Ezekiel 4:9

But take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt; put them in a single container and make them into bread for yourself. This is what you are to eat during the 390 days you lie on your side.

Study Bible

But you, take
This phrase marks a direct command from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing personal responsibility and obedience. The Hebrew word for "take" is "laqach," which implies receiving or acquiring with intention. This command signifies God's direct involvement in Ezekiel's prophetic actions, highlighting the importance of obedience in the life of a believer.

wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt
These ingredients represent a variety of grains and legumes, each with its own significance. Wheat and barley were staple grains in ancient Israel, symbolizing sustenance and provision. Beans and lentils were common in the diet of the poor, indicating humility and simplicity. Millet and spelt, less common, suggest scarcity and the need for resourcefulness. Together, these ingredients symbolize the diverse and sometimes difficult provisions God provides during times of trial.

put them in a single vessel
The act of combining these ingredients into one vessel signifies unity and completeness. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the unity of God's people, who, despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences, are brought together in Christ. The vessel can also symbolize the church, where believers are united in purpose and mission.

make them into bread for yourself
Bread, a fundamental element of sustenance, is often used in Scripture to symbolize life and spiritual nourishment. The act of making bread from these ingredients signifies the transformation of God's provision into something that sustains and nourishes. It is a reminder that God provides not only for our physical needs but also for our spiritual well-being.

You are to eat it during the number of days you lie on your side
This phrase indicates a period of trial and endurance. Ezekiel's act of lying on his side symbolizes the bearing of iniquity and the endurance required in times of judgment. Eating the bread during this time signifies reliance on God's provision and strength during periods of hardship and testing.

three hundred and ninety days
The specific number of days represents the years of Israel's iniquity, as detailed earlier in the chapter. This period is a prophetic symbol of the duration of Israel's punishment and exile. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience but also of God's faithfulness in bringing His people through times of judgment to eventual restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a period of judgment and reflection for the nation.

3. Israel's Exile
A significant event where the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon as a consequence of their disobedience to God.

4. Symbolic Action
Ezekiel's act of lying on his side and eating specific bread symbolizes the siege and suffering of Jerusalem.

5. 390 Days
Represents the years of Israel's sin and the duration of their punishment.

Teaching Points

Symbolism in Prophetic Actions
Ezekiel's actions serve as a visual prophecy, reminding us that God communicates in diverse ways. We should be attentive to how God might be speaking to us today.

Consequences of Disobedience
The exile and Ezekiel's symbolic actions highlight the serious consequences of turning away from God. It calls us to examine our own lives for areas of disobedience.

God's Provision in Judgment
Even in judgment, God provides for His people, as seen in the specific ingredients for the bread. This reminds us of God's faithfulness and provision in our own trials.

Call to Repentance
The 390 days symbolize a call to repentance. We are encouraged to reflect on our actions and turn back to God, seeking His forgiveness and restoration.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While Ezekiel's message includes judgment, it also points to hope and restoration. We are reminded that God's ultimate plan is for our redemption and reconciliation with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's symbolic action of making bread relate to the spiritual state of Israel during the exile?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our lives, even during times of discipline or hardship?

3. How do the ingredients of the bread (wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt) symbolize the diversity of God's provision?

4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences of Israel's disobedience, and how can we apply them to our own spiritual walk?

5. How does the message of hope in Jeremiah 29 provide encouragement for us when we face our own "exiles" or difficult seasons?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26
Discusses the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments, which is relevant to the context of Israel's exile.

Jeremiah 29
Offers hope and a future for the exiles, emphasizing God's plans even amidst judgment.

Daniel 1
Shows the faithfulness of Daniel and his friends during the Babylonian exile, providing a contrast to the disobedience that led to exile.

2 Kings 25
Describes the fall of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity, providing historical context to Ezekiel's actions.