Ezekiel 12:19 - Tell the people of the land, ‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the land of Israel: “They will eat their bread with fearfulness, and drink their water in dismay, that her land may be desolate, and all that is therein, because of the violence of all those who dwell therein.
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What does "Ezekiel 12:19" mean?
This verse from Ezekiel 12:19 is a stark prophecy of impending judgment and suffering upon Jerusalem and Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"Tell the people of the land...": Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a message directly to the people living in the land of Israel. This emphasizes the urgency and public nature of the prophecy.
"‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh...": This phrase is a powerful declaration that the following words are not Ezekiel's own opinion or interpretation, but a direct message from God himself. It carries immense weight and authority. "Yahweh" is God's covenant name, revealing his personal relationship with his people.
"concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the land of Israel...": The prophecy targets both the capital city (Jerusalem) and the entire nation (the land of Israel). This indicates that the judgment will be widespread and affect everyone.
"“They will eat their bread with fearfulness, and drink their water in dismay...": This paints a vivid picture of the people's suffering. It suggests that even basic necessities like food and water will be consumed in a state of anxiety and dread. They will lack peace of mind and feel constantly threatened. The simple act of eating and drinking, normally sources of comfort and sustenance, becomes a symbol of their distress.
"that her land may be desolate, and all that is therein...": This explains the purpose of their suffering. It is a consequence that will lead to the land becoming barren and empty, with all its prosperity and abundance taken away. This "desolation" refers to the destruction and abandonment of the land due to war, famine, and exile.
"because of the violence of all those who dwell therein.": This reveals the reason for the coming judgment. The violence (often encompassing injustice, oppression, and moral corruption) of the people is the cause. God's justice demands that such wickedness be addressed.
In summary, the verse is a prophecy of severe judgment upon Jerusalem and Israel. The people will experience fear and distress even when trying to meet their basic needs. The land will become desolate and empty because of the pervasive violence and wickedness of its inhabitants. It's a warning about the consequences of disobedience to God and the moral decay that leads to destruction.
Context within Ezekiel
It's important to understand this verse within the broader context of the Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel prophesied to the Jewish exiles in Babylon before and during the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. His message includes warnings of judgment, explanations for why the judgment is occurring (their idolatry, injustice, and rebellion against God), and promises of future restoration after the exile. This verse is part of the warning section, highlighting the severity of the coming destruction.
Ezekiel 12:19 - Tell the people of the land, ‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the land of Israel: “They will eat their bread with fearfulness, and drink their water in dismay, that her land may be desolate, and all that is therein, because of the violence of all those who dwell therein.
What does "Ezekiel 12:19" mean?
This verse from Ezekiel 12:19 is a stark prophecy of impending judgment and suffering upon Jerusalem and Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"Tell the people of the land...": Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a message directly to the people living in the land of Israel. This emphasizes the urgency and public nature of the prophecy.
"‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh...": This phrase is a powerful declaration that the following words are not Ezekiel's own opinion or interpretation, but a direct message from God himself. It carries immense weight and authority. "Yahweh" is God's covenant name, revealing his personal relationship with his people.
"concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the land of Israel...": The prophecy targets both the capital city (Jerusalem) and the entire nation (the land of Israel). This indicates that the judgment will be widespread and affect everyone.
"“They will eat their bread with fearfulness, and drink their water in dismay...": This paints a vivid picture of the people's suffering. It suggests that even basic necessities like food and water will be consumed in a state of anxiety and dread. They will lack peace of mind and feel constantly threatened. The simple act of eating and drinking, normally sources of comfort and sustenance, becomes a symbol of their distress.
"that her land may be desolate, and all that is therein...": This explains the purpose of their suffering. It is a consequence that will lead to the land becoming barren and empty, with all its prosperity and abundance taken away. This "desolation" refers to the destruction and abandonment of the land due to war, famine, and exile.
"because of the violence of all those who dwell therein.": This reveals the reason for the coming judgment. The violence (often encompassing injustice, oppression, and moral corruption) of the people is the cause. God's justice demands that such wickedness be addressed.
In summary, the verse is a prophecy of severe judgment upon Jerusalem and Israel. The people will experience fear and distress even when trying to meet their basic needs. The land will become desolate and empty because of the pervasive violence and wickedness of its inhabitants. It's a warning about the consequences of disobedience to God and the moral decay that leads to destruction.
Context within Ezekiel
It's important to understand this verse within the broader context of the Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel prophesied to the Jewish exiles in Babylon before and during the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. His message includes warnings of judgment, explanations for why the judgment is occurring (their idolatry, injustice, and rebellion against God), and promises of future restoration after the exile. This verse is part of the warning section, highlighting the severity of the coming destruction.