25 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

Rebellion is refusing to see when having eyes to see and refusing to hear when you have ears to hear. (Ezekiel 12:2)

Dig through the wall in their sight and carry the stuff out through the hole. (Ezekiel 12:5)

He was to dig through the wall in plain view of the people. The reference probably is to the wall of the courtyard around his house, not the wall of the city or of the house itself. Walls in Babylonia were built of sun-dried brick that could, with some exertion, be removed by hand. Through the hole in the wall, Ezekiel was to carry out his captive’s baggage.

Even though Prophet Ezekiel was a captive in Babylon, he uttered oracles regarding his brethren who were as yet in the land of Canaan. One of his prophecies had to do with Zedekiah, who was serving as the “prince in Jerusalem” (Ezekiel 12:10).

Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: These actions contain a message for King Zedekiah in Jerusalem and for all the people of Israel.’ Explain that your actions are a sign to show what will soon happen to them, for they will be driven into exile as captives. “Even Zedekiah will leave Jerusalem at night through a hole in the wall, taking only what he can carry with him. He will cover his face, and his eyes will not see the land he is leaving. (Ezekiel 12:10-12)

The prophet announced that the “rebellious house” of Israel, along with the haughty ruler, would be taken into captivity (v. 11,12). Concerning Zedekiah specifically, Ezekiel, speaking for God, declares: “My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare; and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there” (Ezekiel 12:13).

When the Babylonians came against Jerusalem in 586 B.C., Zedekiah fled the city, hoping to escape the invaders. He was pursued, however, and captured near Jericho. He was then brought to Riblah, north of Canaan.

There he was forced to witness the execution of his sons. This was the last scene he was to view upon this earth. His eyes were put out and he was led away to Babylon in chains. Imprisoned there, he finally died in that distant land (2 Kings 25:6,7; Jeremiah 39:7; 52:11). Ezekiel’s prophecy was fulfilled to the letter.

Chapter 12