Biblical Reference:
The account of Ezekiel's wife dying is found in the Book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 24:15-27.

Context and Background:
Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, was called by God to deliver messages to the Israelites. His prophetic ministry began around 593 BC, during a time when the people of Judah were experiencing the consequences of their disobedience to God. Ezekiel's messages often included symbolic acts and vivid imagery to convey God's judgment and eventual restoration.

The Event:
In Ezekiel 24:15-18, the Lord speaks to Ezekiel, informing him of the impending death of his wife, whom God refers to as "the delight of your eyes." The Lord commands Ezekiel not to mourn or weep publicly for her, an instruction that serves as a symbolic act for the people of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'Son of man, behold, I am about to take away the delight of your eyes with a single blow. Yet you must not lament or weep or let your tears flow. Groan quietly; do not observe mourning rites for the dead. Put on your turban, strap your sandals on your feet, do not cover your mustache, and do not eat the bread of mourners.' So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And the next morning I did as I had been commanded."

Symbolism and Significance:
Ezekiel's personal tragedy is used by God as a prophetic sign to the exiled community. The death of his wife symbolizes the impending destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, which was the "delight" of the Israelites' eyes. Just as Ezekiel was instructed not to mourn, the people of Judah would be unable to mourn properly for the loss of the temple and their city due to the overwhelming nature of the calamity and their displacement.

Prophetic Message:
Ezekiel's actions and the death of his wife serve as a poignant message to the Israelites. It underscores the severity of God's judgment and the depth of the nation's sin, which has led to such devastating consequences. The lack of traditional mourning rites signifies the abruptness and totality of the judgment that would leave the people in shock and unable to perform customary expressions of grief.

Theological Implications:
This event highlights the sovereignty of God and His right to use even the most personal aspects of a prophet's life to communicate His divine will. It also emphasizes the seriousness with which God views idolatry and disobedience, as well as the inevitability of His judgment when His people persist in sin. Yet, within the broader context of Ezekiel's prophecies, there remains a message of hope and restoration, as God promises to eventually restore His people and renew their relationship with Him.

Ezekiel's Obedience:
Ezekiel's compliance with God's command, despite the personal cost, exemplifies the prophet's unwavering dedication to his divine calling. His life becomes a living testimony to the message he is tasked to deliver, demonstrating the profound commitment required of those who serve as God's messengers.