Ezekiel 24:10
Heap on wood, kindle the fire, consume the flesh, and spice it well, and let the bones be burned.
Original Language Analysis
הָעֵצִים֙
on wood
H6086
הָעֵצִים֙
on wood
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
2 of 10
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
הָתֵ֖ם
consume
H8552
הָתֵ֖ם
consume
Strong's:
H8552
Word #:
5 of 10
to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive
הַבָּשָׂ֑ר
the flesh
H1320
הַבָּשָׂ֑ר
the flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
6 of 10
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
הַמֶּרְקָחָ֔ה
it well
H4841
הַמֶּרְקָחָ֔ה
it well
Strong's:
H4841
Word #:
8 of 10
abstractly, a seasoning (with spicery); concretely, an unguentkettle (for preparing spiced oil)
Historical Context
When Nebuchadnezzar's forces finally breached Jerusalem's walls (July 586 BC), they systematically burned the city: temple, palace, houses of nobles, all significant buildings (2 Kings 25:9; Jeremiah 52:13). Archaeological excavations show destruction layers from this period across Jerusalem, confirming comprehensive burning and demolition.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does complete destruction sometimes precede renewal?
- What does the thoroughness of judgment teach about God's hatred of sin?
- How does knowing judgment will be complete affect how we approach repentance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Heap on wood, kindle the fire, consume the flesh, and spice it well, and let the bones be burned commands intensifying the fire. Spice it well is bitterly ironic—this isn't a meal to be enjoyed but complete destruction. Every element must be consumed. The repetition (wood, fire, flesh, bones) emphasizes thoroughness. Nothing will survive the fire of judgment. The bones being burned indicates even the structural foundation will be destroyed. Jerusalem won't be merely damaged but utterly ruined, requiring complete rebuilding (which occurred under Nehemiah and Ezra 142 years later). Total judgment anticipates total renewal.