekiel rises from his place and makes his way to the door. He gives his wife a farewell touch on the cheek and continues on his mission.

Ezekiel goes to the marketplace, just like any other day, and the people gather around him. He looks out over them. “They don’t realize the importance of this day yet” he muses. “It’s time they learn.”

Ezekiel starts his message to the people by sharing the significance of this day. “The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day.”

The people’s eyes go wide and their mouths hang open in surprise. A few of them quickly recover. Some become angry that Ezekiel would say such a thing, especially since no runners have come from Jerusalem in over a week. Others still begin to wail and shake their heads. And another group stands still as a stone, shocked to the core.

Ezekiel takes in all these reactions and allows the people time to process their feelings for a minute or two. When he sees heads turning towards him, as though ready to hear what comes next, Ezekiel continues.

Ezekiel shares the parable God gave him for the people, and the judgment for their sins. The most terrifying line to everyone listening is when God says; “I will not go back; I will not spare; I will not relent.” They know that God is angry with His people and there is no getting out of this without bloodshed.

“What are we supposed to do with this information” a voice calls out from the crowd. Ezekiel wasn’t given an answer for this question. What he does in bow his head in prayer, symbolizing what the people should do as well.

Ezekiel’s message spreads like wildfire again. By midday, everyone has at least heard that Ezekiel has a new message to share with them. People flock to him all day long to hear exactly what the Lord is saying to them.

Ezekiel repeats the Lords words nine times this day. It isn’t until the sun begins to set that the people stop gathering and Ezekiel steps down from his stone. In between repeating the words of the Lord, Ezekiel bought a clay tablet and new reed stylus to use when he returns home. He needs to record the date in a more permanent, and portable, place.

When he finally returns home, his wife is there to greet him. She looks in his eyes to gauge his mood. He appears tired physically but not in spirit. She has heard of his message and what it contained while at the well. It is a heavy message but it is also one that shows that the Lord keeps His word. He does not make empty threats or promises.

Ezekiel and his eat their evening meal and prepare for bed. During the night, Ezekiel is awakened by the voice of God.

“Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a stroke; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down. Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put your shoes on your feet; do not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men” (Ezekiel 24:16-17).

Ezekiel’s heart seizes and he has to tell himself to breathe. He will NOT cry for the Lord has forbidden him to do so. He lays there for several minutes, afraid to move. His wife moving in her sleep is what rouses him from his immobility. He turns towards her and softly comforts her in her sleep. She breathes a sigh and settles deeper into sleep.

Ezekiel watches her sleep. “Why God? Why are You telling me this? Why are You doing this? Did I do something wrong? Haven’t I done EVERYTHING You called me to do?”

“You have, son of man. But I have a message for My people that can only be brought to them through your own example.”

“What ‘example’ could I possibly be that requires this?”

“After I have taken your wife and you do not make any outward signs of mourning, the people will ask you why. ‘Say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the delight of your eyes, and the yearning of your soul, and your sons and your daughters whom you left behind shall fall by the sword. And you shall do as I have done; you shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men. Your turbans shall be on your heads and your shoes on your feet; you shall not mourn or weep, but you shall rot away in your iniquities and groan to one another. Thus shall Ezekiel be to you a sign; according to all that he has done you shall do. When this comes, then you will know that I am the Lord God’ (Ezekiel 24:21-24).

“When are You going to…” Ezekiel can’t finish the words. It hurts too much.

“You will say your final goodbye to her tomorrow morning. She will not suffer or be in pain. She will be Mine by evening.”

Ezekiel doesn’t think he will be able to go back to sleep after this, but a peace settles over him and his eyes close. When morning comes, he easily wakes to begin a new day. His wife is already up, preparing the morning meal.

Ezekiel goes to his customary spot and begins to seek the Lord. God’s presence envelops him but says no more. He will carry the Lord’s message from yesterday into the marketplace again.

