Ezekiel 4:16
Ezekiel 4:16 in Multiple Translations
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.
Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:
Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with fearfulness; and they shall drink water by measure, and in dismay:
And he said to me, Son of man, see, I will take away from Jerusalem her necessary bread: they will take their bread by weight and with care, measuring out their drinking-water with fear and wonder:
Then he went on, “Son of man, watch! I am going to put a stop to Jerusalem's food supply. Worried sick, they will eat bread rationed by weight. Despairing at what's happening, they will drink water measured in small amounts.
Moreouer, he said vnto me, Sonne of man, beholde, I will breake the staffe of bread in Ierusalem, and they shall eate bread by weight, and with care, and they shall drinke water by measure, and with astonishment.
And He saith unto me, 'Son of man, lo, I am breaking the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they have eaten bread by weight and with fear; and water by measure and with astonishment, they do drink;
Moreover he said to me, “Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem. They will eat bread by weight, and with fearfulness. They will drink water by measure, and in dismay;
Moreover he said to me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment.
And he said to me: Son of man: Behold, I will break in pieces the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care: and they shall drink water by measure, and in distress.
Then he said to me, “You human, I will cause the supply of food to Jerusalem to be cut off. Then the people will eat the small amounts of food and drink the small amounts of waterthat the government permits them to have, and they will be very distressed and anxious as they do that,
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 4:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 4:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֵלַ֗/י
בֶּן
אָדָם֙
הִנְ/נִ֨י
שֹׁבֵ֤ר
מַטֵּה
לֶ֨חֶם֙
בִּ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
וְ/אָכְלוּ
לֶ֥חֶם
בְּ/מִשְׁקָ֖ל
וּ/בִ/דְאָגָ֑ה
וּ/מַ֕יִם
בִּ/מְשׂוּרָ֥ה
וּ/בְ/שִׁמָּמ֖וֹן
יִשְׁתּֽוּ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלַ֗/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָם֙
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
הִנְ/נִ֨י
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
שֹׁבֵ֤ר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Qal
מַטֵּה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-ms
לֶ֨חֶם֙
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
בִּ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
וְ/אָכְלוּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
לֶ֥חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
בְּ/מִשְׁקָ֖ל
mishqâl
H4948
weight
Prep | N-ms
וּ/בִ/דְאָגָ֑ה
dᵉʼâgâh
H1674
anxiety
Conj | Prep | N-fs
וּ/מַ֕יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Conj | N-mp
בִּ/מְשׂוּרָ֥ה
mᵉsûwrâh
H4884
capacity
Prep | N-fs
וּ/בְ/שִׁמָּמ֖וֹן
shimmâmôwn
H8078
horror
Conj | Prep | N-ms
יִשְׁתּֽוּ
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 4:16
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלַ֗/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָם֙
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
הִנְ/נִ֨י
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
שֹׁבֵ֤ר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Qal
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
מַטֵּה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
לֶ֨חֶם֙
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
בִּ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
וְ/אָכְלוּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
לֶ֥חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
בְּ/מִשְׁקָ֖ל
mishqâl
H4948
"weight"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means weight or heaviness, often referring to a full weight, like in trade or commerce, as seen in Genesis. It represents a standard unit of measurement.
Definition: heaviness, weight
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (full) weight. See also: Genesis 24:22; 1 Kings 7:47; Jeremiah 52:20.
וּ/בִ/דְאָגָ֑ה
dᵉʼâgâh
H1674
"anxiety"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This noun means anxiety or care, like feeling worried or concerned. It is used in the Bible to describe emotional burdens. The KJV translates it as care or sorrow.
Definition: anxiety, anxious care, care
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: care(-fulness), fear, heaviness, sorrow. See also: Joshua 22:24; Ezekiel 4:16; Proverbs 12:25.
וּ/מַ֕יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Conj | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
בִּ/מְשׂוּרָ֥ה
mᵉsûwrâh
H4884
"capacity"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a measure, specifically for liquids. It is used in the context of trade and commerce. The KJV translates it as 'measure'.
