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Ezekiel 24

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‹ Chapter 23 Ezekiel — All Chapters Chapter 25 ›

1 In the ninth year, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, write down today’s date, for on this very day the king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem. 3 Now speak a parable to this rebellious house and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Put the pot on the fire; put it on and pour in the water. 4 Put in the pieces of meat, every good piece— thigh and shoulder— fill it with choice bones. 5 Take the choicest of the flock and pile the fuel beneath it. Bring it to a boil and cook the bones in it.’ 6 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the city of bloodshed, to the pot now rusted, whose rust will not come off! Empty it piece by piece; cast no lots for its contents. 7 For the blood she shed is still within her; she poured it out on the bare rock; she did not pour it on the ground to cover it with dust. 8 In order to stir up wrath and take vengeance, I have placed her blood on the bare rock, so that it would not be covered.’ 9 Yes, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the city of bloodshed! I, too, will pile the kindling high. 10 Pile on the logs and kindle the fire; cook the meat well and mix in the spices; let the bones be burned. 11 Set the empty pot on its coals until it becomes hot and its copper glows. Then its impurity will melt within; its rust will be consumed. 12 It has frustrated every effort; its thick rust has not been removed, even by the fire. 13 Because of the indecency of your uncleanness I tried to cleanse you, but you would not be purified from your filthiness. You will not be pure again until My wrath against you has subsided. 14 I, the LORD, have spoken; the time is coming, and I will act. I will not refrain or show pity, nor will I relent. I will judge you according to your ways and deeds,’ declares the Lord GOD." 15 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 16 “Son of man, behold, I am about to take away the desire of your eyes with a fatal blow. But you must not mourn or weep or let your tears flow. 17 Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your lips or eat the bread of mourners." 18 So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And the next morning I did as I had been commanded. 19 Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean to us?" 20 So I answered them, “The word of the LORD came to me, saying: 21 Tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I am about to desecrate My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and the delight of your soul. And the sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.’ 22 Then you will do as I have done: You will not cover your lips or eat the bread of mourners. 23 Your turbans will remain on your heads and your sandals on your feet. You will not mourn or weep, but you will waste away because of your sins, and you will groan among yourselves. 24 ‘Thus Ezekiel will be a sign for you; you will do everything that he has done. When this happens, you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’ 25 And you, son of man, know that on the day I take away their stronghold, their pride and joy—the desire of their eyes which uplifted their souls—and their sons and daughters as well, 26 on that day a fugitive will come and tell you the news. 27 On that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped; you will speak and no longer be mute. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the LORD."

‹ Chapter 23 Ezekiel — All Chapters Chapter 25 ›

Study Notes — Ezekiel 24

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Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a parable of a boiling pot, where God instructs Ezekiel to describe a pot being boiled, symbolizing the city of Jerusalem being besieged by the Babylonians (Ezekiel 24:1-5). The parable is then explained, with God declaring that the pot represents the city, and the flesh and bones inside represent the people, who will be consumed by the fire of God's judgment (Ezekiel 24:6-8). The chapter then records the death of Ezekiel's wife, which serves as a sign to the people of the devastation that will befall the city (Ezekiel 24:15-24). Ezekiel is instructed not to mourn his wife's death, but instead to be a sign to the people of the coming judgment (Ezekiel 24:16-17). The chapter concludes with God's declaration that the people will know that He is the Lord when He judges them (Ezekiel 24:24).

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel 24 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Ezekiel, which records the prophet's ministry to the Israelites during the Babylonian exile. The chapter is situated in the midst of a series of oracles against Jerusalem, which emphasize God's judgment on the city for its rebellion against Him. The chapter also serves as a warning to the people of the coming judgment, emphasizing the importance of repentance and faith in God's sovereignty.

Heart Application

This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and Lordship over our lives. It emphasizes the need for humility and repentance in the face of God's judgment, and it encourages us to trust in His goodness and mercy, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about God's judgment on Jerusalem, using the parable of the boiling pot to illustrate the city's impending doom. The chapter also records the death of Ezekiel's wife as a sign of the devastation that will befall the city. The main message of the chapter is that God is sovereign and will judge those who rebel against Him, as seen in Ezekiel 24:24.