After spending his time with the Lord, Ezekiel rises and joins his wife in the kitchen. She serves him his meal. As she sets the bowl down, Ezekiel reaches out and gently catches her arm before she can draw it away. Without looking up, he brings her arm to his face and buries his face in the folds of her garment. After a moment he releases her arm.

Ezekiel’s wife looks at him with confusion and concern. He shakes his head, indicating that nothing is wrong. He continues on with morning routine as usual. As he is leaving, he stops and gives her a lingering kiss on her lips. Then he draws back and smiles, turns to the door and leaves the house.

Ezekiel’s steps are steady as he makes his way to the marketplace. He stands atop his stone and proclaims the words the Lord gave him yesterday.

While Ezekiel is in the marketplace, his wife goes about her usual chores. When she draws water from the well today, she becomes very tired. It takes all her concentration to get the pitcher home without spilling it. She sets it beside her cooking area and goes to sit down.

“I can’t believe how tired I am” she says to herself. “I must be getting old” she says with a chuckle. She sits back in her seat, intending to pick up her sewing. Instead, she drops her hands in her lap and just relaxes for a moment. Her eyes flutter closed and she falls into what looks like a peaceful sleep. In an instant, her heart stops beating and she is gone.

Ezekiel wrestles with how long to stay at the marketplace today. He KNOWS what awaits him at home. On one hand, he wants to rush home to be with his wife as the Lord takes her. While on the other, he can’t bear to think about what those last moments will look like. “Maybe if I stay a little longer, she will have a little more time” he thinks to himself.

An hour before the sun will begin its descent behind the mountains, the crowds in the marketplace dwindle to nothing. Ezekiel takes this as his sign to return home. Ezekiel steps down from his stone and sets his face towards home.

His spirit can’t decide if he should hurry home or dawdle. He purposefully makes his steps the same as they would be on any other day. When he reaches his gate, he hesitates for just a moment before swinging it open. He shuts his eyes and makes the rest of the trip by memory.

Ezekiel passes through the gate and on into the house without breaking stride. Once inside the door he pauses. With his hand still on the handle, he opens his eyes. His eyes immediately settle on his wife in her chair.

Ezekiel closes the door and latches it. Then he walks over to his wife. He kneels down beside her and sighs. If it weren’t for the gray color of her skin, he would think she was simply sleeping.

As much as he wants to gather her into his arms, Ezekiel doesn’t touch her. To do so would make him unclean and he would not be able to stand in the marketplace in the morning. He knows that this is what God wants from him.

Ezekiel rises from the floor and goes to the home of the priest. His wife needs to be buried right away.

Ezekiel pounds on the door until it is opened. He is still unable to speak anything but the words of the Lord, so he motions the priest to follow him.

The priest grabs his cloak and follows Ezekiel to his house. Ezekiel steps to the side so the priest can clearly see his wife. The priest hurries over to her and verifies that she is dead. He hurries back outside and catches the attention of a passing boy.

“Go to my home and tell my wife to gather the mourners. Have her bring linen wrappings and meet me here, at Ezekiel’s home.”

The boy hurries off and delivers the message. Within ten minutes, people arrive at the home of Ezekiel. Ezekiel stands in a corner as the process begins. He stands silently, without sheading a tear.

The women wash and wrap Ezekiel’s wife’s body while sending up mourning wails. The walls of the house nearly vibrate with their cries. Ezekiel closes his eyes and retreats into a place inside himself where it is just him and the Lord. He allows the Lord to comfort him in complete privacy.

Ezekiel feels a touch on his shoulder and opens his eyes. The priest is standing before him.

“We are ready to bury her. You will lead the way. I have arranged for a cart to carry her body. Is there anything else you need from me?

Ezekiel starts to shake his head, then holds up a finger. After a moment, he pantomimes that he needs the priest to say the final blessing over his wife. The priest nods. “I will do this for you, my brother.”

