Ezekiel 24:20
Then I answered them, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Original Language Analysis
דְּבַ֨ר
them The word
H1697
דְּבַ֨ר
them The word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
When word of Jerusalem's fall reached Babylon (Ezekiel 33:21-22, about 6 months after the event due to travel time), the exiles responded with the numbness and guilty grief Ezekiel prophesied. They understood their sin had caused it. This appropriate grief began their path toward restoration, as acknowledgment of guilt precedes forgiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing our guilt in catastrophe differ from mere grief?
- What role does communal rather than individual mourning play in restoration?
- Why must we 'pine away for our iniquities' as part of healing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And ye shall do as I have done continues applying the sign. Ye shall not cover your lips (no verbal mourning), nor eat the bread of men (no comfort from others) predicts the exiles' response when news arrives. Ye shall pine away for your iniquities recognizes that grief will be mixed with guilt—they'll know judgment is deserved. And mourn one toward another indicates communal rather than individual mourning. When Jerusalem falls, the exiles won't need explanation—they'll understand immediately that sin brought judgment. Their mourning will include repentance, recognizing their guilt in the catastrophe.