Definition: measure
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: measure. See also: Leviticus 19:35; Ezekiel 4:11; Ezekiel 4:16.
וּ/בְ/שִׁמָּמ֖וֹן
shimmâmôwn
H8078
"horror"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word means a state of horror or shock, often used to describe people's reactions to God's power or judgment. In Ezekiel 4:17, it describes the horror of the people when they see God's judgment. It's about being amazed or terrified.
Definition: horror, dismay, appalment
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: astonishment. See also: Ezekiel 4:16; Ezekiel 12:19.
יִשְׁתּֽוּ
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 4:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 4:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:16
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:16
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:16
- Sermons on Ezekiel 4:16
Context — The Defiled Bread
14“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”
15“Look,” He replied, “I will let you use cow dung instead of human excrement, and you may bake your bread over that.”
16Then 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.
17So they will lack food and water; they will be appalled at the sight of one another wasting away in their iniquity.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 5:16 | When I shower you with the deadly arrows of famine and destruction that I will send to destroy you, I will intensify the famine against you and cut off your supply of food. |
| 2 | Isaiah 3:1 | For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, |
| 3 | Leviticus 26:26 | When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 12:18–19 | “Son of man, eat your bread with trembling, and drink your water with quivering and anxiety. 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. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 4:10–11 | You are to weigh out twenty shekels of food to eat each day, and you are to eat it at set times. You are also to measure out a sixth of a hin of water to drink, and you are to drink it at set times. |
| 6 | Psalms 105:16 | He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 14:13 | “Son of man, if a land sins against Me by acting unfaithfully, and I stretch out My hand against it to cut off its supply of food, to send famine upon it, and to cut off from it both man and beast, |
| 8 | Psalms 60:3 | You have shown Your people hardship; we are staggered from the wine You made us drink. |
| 9 | Lamentations 1:11 | All her people groan as they search for bread. They have traded their treasures for food to keep themselves alive. Look, O LORD, and consider, for I have become despised. |
| 10 | Lamentations 4:9–10 | Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce. The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people. |
Ezekiel 4:16 Summary
[This verse, Ezekiel 4:16, tells us that God is going to cut off the food supply in Jerusalem, and the people will have to ration their bread and water. This is a difficult and scary time for the people, but it's also a chance for them to turn to God and seek His help, as seen in Psalm 34:17-20. Just like the Israelites, we can trust that God will provide for us, even in hard times, as promised in Philippians 4:19. By seeking God and trusting in His provision, we can find strength and comfort, even in the midst of difficulty.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of God cutting off the supply of food in Jerusalem?
This act is a judgment from God, as seen in Ezekiel 4:16, and is reminiscent of other times in the Bible when God withheld food as a form of discipline, such as in Leviticus 26:26 and Deuteronomy 28:48-57.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual hunger?
The physical hunger described in Ezekiel 4:16 can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual hunger, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:6, where those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of eating bread rationed by weight and drinking water by measure?
This experience teaches us about the consequences of sin and the importance of trusting in God's provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19, where God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry?
Ezekiel 4:16 is part of a series of prophetic acts and visions given to Ezekiel to convey God's message of judgment and restoration to the people of Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17 and Ezekiel 33:7-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's provision, even in times of scarcity or uncertainty?
- How can I balance my physical needs with my spiritual hunger for God, as described in Matthew 5:6?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing a 'famine' of spiritual nourishment, and how can I seek renewal and refreshment from God?
