Ezekiel 4:16

Then He told me, "Son of man, I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight, and in despair they will drink water by measure.

Study Bible

Then He told me,
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophetic nature of the message. The phrase "He told me" underscores the authority and divine origin of the prophecy. In the context of Ezekiel, God often speaks directly to the prophet, providing instructions and revelations about the future of Israel and surrounding nations.

“Son of man,
The term "Son of man" is a title used frequently in Ezekiel, highlighting the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It is a reminder of the distinction between the divine and human, and it foreshadows the use of the same title for Jesus Christ in the New Testament, emphasizing His incarnation and identification with humanity.

I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem.
This phrase predicts a severe famine in Jerusalem, a common consequence of siege warfare in the ancient Near East. Historically, the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem led to extreme scarcity of food, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:1-3. The cutting off of food supply is a divine judgment, reflecting the covenant curses outlined in Leviticus 26:26 and Deuteronomy 28:52-57, where disobedience to God results in dire consequences for the nation.

They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight,
The rationing of bread by weight signifies extreme scarcity and the anxiety that accompanies it. In ancient times, bread was a staple food, and its rationing would indicate a dire situation. This imagery is reminiscent of the curses in Leviticus 26:26, where God warns of breaking the staff of bread, leading to careful weighing and rationing. The anxiety reflects the psychological impact of famine and the desperation of the people.

and in despair they will drink water by measure.
Water, like bread, is essential for survival, and its rationing indicates a severe shortage. The despair associated with drinking water by measure highlights the hopelessness and distress of the people under siege. This situation fulfills the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:48, where thirst is a consequence of disobedience. The careful measuring of water also reflects the meticulous control and limitation of resources during a siege, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment on Jerusalem.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, significant in Jewish history and faith. At this time, it was under threat due to the people's disobedience to God.

3. God's Judgment
The event of God declaring a famine as a consequence of the people's sins, symbolized by the rationing of bread and water.

Teaching Points

Divine Judgment and Mercy
God's judgment is a response to persistent disobedience, yet it serves as a call to repentance and restoration.

Symbolism of Bread and Water
Bread and water symbolize basic sustenance. Their rationing signifies not only physical deprivation but also spiritual famine due to separation from God.

The Role of the Prophet
Ezekiel's actions and messages remind us of the importance of heeding God's warnings through His messengers.

Spiritual Preparedness
Just as physical famine requires preparation, spiritual readiness is crucial to withstand trials and remain faithful.

Trust in God's Provision
Even in times of scarcity, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate provision and care.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the rationing of bread and water in Ezekiel 4:16 reflect the spiritual state of Jerusalem at the time?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of disobedience to God in our own lives, and how can we seek His mercy?

3. How does the role of Ezekiel as a prophet challenge us to listen to and act upon God's messages today?

4. What are some practical ways we can prepare spiritually for times of trial and scarcity?

5. How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's provision, as seen in Ezekiel 4:16, to our current circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26:26
This verse speaks of God breaking the staff of bread, leading to rationing, which parallels the judgment described in Ezekiel 4:16.

Lamentations 4:4-9
Describes the dire conditions during the siege of Jerusalem, highlighting the fulfillment of the prophecy in Ezekiel.

Matthew 4:4
Jesus speaks of the necessity of living by every word from God, emphasizing spiritual sustenance over physical, which contrasts with the physical famine in Ezekiel.