Ezekiel Chapter 12 · Verse 7
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.
Original Language Analysis
וָאַ֣עַשׂ
And I did
H6213
וָאַ֣עַשׂ
And I did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵּן֮
H3651
כֵּן֮
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
צֻוֵּיתִי֒
so as I was commanded
H6680
צֻוֵּיתִי֒
so as I was commanded
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
4 of 20
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
כִּכְלֵ֤י
as stuff
H3627
כִּכְלֵ֤י
as stuff
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
5 of 20
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הוֹצֵ֛אתִי
I brought forth
H3318
הוֹצֵ֛אתִי
I brought forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
6 of 20
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
כִּכְלֵ֤י
as stuff
H3627
כִּכְלֵ֤י
as stuff
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
7 of 20
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
חָתַֽרְתִּי
I digged
H2864
חָתַֽרְתִּי
I digged
Strong's:
H2864
Word #:
11 of 20
to force a passage, as by burglary; figuratively, with oars
בְּיָ֑ד
with mine hand
H3027
בְּיָ֑ד
with mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
14 of 20
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הוֹצֵ֛אתִי
I brought forth
H3318
הוֹצֵ֛אתִי
I brought forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
16 of 20
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּתֵ֥ף
it upon my shoulder
H3802
כָּתֵ֥ף
it upon my shoulder
Strong's:
H3802
Word #:
18 of 20
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
Cross References
Ezekiel 24:18So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.Ezekiel 37:10So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.Ezekiel 37:7So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
Historical Context
Ezekiel's obedience to perform embarrassing, costly sign-acts authenticated his message. True prophets submitted to divine directives even when difficult; false prophets spoke only comfortable messages from their own imagination (Jeremiah 23:16-22). The physical effort (digging walls, carrying baggage publicly) demonstrated commitment to faithfully proclaiming God's word regardless of personal cost. This prepared exiles to trust later restoration promises from the same faithful prophet.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ezekiel's costly obedience model faithful prophetic ministry?
- What does willingness to endure embarrassment for God's message teach about authentic ministry?
- In what ways are we called to costly obedience in proclaiming biblical truth today?
Analysis & 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." Ezekiel's obedience report demonstrates faithful execution of difficult commands. Despite personal cost (damaging his house, public humiliation), the prophet obeys precisely. This models prophetic faithfulness—delivering God's message regardless of personal consequences or popular reception. The phrase "as I was commanded" emphasizes that prophets serve God's agenda, not their own comfort or reputation.