Bible Commentaries
Ezekiel 12

Verses 1-28

The prophet was next commanded to act in the sight of the people as an exile going forth from his country, preparing "stuff for removing," and carrying it forth from place to place. He obeyed the command, and its intention was fulfilled when the people inquired what he meant.

In response, he foretold the capture of the people and the princes in Jerusalem, and their being taken to Babylon, declaring that the prince (Zedekiah) would be taken captive to Babylon, but that he would not see it. This, of course, was fulfilled when Zedekiah's eyes were put out when he was taken.

Moreover, the prophet was charged to adopt another sign, that is, eating and drinking his bread and water with fear and with carefulness, and by that sign to foretell the desolations which would fall on the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The unbelief of the people had manifested itself in proverbs, one of which declared the failure of prophecy, and another, the postponement of its fulfilment to far distant times. In answer to this Ezekiel was charged to announce the imminence of the divine visitation and the fulfilment of every word that had been spoken.