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 at dusk the prince among them will lift his bags to his shoulder and go out.
This phrase refers to the prince, identified as Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. The timing "at dusk" suggests an attempt to escape under the cover of darkness, symbolizing desperation and the futility of human plans against divine judgment. The act of lifting bags to his shoulder indicates preparation for a journey, highlighting the urgency and secrecy of the escape. Historically, this aligns with the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, where Zedekiah attempted to flee the city. Theologically, this act of fleeing can be seen as a fulfillment of prophecy and a demonstration of the consequences of disobedience to God.

They will dig through the wall to bring him out.
The phrase "dig through the wall" suggests a clandestine escape route, indicating the dire circumstances within the besieged city. This action reflects the desperation of the leadership and the breakdown of societal order. Archaeologically, evidence of breaches in city walls from this period supports the historical context of sieges. Biblically, this act is a literal fulfillment of Ezekiel's earlier symbolic actions (Ezekiel 12:5), where he was instructed to dig through a wall as a sign to the people. This connection emphasizes the prophetic nature of Ezekiel's ministry and the certainty of God's word.

He will cover his face so he cannot see the land.
Covering the face signifies shame and mourning, as well as an attempt to hide one's identity. In the context of Zedekiah, it also foreshadows his eventual capture and blinding by the Babylonians (2 Kings 25:7), fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy (Jeremiah 52:11). The inability to see the land symbolizes the loss of his kingdom and the severing of his connection to the land of Judah. This act serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God and the fulfillment of divine judgment. In a typological sense, it contrasts with Jesus Christ, who, though He faced suffering and shame, did so willingly and with the purpose of redemption.

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.