Ezekiel 12:19

Then tell the people of the land that this is what the Lord GOD says about those living in Jerusalem and in the land of Israel: 'They will eat their bread with anxiety and drink their water in dread, for their land will be stripped of everything in it because of the violence of all who dwell in it.

Study Bible

Then tell the people of the land
This phrase indicates a direct command from God to the prophet Ezekiel, emphasizing the role of prophets as messengers. The "people of the land" refers to the Israelites, specifically those in exile and those remaining in Judah. This highlights the communal aspect of prophecy, where messages are intended for the collective rather than individuals.

that this is what the Lord GOD says
The use of "Lord GOD" underscores the authority and sovereignty of God. It is a reminder that the message comes from the highest authority, demanding attention and obedience. This phrase is a common prophetic formula, establishing the divine origin of the message.

about those living in Jerusalem and in the land of Israel
This specifies the audience of the prophecy, focusing on the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the broader region of Israel. Historically, this was a time of great turmoil, with the Babylonian threat looming. The mention of both Jerusalem and Israel indicates the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting both the city and the surrounding territories.

‘They will eat their bread with anxiety
Eating bread with anxiety reflects the fear and uncertainty of the people due to the impending Babylonian siege. Bread, a staple of life, becomes a source of worry rather than sustenance. This imagery connects to Deuteronomy 28:65, where disobedience leads to a life of anxiety and fear.

and drink their water in dread
Water, essential for survival, is consumed with dread, symbolizing the pervasive fear among the people. This dread is due to the scarcity and insecurity brought by the siege. The phrase echoes the curses of the covenant for disobedience, as seen in Leviticus 26:16.

for their land will be stripped of everything in it
This prophecy foretells the desolation of the land, a consequence of the Babylonian invasion. The stripping of the land signifies both physical destruction and the removal of God's blessing. It reflects the covenantal curses for idolatry and injustice, as outlined in Deuteronomy 28:49-52.

because of the violence of all who dwell in it
The violence refers to the moral and social corruption prevalent in Jerusalem and Israel. This internal decay is the reason for divine judgment. The phrase highlights the biblical principle that sin leads to destruction, as seen in the narratives of Sodom and Gomorrah and the warnings of the prophets.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.

2. The People of the Land
Refers to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the broader land of Israel who are being warned of impending judgment.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, significant in biblical history as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple.

4. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who communicates His will and judgments through His prophets.

5. The Exile
The period during which the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, a time of judgment and reflection on their disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Sin leads to anxiety and despair, as seen in the lives of the Israelites. We must recognize the impact of sin on our spiritual and physical well-being.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is just and sovereign, and His judgments are a response to the people's actions. We should live in a way that honors His holiness.

The Call to Repentance
Even in judgment, there is an implicit call to repentance. We should be quick to turn back to God when we recognize our disobedience.

Trust in God's Provision
Despite the circumstances, believers are called to trust in God's provision and care, knowing that He is faithful to those who seek Him.

The Role of the Prophet
Prophets like Ezekiel are used by God to communicate His truth. We should be attentive to God's word and the messages He sends through His servants.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel 12:19 illustrate the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience, and what can we learn from this about the nature of sin?

2. In what ways does the anxiety and despair described in this verse relate to the warnings given in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28?

3. How can we apply the lessons of God's sovereignty and justice in Ezekiel 12:19 to our own lives today?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in obedience to God and avoiding the spiritual pitfalls that lead to anxiety and despair?

5. How does the role of the prophet in delivering God's message challenge us to be attentive to God's word and responsive to His guidance in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including the anxiety and despair that come from turning away from God.

Deuteronomy 28
Similar to Leviticus 26, it details the consequences of Israel's disobedience, including the loss of peace and security.

Jeremiah 14
Jeremiah also speaks of the despair and lack of resources due to the people's sin, paralleling Ezekiel's message.

Psalm 107
This psalm reflects on the distress and deliverance of God's people, emphasizing the importance of turning back to God in times of trouble.