Voices from the Church

“The judgments of God are not arbitrary, but rather they are a demonstration of His Lordship and a means of declaring His glory to the people.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The death of Ezekiel's wife serves as a sign to the people of the devastation that will befall the city, highlighting the personal cost of God's judgment and the importance of recognizing the gravity of the situation.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Parable of the Boiling Pot (Ezekiel 24:1-5) — God instructs Ezekiel to describe a pot being boiled, symbolizing the city of Jerusalem being besieged by the Babylonians.
  2. The Explanation of the Parable (Ezekiel 24:6-8) — The parable is explained, with God declaring that the pot represents the city, and the flesh and bones inside represent the people, who will be consumed by the fire of God's judgment.
  3. The Death of Ezekiel's Wife (Ezekiel 24:15-24) — The death of Ezekiel's wife serves as a sign to the people of the devastation that will befall the city, highlighting the personal cost of God's judgment.
  4. God's Declaration of Judgment (Ezekiel 24:24) — God declares that He will make the city a ruin, serving as a demonstration of His Lordship and a means of declaring His glory to the people.
  5. Conclusion (Ezekiel 24:25-27) — The chapter concludes with God's declaration that the people will know that He is the Lord when He judges them, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and Lordship.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
This chapter teaches that God is sovereign and will judge those who rebel against Him, as seen in Ezekiel 24:24.
The Importance of Repentance
The chapter emphasizes the need for humility and repentance in the face of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of recognizing the gravity of the situation.
The Lordship of God
The chapter emphasizes God's Lordship and sovereignty over the city and its people, demonstrating that He is the ultimate authority.
The Concept of Judgment
The concept of judgment is central to the chapter, as God declares that He will judge the people for their rebellion against Him.

Lessons from Ezekiel 24

  1. The Importance of Recognizing God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and Lordship over our lives, highlighting the need for humility and repentance in the face of God's judgment.
  2. The Need for Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the need for humility and repentance in the face of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of recognizing the gravity of the situation.
  3. The Concept of Judgment — The concept of judgment is central to the chapter, as God declares that He will judge the people for their rebellion against Him.
  4. The Significance of Ezekiel's Wife's Death — The death of Ezekiel's wife serves as a sign to the people of the devastation that will befall the city, highlighting the personal cost of God's judgment.
  5. The Importance of Trusting in God's Goodness — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's goodness and mercy, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and Lordship.

Themes from Ezekiel 24

  1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and Lordship over the city and its people, demonstrating that He is the ultimate authority.
  2. Judgment — The concept of judgment is central to the chapter, as God declares that He will judge the people for their rebellion against Him.
  3. Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the need for humility and repentance in the face of God's judgment, highlighting the importance of recognizing the gravity of the situation.
  4. Signs and Symbols — The chapter uses signs and symbols, such as the parable of the boiling pot and the death of Ezekiel's wife, to convey God's message to the people.
  5. Trust in God's Goodness — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's goodness and mercy, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and Lordship.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What is the main message of Ezekiel 24, and how does it relate to the broader narrative of the book of Ezekiel?
  2. How does the parable of the boiling pot illustrate the city's impending doom, and what does it reveal about God's character?
  3. What significance does the death of Ezekiel's wife hold in the context of the chapter, and how does it serve as a sign to the people?
  4. How does the chapter emphasize God's sovereignty and Lordship, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God's character?
  5. What practical applications can be drawn from this chapter, and how can we apply its teachings to our lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Parable of the Boiling Pot (Ezekiel 24:1-5)

Ezekiel 24:1 The parable of the boiling pot is introduced, with God instructing Ezekiel to describe a pot being boiled, symbolizing the city of Jerusalem being besieged by the Babylonians.
Ezekiel 24:2 The parable is further explained, with God declaring that the pot represents the city, and the flesh and bones inside represent the people, who will be consumed by the fire of God's judgment.

2. The Explanation of the Parable (Ezekiel 24:6-8)

Ezekiel 24:6 The parable is explained, with God declaring that the pot represents the city, and the flesh and bones inside represent the people, who will be consumed by the fire of God's judgment.
Ezekiel 24:7 The explanation is further elaborated, with God emphasizing the severity of the judgment that will befall the city.

3. The Death of Ezekiel's Wife (Ezekiel 24:15-24)

Ezekiel 24:15 The death of Ezekiel's wife is announced, serving as a sign to the people of the devastation that will befall the city.
Ezekiel 24:16 Ezekiel is instructed not to mourn his wife's death, but instead to be a sign to the people of the coming judgment.

4. God's Declaration of Judgment (Ezekiel 24:24)

Ezekiel 24:24 God declares that He will make the city a ruin, serving as a demonstration of His Lordship and a means of declaring His glory to the people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of Ezekiel 24?

The main message of Ezekiel 24 is that God is sovereign and will judge those who rebel against Him, as seen in Ezekiel 24:24. This message is emphasized through the parable of the boiling pot and the death of Ezekiel's wife, which serve as signs to the people of the devastation that will befall the city.

What is the significance of the parable of the boiling pot?

The parable of the boiling pot is a symbol of the city of Jerusalem being besieged by the Babylonians, and it represents the people being consumed by the fire of God's judgment. As seen in Ezekiel 24:1-5, the parable is used to illustrate the city's impending doom and to emphasize the severity of God's judgment.

