Ezekiel 12:4 kjv
Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity.
Ezekiel 12:4 nkjv
By day you shall bring out your belongings in their sight, as though going into captivity; and at evening you shall go in their sight, like those who go into captivity.
Ezekiel 12:4 niv
During the daytime, while they watch, bring out your belongings packed for exile. Then in the evening, while they are watching, go out like those who go into exile.
Ezekiel 12:4 esv
You shall bring out your baggage by day in their sight, as baggage for exile, and you shall go out yourself at evening in their sight, as those do who must go into exile.
Ezekiel 12:4 nlt
Bring your baggage outside during the day so they can watch you. Then in the evening, as they are watching, leave your house as captives do when they begin a long march to distant lands.
Ezekiel 12 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezek 12:4 | "Thou shalt prepare thy stuff for removing by day in their sight" | Direct command to Ezekiel |
| Isa 20:3 | "and Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and an omen" | Prophetic sign-acting |
| Jer 19:10 | "Then break this bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee to Tophet" | Symbolic action |
| Luke 21:20 | "But when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh." | Sign of destruction |
| 1 Cor 4:9 | "For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." | Public spectacle |
| Ezek 3:26 | "and I will make thee dumb, and thou shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house." | Loss of speech |
| Ezek 24:24 | "Thus will I do unto you, and according to your abominations will I judge you; and ye shall know that I am the LORD." | Divine judgment |
| Jer 16:18 | "For I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because that they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the abominations of their dead bodies and with their idols." | Double recompense |
| Hosea 9:1 | "Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people: for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfield, but they shall not profit thee." | Spiritual adultery |
| Hab 2:11 | "For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the timber of the building shall answer it." | inanimate objects crying |
| John 15:5 | "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." | Dependence on God |
| Ezek 4:1-3 | Ezekiel lies on his side to bear the iniquity of Israel. | Sign of bearing sin |
| Ps 42:3 | "My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?" | Divine absence perceived |
| Deut 28:64 | "And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other" | Scattering among nations |
| Ezek 13:18 | "and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the se Cuthites that seweth pillows to all armholes, and createth hoods for the head of every stature to hunt souls!" | Traps for souls |
| Ezek 21:36 | "And thy seat will I overturn, and it shall be no more, until he come that hath the right to it; and I will give it him." | Overturned throne |
| Ezek 33:11 | "Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live" | God’s desire for repentance |
| Rev 18:5 | "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." | Judgment for sins |
| Matt 24:15 | "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)" | Sign of abomination |
| 1 Pet 2:10 | "Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." | From no people to God's people |
Ezekiel 12 verses
Ezekiel 12 4 Meaning
The verse speaks of the imminent destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people. Ezekiel is instructed to act out this judgment to make it clear and impactful to the onlookers. It signifies a public demonstration of divine wrath against sin.
Ezekiel 12 4 Context
Chapter 12 continues Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, which involves delivering severe judgments against Judah and Jerusalem for their persistent disobedience and idolatry. In the preceding verses, God instructs Ezekiel to dramatize the exile of the prince and the people. This particular verse is a part of that ongoing prophetic enactment. Historically, the people of Judah were experiencing significant turmoil, with the Babylonians being a growing threat. Many in Jerusalem held onto false hopes, believing they were safe, despite clear warnings. This demonstration by Ezekiel aimed to shatter those illusions and convey the severity of God's impending judgment, leading to their forced relocation and displacement.
Ezekiel 12 4 Word analysis
Thou shalt prepare: This is a direct, imperative command from God to Ezekiel. The Hebrew word for "prepare" ( 'arak ) implies arranging or setting in order, indicating a deliberate and organized action, not a hasty escape.
thy stuff: Refers to personal belongings, goods, or provisions. The Hebrew word (keliy ) can encompass furniture, tools, or any essentials for livelihood, highlighting the complete uprooting of the people from their homes.
for removing: The Hebrew term (lagolah) signifies carrying away, deportation, or being led into exile. It emphasizes the act of being taken away from their land.
by day: This specifies the timing of the preparation. It means openly, in broad daylight, so that the people of Jerusalem could witness it directly. The Hebrew (yom) simply means "day."
in their sight: This phrase stresses the public nature of the demonstration. It was to be seen by the people of Jerusalem ('einaihem - "their eyes"), ensuring the message was undeniable and unignorable. The immediacy of being seen by them is key.
Groups of words: "prepare thy stuff for removing by day in their sight" emphasizes a public, deliberate, and complete upheaval. It’s not a secret move, but a witnessed dismantling of life and relocation.
Ezekiel 12 4 Bonus section
The act of preparing possessions for exile is symbolic of the Israelites’ spiritual homelessness due to their departure from God’s ways. Similar to how physical possessions are gathered before departure, spiritual “baggage” — sins and idolatries — were the very cause of their displacement. The stark contrast between their daily lives and Ezekiel's grim performance highlights the disbelief of many, who likely dismissed his actions as madness. However, Ezekiel’s obedience to this often uncomfortable divine instruction mirrors the faithful action of prophets throughout Scripture who embodied God’s message in tangible, even perplexing, ways to break through spiritual apathy. This also foreshadows New Testament calls for disciples to be ready for trials, shedding worldly attachments, and understanding that true citizenship is heavenly.
Ezekiel 12 4 Commentary
Ezekiel's actions in this chapter are not mere theatre but a tangible prophecy, mirroring the fate awaiting Jerusalem and its inhabitants. The command to prepare belongings for removal by day, in full view of the people, underscores the shame and public nature of their impending exile. This visual representation served to break the people's complacency and false security. God intended for them to see their future laid bare, forcing them to confront the reality of the judgment they had earned through their persistent sin and rebellion. It signifies the complete loss of security and dignity as they would be forcibly carried away from their land, their homes, and their possessions.