Ezekiel 4:16

Then He told me, "Son of man, I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight, and in despair they will drink water by measure.

Study Bible

Then He said to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to the prophet Ezekiel. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the Old Testament to denote divine speech. This highlights the authority and seriousness of the message being conveyed. In the context of Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, this divine communication underscores the importance of the prophetic role as a mouthpiece for God's will and judgment.

Son of man
This title, "בֶּן־אָדָם" (ben-adam) in Hebrew, is used frequently in Ezekiel, emphasizing the humanity and humility of the prophet in contrast to the divine majesty of God. It serves as a reminder of Ezekiel's role as a representative of the people, sharing in their human frailty and yet called to deliver God's message. This term also foreshadows the New Testament use of "Son of Man" as a title for Jesus, linking the prophetic mission of Ezekiel to the ultimate mission of Christ.

I will cut off the supply of bread in Jerusalem
The phrase "cut off" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁבַר" (shabar), meaning to break or destroy. This indicates a severe judgment, as bread was a staple of life in ancient Israel. The historical context here is the impending siege of Jerusalem by Babylon, which would lead to famine and suffering. Bread symbolizes sustenance and life, and its removal signifies God's judgment and the dire consequences of the people's disobedience.

The people will eat bread by weight and in anxiety
Eating "by weight" suggests rationing, a common practice during sieges when food was scarce. The Hebrew word for "anxiety" is "דְּאָגָה" (de'agah), reflecting the fear and uncertainty that accompany such dire circumstances. This phrase paints a vivid picture of the desperation and fear that would grip Jerusalem during the siege, serving as a warning of the physical and emotional toll of turning away from God.

and drink water by measure and in dread
Similar to the rationing of bread, "by measure" indicates a limited supply of water, a critical resource in the arid climate of the Middle East. The word "dread" translates from the Hebrew "שִׁמָּמוֹן" (shimmamon), conveying a sense of horror and panic. This reflects the extreme conditions the people would face, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment and the need for repentance and reliance on Him for true sustenance and peace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. Known for his symbolic actions and visions.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, significant in Jewish history and faith. At this time, it was under threat due to the people's disobedience to God.

3. God's Judgment
The event of God declaring a famine as a consequence of the people's sins, symbolized by the rationing of bread and water.

Teaching Points

Divine Judgment and Mercy
God's judgment is a response to persistent disobedience, yet it serves as a call to repentance and restoration.

Symbolism of Bread and Water
Bread and water symbolize basic sustenance. Their rationing signifies not only physical deprivation but also spiritual famine due to separation from God.

The Role of the Prophet
Ezekiel's actions and messages remind us of the importance of heeding God's warnings through His messengers.

Spiritual Preparedness
Just as physical famine requires preparation, spiritual readiness is crucial to withstand trials and remain faithful.

Trust in God's Provision
Even in times of scarcity, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate provision and care.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the rationing of bread and water in Ezekiel 4:16 reflect the spiritual state of Jerusalem at the time?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of disobedience to God in our own lives, and how can we seek His mercy?

3. How does the role of Ezekiel as a prophet challenge us to listen to and act upon God's messages today?

4. What are some practical ways we can prepare spiritually for times of trial and scarcity?

5. How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's provision, as seen in Ezekiel 4:16, to our current circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26:26
This verse speaks of God breaking the staff of bread, leading to rationing, which parallels the judgment described in Ezekiel 4:16.

Lamentations 4:4-9
Describes the dire conditions during the siege of Jerusalem, highlighting the fulfillment of the prophecy in Ezekiel.

Matthew 4:4
Jesus speaks of the necessity of living by every word from God, emphasizing spiritual sustenance over physical, which contrasts with the physical famine in Ezekiel.