One final squeeze of Ezekiel’s shoulder for solidarity and the procession begins. Ezekiel leads the way to the cart that is waiting outside his gate. Four men carry his wife and gently lay her onto the grass mat that covers the bed of the cart. Ezekiel silently leads the procession to the burial caves. The mourners cry out all the way to the tombs. They are being the voice for Ezekiel, or so they believe.

At the caves, Ezekiel steps to the side and lets the priest say the blessing and the same men carry his wife into her final resting place. A stone is moved over the opening and the ceremony concludes. Everyone returns to their homes, after telling Ezekiel how sorry they are for his loss. Ezekiel only nods with each encouraging word.

Ezekiel eats a solitary meal that night. He sits in his chair, next to his wife’s chair, long into the night. He finally rises and goes to bed. The Lord, once again, covers him with His peace; allowing him a restful night’s sleep.

Morning comes and Ezekiel rises from his bed. He goes to his customary place to spend time with the Lord. He hears nothing from the Lord, but does feel comforted. When he is certain the Lord has nothing to say to him this morning, he rises from his place.

For the first time in, he can’t remember how long, Ezekiel makes his own morning meal. It is nothing like his wife would have made, but it fills his stomach. He puts on his cloak and turban and makes his way to the marketplace.

As he approaches, the people are stunned to see him. They gather around him before he can even take his place on his stone.

“You don’t need to be here. You should be at home grieving.”

Ezekiel shakes his head and climbs up on his stone. He begins sharing the message from two days ago.

The people are dumbfounded! One finally cries out; “Will you not tell us what these things mean for us, that you are acting thus?” (Ezekiel 24:19).

Ezekiel breathes a sigh of relief. “FINALLY! I can tell them why” he thinks. “My wife’s death will have meaning beyond our years.”

Ezekiel looks out over the people and tells them word for word WHY he is not allowed to mourn and why THEY will not be allowed to mourn when Jerusalem finally falls. “ Thus shall Ezekiel be to you a sign; according to all that he has done you shall do. When this comes, then you will know that I am the Lord God.”

As Ezekiel proclaims these words, the Lord speaks to him alone.

“As for you, son of man, surely on the day when I take from them their stronghold, their joy and glory, the delight of their eyes and their soul’s desire, and also their sons and daughters, on that day a fugitive will come to you to report to you the news. On that day your mouth will be opened to the fugitive, and you shall speak and be no longer mute. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 24:25-27).

Ezekiel keeps this word to himself. He feels a slight uplifting in his heart. He doesn’t even think to ask ‘when’ this will happen. He simply rests in the knowledge that he WILL be able to speak again; when the time comes.

(to be continued)

I thought about holding off on telling the portion of the story about Ezekiel’s wife for another day, but my spirit wouldn’t let me rest. I had to finish her story today.

We have no idea how long Ezekiel was married or what their real relationship looked like. What we do know is that he loved her with all his heart. And God’s instructions to him were a BIG ‘ask’. God HAD to have given him His peace. No other way could a person walk out what God was requiring.

Father God, I know that my family isn’t going to live forever. My parents are aging, my husband is in poor health, and even my mother-in-law is wondering about her own death. I haven’t lost anyone that close to me before. The closest was my ex-mother-in-law and ex-husband. Even these deaths were removed from me, as I didn’t associate with them any longer. And they still hurt! I can’t imagine the pain Ezekiel felt that day. Both KNOWING that his wife wouldn’t be there when he came home that night, and knowing that he COULD NOT mourn for her.

PLEASE don’t ask me to do that when one of my loved ones pass! It hurts just thinking about it now.

For all of those who are feeling the real pain that Ezekiel silently endured, give them Your peace as well. Wrap Your arms around them and let them cry on Your shoulder. Let the waves of grief flow away from them until they are a little lapping surf. Hold them when the waves rage at unexpected times. Be with them as they remember the time together and bring back the good memories. Let the hard ones fade into oblivion. Do this for me also Lord on the days of my need.