Ezekiel 24:19
And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?
Original Language Analysis
הָעָ֑ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֑ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הֲלֹֽא
H3808
הֲלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַגִּ֥יד
unto me Wilt thou not tell
H5046
תַגִּ֥יד
unto me Wilt thou not tell
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
מָה
H4100
מָה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
The temple's destruction (August 586 BC) shattered Jewish theology and identity. How could God allow His house to be burned? Ezekiel and Jeremiah explained: God Himself profaned it because of sin. The temple's destruction forced reconceptualizing divine presence and worship, ultimately producing synagogue-based Judaism and preparing for Christ as the true temple (John 2:19-21).
Questions for Reflection
- What comforts or structures might God remove to teach deeper dependence on Him?
- How does losing what we treasure most reveal what we truly worship?
- What did temple destruction teach about divine presence that previous theology missed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary begins explaining the sign. Profaning the sanctuary—allowing it to be destroyed and defiled—was unthinkable to Jewish theology. The temple was God's dwelling; how could He allow its defilement? The excellency of your strength (the temple was their pride and military confidence), the desire of your eyes (they loved the temple), and that which your soul pitieth (the temple was precious) characterizes the temple's centrality to Jewish identity. Your sons and your daughters whom ye have left behind shall fall by the sword prophesies that their children remaining in Jerusalem will be killed, adding personal anguish to national catastrophe.