- How can I use times of physical or emotional hardship as opportunities to seek God and deepen my faith, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:16
Moreover he said unto me, son of man,.... What follows opens the design, and shows what was intended by the symbol of the miscellany bread, baked with cow dung, the prophet was to eat by measure, as,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:16
Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:16
Here the Lord confirms his threat of famine by a solemn protestation that he would break the staff of bread; either take their, harvests away, and deny them bread, or withhold his blessing, the strength of bread, that it should not nourish and refresh, as . In Jerusalem, that sinful city. By weight: see . With care; afraid and doubtful whether or where they shall have any more. By measure: . With astonishment; amazed at the strangeness of their condition, and the wounds and death of many that fell by the enemies’ hand, attempting to fetch a little water; or astonished, their very eyes failing for thirst.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:16
Ezekiel 4:16 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment: Ver. 16. Behold, I will break the staff of bread.] Bread shall be very scarce, and that which men have shall not nourish or satisfy them; they shall have appetitnm caninum. See Isaiah 3:1; and take that good counsel, lest we know the worth of good by the want of it. î÷÷ contabescere, foetidum fieri.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:16
(16) I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem.—In Ezekiel 4:16-17, the meaning of the foregoing symbolism is declared in plain language. Bread, as the chief article of food is put for all food, the specific for the general. There shall be extreme suffering and distress, as a part of the punishment for their long-continued sins.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:16
Verse 16. I will break the staff of bread] They shall be besieged till all the bread is consumed, till the famine becomes absolute; see 2Kg 25:3: "And on the ninth of the fourth month, the famine prevailed in the city; and THERE WAS NO BREAD for the people of the land." All this was accurately foretold, and as accurately fulfilled. Abp. Newcome on Ezekiel 4:6 observes: "This number of years will take us back, with sufficient exactness, from the year in which Jerusalem was sacked by Nebuchadnezzar to the first year of Jeroboam's reign, when national idolatry began in Israel. The period of days seems to predict the duration of the siege by the Babylonians, Ezekiel 4:9, deducting from the year five months and twenty-nine days, mentioned 2Kg 25:1-4, the time during which the Chaldeans were on their expedition against the Egyptians; see Jeremiah 37:5." This amounts nearly to the same as that mentioned above.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:16
9–17. Symbol of scarcity during the siege and pollution in the dispersion from having to eat unclean things among the Gentiles The passage continues Ezekiel 4:8. The prophet is commanded (while lying immovably on his side in siege) to take of all kinds of grain, coarse as well as fine, of everything that will still hunger, and cast them into one vessel. These are to be baked into cakes and fired with hot ashes of men’s dung, though on the prophet’s entreaty a relaxation of this repulsive condition is granted and he is allowed to substitute the dung of cows. These cakes are to be eaten sparingly in small quantity from time to time, and water drunk with them sparingly. And this use of the cakes so prepared is to continue all the time that the prophet lies on his side. These actions symbolize first, great scarcity and straitness during the siege (Ezekiel 4:16-17); and secondly, pollution from eating unclean things in the exile among the nations (Ezekiel 4:13).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:16
The staff of bread - Bread is so called because it is that on which the support of life mainly depends. With astonishment - With dismay and anxiety at the calamities which are befalling them.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:16
16, 17. These verses explain Ezekiel 4:10-11. Staff of bread — Or, staff (of life), which is bread (Leviticus 26:26; Isaiah 3:1).
Sermons on Ezekiel 4:16
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had of four living creatures. These creatures had the appearance of a man but each had four faces and four |
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Marriage and the Gospel by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a holistic life that encompasses the intellect, soul, and body. He encourages listeners to use their God-given abili |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the decline of the nation of Judah during the time of Isaiah's prophecies. He emphasizes the importance of righteousness and moral valu |
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24. Where Are the Men by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of men rising up to lead their families and churches with spiritual authority and wisdom. It calls for men to command their households after t |
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(Isaiah) Sin’s Judgment and God’s Restoration by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of economic injustice and unfair treatment of the poor. He emphasizes the importance of being fair and treating others justly, as th |
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7. Where Are the Men? by Denny Kenaston | Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of men rising up to walk in God's ways, challenging them to be mature, financially stable, loving husbands, wise fathers, and dynamic l |
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Our Man in Egypt by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible and draws practical lessons from his life. Joseph was pampered by his father and separated from his brothe |