Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your lips or eat the bread of mourners." Groan quietlyThe Hebrew word for "groan" here is "anach," which implies a deep, internal sigh or moan. This instruction to "groan quietly" suggests a restrained expression of grief. In the context of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, this command reflects the need for self-control and composure amidst personal and national tragedy. It serves as a metaphor for the silent suffering that the Israelites would endure during the Babylonian siege. The quietness of the groan indicates a submission to God's will, acknowledging His sovereignty even in times of distress. Do not mourn for the dead
Mourning in ancient Israel involved specific rituals and public displays of grief. The Hebrew word "abal" means to mourn or lament. By instructing Ezekiel not to mourn, God is emphasizing the severity of the judgment coming upon Israel. This command is a prophetic sign to the people that the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple will be so overwhelming that traditional mourning practices will be inadequate. It underscores the idea that the impending judgment is a direct consequence of the nation's sin, and thus, the usual expressions of grief are suspended. Keep your turban fastened
The turban, or "pe'er" in Hebrew, was a part of the priestly attire, symbolizing dignity and honor. By instructing Ezekiel to keep his turban fastened, God is calling him to maintain his role and responsibilities as a prophet, even in the face of personal loss. This act signifies the importance of remaining steadfast in one's calling and duties, regardless of personal circumstances. It also serves as a reminder of the hope and restoration that God promises beyond the immediate judgment. And your sandals on your feet
Sandals, or "na'al" in Hebrew, were essential for travel and daily life. Keeping sandals on signifies readiness and the continuation of one's journey or mission. For Ezekiel, this command indicates that his prophetic work is not yet complete, and he must remain prepared to deliver God's messages. It also symbolizes the need for the Israelites to be ready for the changes and challenges that lie ahead, as they will soon be exiled from their land. Do not cover your mustache
Covering the mustache, or "sapham" in Hebrew, was a traditional sign of mourning. By instructing Ezekiel not to cover his mustache, God is further emphasizing the unusual nature of the situation. This command highlights the need for the prophet to visibly demonstrate a different response to grief, one that aligns with God's purposes and serves as a sign to the people. It reflects the call to trust in God's plan, even when it defies cultural norms and expectations. Or eat the bread of mourners
The "bread of mourners" refers to the food consumed during mourning rituals, often provided by friends and family to comfort the bereaved. Instructing Ezekiel not to eat this bread signifies a break from traditional mourning practices, reinforcing the message that the coming judgment is unique and profound. This command serves as a reminder that true comfort and sustenance come from God alone, and that reliance on Him is essential, especially in times of crisis. It also points to the hope of spiritual nourishment and restoration that God offers to His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet of God, called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. 3. BabylonThe place of exile for the Israelites, representing judgment and separation from their homeland. 4. JerusalemThe city whose impending destruction is symbolized by Ezekiel's actions and God's message. 5. GodThe sovereign Lord who commands Ezekiel and communicates His will through him. Teaching Points Obedience in Unconventional WaysEzekiel is called to obey God in a manner that defies cultural norms. As believers, we must be prepared to follow God's commands even when they challenge societal expectations. Symbolic Actions as Prophetic MessagesEzekiel's actions serve as a living parable. Our lives, too, can be a testimony to God's truth when we live in obedience to His word. The Cost of DiscipleshipJust as Ezekiel was asked to forgo traditional mourning, we may be called to sacrifice personal comforts or customs for the sake of God's kingdom. Hope Beyond JudgmentWhile Ezekiel's actions symbolize judgment, they also point to the hope of restoration. In Christ, we find hope beyond our circumstances and the promise of eternal life. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezekiel's obedience to God's unconventional command challenge your understanding of following God's will in your life? 2. In what ways can your actions serve as a testimony to others about God's truth and character? 3. How do the instructions given to Ezekiel compare to Jesus' teachings on discipleship and prioritizing the kingdom of God? 4. What cultural or personal customs might God be calling you to reevaluate in light of His word? 5. How can you find hope and assurance in God's promises, even when facing judgment or difficult circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 10:6This verse also instructs priests not to mourn in traditional ways, emphasizing the holiness and distinctiveness required of God's people. Jeremiah 16:5-7Jeremiah is similarly instructed not to mourn, highlighting the severity of God's judgment and the need for a different response. Matthew 8:22Jesus' call to prioritize following Him over traditional mourning practices echoes the radical obedience required of Ezekiel. People EzekielPlaces Babylon, Jerusalem, SamariaTopics Aloud, Beard, Bind, Bonnet, Bread, Cease, Cover, Covered, Cry, Customary, Dead, Eat, Face, Fastened, Forbear, Grief, Groan, Headdress, Head-dress, Headtire, Lip, Lips, Lower, Men's, Mourn, Mourners, Mourning, Mustache, Quietly, Sandals, Shoes, Sigh, Silence, Silently, Sorrow, Tire, Turban, Upper, WeepingDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 24:17 5151 feet
5158 head-covering
5179 sandal
5195 veil
5286 custom
5588 traditions
5796 bereavement, experience
8328 quietness Ezekiel 24:15-18 5398 loss Ezekiel 24:15-24 1449 signs, purposes
7775 prophets, lives Library Divine Sovereignty.
In this discussion I shall endeavor to show, I. What is not intended by the term "sovereignty" when applied to God. It is not intended, at least by me, that God, in any instance, wills or acts arbitrarily, or without good reasons; reasons so good and so weighty, that he could in no case act otherwise than he does, without violating the law of his own intelligence and conscience, and consequently without sin. Any view of divine sovereignty that implies arbitrariness on the part of the divine will, …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic TheologyThe Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras, Falls to Plundering.
1. And thus were the disturbances of Galilee quieted, when, upon their ceasing to prosecute their civil dissensions, they betook themselves to make preparations for the war with the Romans. Now in Jerusalem the high priest Artanus, and do as many of the men of power as were not in the interest of the Romans, both repaired the walls, and made a great many warlike instruments, insomuch that in all parts of the city darts and all sorts of armor were upon the anvil. Although the multitude of the young …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet Should Give Heed to what Ought to Please Them.
Meanwhile it is also necessary for the ruler to keep wary watch, lest the lust of pleasing men assail him; lest, when he studiously penetrates the things that are within, and providently supplies the things that are without, he seek to be beloved of those that are under him more than truth; lest, while, supported by his good deeds, he seems not to belong to the world, self-love estrange him from his Maker. For he is the Redeemer's enemy who through the good works which he does covets being loved …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The End
'1. And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about. 2. And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. 3. And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land. 4. And the city was broken up, and all the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture How those who Fear Scourges and those who Contemn them are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 14.) Differently to be admonished are those who fear scourges, and on that account live innocently, and those who have grown so hard in wickedness as not to be corrected even by scourges. For those who fear scourges are to be told by no means to desire temporal goods as being of great account, seeing that bad men also have them, and by no means to shun present evils as intolerable, seeing they are not ignorant how for the most part good men also are touched by them. They are to be admonished …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Seventh Commandment
Thou shalt not commit adultery.' Exod 20: 14. God is a pure, holy spirit, and has an infinite antipathy against all uncleanness. In this commandment he has entered his caution against it; non moechaberis, Thou shalt not commit adultery.' The sum of this commandment is, The preservations of corporal purity. We must take heed of running on the rock of uncleanness, and so making shipwreck of our chastity. In this commandment there is something tacitly implied, and something expressly forbidden. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezekiel 24:17 NIVEzekiel 24:17 NLTEzekiel 24:17 ESVEzekiel 24:17 NASBEzekiel 24:17 KJV
Ezekiel 24:17 Commentaries
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