Ezekiel

The Pot On the Fire

The word of the Lord came to me on the tenth day of the tenth month of the ninth year, in these words:

“Write today’s date, this very day, because the king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem today.

Teach this rebellious people with a parable: This is what the Lord commanded me to do: Put the pot on the fire,place it there, and pour water into it.

Put in all the pieces of meat, including the choice cuts, the leg, and the shoulder, and fill it with the best bones.

Take these from the flock’s pick. Set wood underneath in a circle to boil the meat and cook the bones.

Now, this is what the Lord says: “Woe to the city of blood, to the rusty pot with rust on it! Let them empty it, piece by piece, without sparing anyone,

for the blood she shed is in her midst. She poured it on the rock surface, not on the ground where dust would cover it.

But I will not cover the blood that was poured on the bare rock. I will instead kindle my fury and take revenge.

That is why the Lord God declares: Woe to the city of blood!

I will build a great heap of wood—pile it up, light the fire, cook the meat thoroughly, adding the spices, and let the bones burn.

Leave the empty pot on the coals so it can heat, and let the bronze turn red-hot to melt the filth inside, burning away the rust.

But the rust is so deep that not even fire can remove it.

I have tried to cleanse you of the filth of your immorality;but since you refuse to be cleansed, you shall not be cleansed until I have satisfiedmy fury against you.

I, the Lord, have spoken. This will happen; I will act and not relent; I will show no pity, no compassion. You shall be judged according to your ways and your deeds—word of the Lord.

Death of the Wife

The word of the Lord came to me:

“Son of man, I am about to take away the delight of your eyes from you suddenly, but you are not to lament, weep, or let tears flow.

Groan in silence and do not mourn for the dead; wear your turban, put on your sandals, do not cover your beard, and do not eat the customary food of mourners.”

I spoke to the people in the morning, and my wife died that evening. The next morning I did as I had been commanded.

Then the people said to me: “Explain to us the meaning of your actions.”

I told them: “The word of the Lord came to me in these words:

‘Say to Israel: I am about to profane my Sanctuary, your pride, the delight of your eyes that you long for. The sons and daughters you left behind will also fall by the sword,

but you will do as I have done: you will not cover your beard or eat the usual food of mourners;

you will keep your turbans on your heads and sandals on your feet. You will not mourn or weep. Instead, because of your sin, you will waste away and groan among yourselves.

The Mute Prophet

Ezekiel will serve as a sign for you. Do as he did; and when this occurs, you will know that I am the Lord.

Son of man, the day I take away their stronghold—the jewel that is the delight of their eyes, which they and their children long for—

on that day, a fugitive will come to give you the news.

That very day, you will open your mouth and be able to speak to him; you will no longer be silent. You will be a sign for them; and they will know I am the Lord.