Ezekiel 24:15
Also the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 5
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
Also the word
H1697
דְבַר
Also the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 5
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
This occurred in January 588 BC, when the siege began. Ezekiel's wife died that evening, and he obeyed God's command not to mourn visibly. The exiles, witnessing this bizarre behavior, asked its meaning. It prepared them for when Jerusalem fell—the blow would be so devastating that normal grief responses would be impossible.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it cost prophets to embody God's message personally?
- How does catastrophe sometimes overwhelm conventional grief?
- What does Ezekiel's obedience in personal tragedy teach about submission to God?
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Analysis & Commentary
Also the word of the LORD came unto me introduces a second oracle on the same day—the death of Ezekiel's wife as a sign. Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke announces coming personal tragedy. The desire of thine eyes refers to his wife. A stroke indicates sudden death. Yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down commands shocking behavior—no mourning for his wife. This sign will represent Jerusalem's fall: when it occurs, the exiles will be too stunned for normal grief. The magnitude of catastrophe will overwhelm conventional responses. Ezekiel's personal loss becomes prophetic theater.