Ezekiel 12:12

And at dusk the prince among them will lift his bags to his shoulder and go out. They will dig through the wall to bring him out. He will cover his face so he cannot see the land.

Study Bible

And the prince who is among them
The term "prince" here refers to the leader or king of Judah, specifically King Zedekiah during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. In Hebrew, the word used is "נָשִׂיא" (nasi), which can mean leader or ruler. This highlights the responsibility and accountability of leaders in God's eyes. Historically, Zedekiah's actions and decisions had significant consequences for the people of Judah, emphasizing the importance of righteous leadership.

will lift his bags to his shoulder
This phrase paints a vivid picture of hurried escape and desperation. The act of lifting bags to one's shoulder suggests preparation for a journey, often associated with exile or fleeing. In the context of Zedekiah, it symbolizes his attempt to escape the impending judgment and capture by the Babylonians. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder that no earthly power can evade divine justice.

in the dark and go out
Darkness here symbolizes secrecy and fear. The Hebrew word for dark, "בַּלַּיְלָה" (balaylah), often conveys a sense of foreboding or evil. Zedekiah's attempt to escape under the cover of night reflects his fear and the futility of trying to hide from God's will. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness and the consequences of turning away from God's light.

He will dig through the wall
This action signifies desperation and the breaking of barriers, both physical and spiritual. In ancient times, city walls were symbols of strength and security. Zedekiah's act of digging through the wall represents the collapse of these securities due to disobedience to God. It is a powerful image of the lengths to which people will go to avoid facing the truth of their actions.

to bring them out through it
The phrase indicates an attempt to lead others in escape, highlighting the influence of leaders on their followers. Zedekiah's actions not only affected him but also those who trusted in his leadership. This serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of leadership and the responsibility to guide others in righteousness.

He will cover his face
Covering the face is an act of shame and concealment. In the Hebrew context, the face is often associated with identity and presence. Zedekiah's covering of his face symbolizes his shame and the loss of his identity as king. It reflects the spiritual state of those who turn away from God, hiding from His presence due to guilt and fear.

so that he cannot see the land with his eyes
This phrase signifies the loss of vision and hope. The land, representing God's promise and blessing, becomes invisible to Zedekiah due to his disobedience. It is a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin, which blinds individuals to God's promises and leads to spiritual exile. The inability to see the land underscores the separation from God's intended blessings due to rebellion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, Ezekiel is delivering a message of judgment and symbolic actions to the exiles in Babylon.

2. The Prince
Refers to Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, who attempted to escape the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem
The city under siege by the Babylonians, representing the center of Jewish life and worship.

4. Babylonian Siege
The historical event where Babylon besieged Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall and the exile of its people.

5. Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, a significant event in Jewish history.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Zedekiah's actions illustrate the severe consequences of disobedience to God's commands and breaking covenants.

The Futility of Human Plans Against God's Will
Despite Zedekiah's efforts to escape, God's will prevailed, showing the futility of human plans against divine purposes.

The Importance of Spiritual Vision
Zedekiah covering his face symbolizes spiritual blindness. We must seek God's guidance to see clearly in our spiritual journey.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The prophecy and its fulfillment demonstrate God's sovereignty and control over nations and leaders.

Hope in Exile
Even in judgment, God provides hope and a future for His people, as seen in the eventual return from exile.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Zedekiah's escape attempt in Ezekiel 12:12 reflect the broader theme of disobedience and its consequences in the Bible?

2. In what ways does the prophecy in Ezekiel 12:12 demonstrate the sovereignty of God over human affairs?

3. How can we apply the lesson of spiritual blindness, as symbolized by Zedekiah covering his face, to our own lives today?

4. What parallels can we draw between the exile of the Israelites and the challenges faced by Christians in a secular world?

5. How does the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy in historical events strengthen our faith in the reliability of God's Word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 25
Describes the fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's attempted escape, providing historical context to Ezekiel's prophecy.

Jeremiah 39
Offers another account of Zedekiah's capture, reinforcing the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy.

Ezekiel 17
Contains a parable that also references Zedekiah's rebellion and the consequences of breaking covenant with God.