What is the significance of Ezekiel's wife's death?

The death of Ezekiel's wife serves as a sign to the people of the devastation that will befall the city, highlighting the personal cost of God's judgment. As seen in Ezekiel 24:15-24, Ezekiel's wife's death is used to convey God's message to the people and to emphasize the importance of recognizing the gravity of the situation.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Ezekiel 24:1 → Jeremiah 1:13 The parable of the boiling pot is similar to the vision of the almond tree in Jeremiah 1:13, which also symbolizes God's judgment on the city of Jerusalem.
2 Ezekiel 24:2 → Isaiah 22:1-14 The siege of Jerusalem is also described in Isaiah 22:1-14, which emphasizes the severity of God's judgment on the city.
3 Ezekiel 24:15 → Exodus 4:22-23 The death of Ezekiel's wife is similar to the death of the firstborn sons in Exodus 4:22-23, which serves as a sign of God's judgment on the Egyptians.
4 Ezekiel 24:16 → Jeremiah 16:5-7 Ezekiel is instructed not to mourn his wife's death, which is similar to the instruction given to the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 16:5-7.
5 Ezekiel 24:24 → Isaiah 2:11 God's declaration that He will make the city a ruin is similar to the declaration in Isaiah 2:11, which emphasizes the severity of God's judgment on the proud and the lofty.
6 Ezekiel 24:24 → Matthew 24:2 The declaration that the city will be made a ruin is also seen in Matthew 24:2, where Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.
7 Ezekiel 24:1 → Revelation 18:1-24 The parable of the boiling pot is similar to the vision of the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18:1-24, which also symbolizes God's judgment on the wicked.
8 Ezekiel 24:15 → John 11:1-44 The death of Ezekiel's wife is similar to the death of Lazarus in John 11:1-44, which serves as a sign of Jesus' power and authority over death and the grave.
9 Ezekiel 24:16 → 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Ezekiel's instruction not to mourn his wife's death is similar to the instruction given to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and mercy in the midst of difficult circumstances.
10 Ezekiel 24:24 → Hebrews 10:30-31 God's declaration that He will make the city a ruin is similar to the declaration in Hebrews 10:30-31, which emphasizes the severity of God's judgment on those who rebel against Him.

Sermons on Ezekiel 24

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith The Sure Word of God - Part 1 by Chuck Smith This sermon emphasizes the faithfulness of God's Word, highlighting the certainty that what God has spoken, He will bring to pass without fail. It delves into the importance of cho
Chuck Smith Ezekiel 24:14 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the certainty of God's Word, asserting that what God has spoken will undoubtedly come to pass. He highlights God's attributes of being all-knowing, absolute
Samuel Rutherford X. to Lady Kenmure, on the Death of Her Husband by Samuel Rutherford Samuel Rutherford delivers a heartfelt sermon to a grieving widow, encouraging her to find comfort in God during the loss of her husband. He reminds her that God sees her sorrow an
Thomas Brooks I Am About to Desecrate My Sanctuary by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of hypocrisy within the church, warning that many engage in religious activities while their hearts remain distant from God. He highlights that
Thomas Brooks If You Attempt to Enthrone the Creature! by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of overvaluing earthly comforts and mercies, warning that when we prioritize them over Christ, we risk losing them. He illustrates that our hear
Sir Robert Anderson The Prophetic Year by Sir Robert Anderson Sir Robert Anderson delves into the intricate details of the prophetic era in the Bible, exploring the significance of 'weeks' in Jewish culture and the measurement of time in rela

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 24

In this chapter, we see the Lord's judgment on Jerusalem, which is symbolized by the parable of the boiling pot. The pot represents the city, and the flesh and bones inside represent the people, who will be consumed by the fire of God's judgment. The death of Ezekiel's wife serves as a sign to the people of the devastation that will befall the city, highlighting the personal cost of God's judgment. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and Lordship over the city and its people, demonstrating that He is the ultimate authority. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is known by the judgments which he executes, and his people are made to know him by the corrections which they receive from him.' The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and Lordship over our lives, and of trusting in His goodness and mercy, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Use of Parables

God uses the parable of the boiling pot to illustrate the city's impending doom, demonstrating His creative and effective use of teaching methods. This parable serves as a warning to the people, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment.

The Significance of Ezekiel's Wife's Death

The death of Ezekiel's wife serves as a sign to the people of the devastation that will befall the city, highlighting the personal cost of God's judgment and the importance of recognizing the gravity of the situation.

God's Emphasis on His Lordship

Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His Lordship and sovereignty over the city and its people, demonstrating that He is the one who will bring about the judgment and that He is the ultimate authority.

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