Ezekiel 24:5
Take the choice of the flock, and burn also the bones under it, and make it boil well, and let them seethe the bones of it therein.
Original Language Analysis
הַצֹּאן֙
of the flock
H6629
הַצֹּאן֙
of the flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
2 of 13
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
וְגַ֛ם
H1571
וְגַ֛ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
עֲצָמֶ֖יהָ
also the bones
H6106
עֲצָמֶ֖יהָ
also the bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
6 of 13
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ
H8478
תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
7 of 13
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בָּשְׁל֥וּ
and let them seethe
H1310
בָּשְׁל֥וּ
and let them seethe
Strong's:
H1310
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen
Historical Context
The siege of Jerusalem (588-586 BC) lasted approximately 30 months, creating horrific conditions of starvation, disease, and desperation. The prolonged siege produced the intense suffering Ezekiel prophesies, literally bringing the city to its bones through famine and violence.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the intensity of judgment reveal about the severity of sin?
- How does prolonged suffering serve God's purposes differently than swift judgment?
- Why must judgment be thorough rather than partial?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Take the choice of the flock, and burn also the bones under it continues loading the pot imagery. Choice of the flock means the best animals, representing Jerusalem's finest citizens. And make it boil well, and let them seethe the bones of it therein describes intense cooking—the fire will be so hot that even bones dissolve. This speaks to the severity of siege conditions. The prolonged, intense heat represents Babylon's relentless siege bringing Jerusalem to complete destruction. Nothing will remain intact; even the structural 'bones' of society will be broken down. Judgment will be thorough, comprehensive, and devastating.