the word of the LORD came to me 46/57 occurrences of this phrase occur in Ezekiel and five are in chapter 12.  Remember that Ezekiel is in essence "mute" (his continual state the first 7-8 years) unless he has a specific word from the LORD which explains to some degree the concentration of the phrase in this particular book.  Also remember that Ezekiel is still in exile in Babylon prophesying prior to the final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.

As Richards says

the Jewish captives were still optimistic about an early return home. In these messages Ezekiel systematically destroys the foundations of their false hopes." He goes on to summarize the key concepts (with parallel Scriptures) in Ezekiel 12 as "Exile -Deut 27-28. Rebellion - Numbers 14. Oracle - Psalms 35-37.  Remnant - Isaiah 32-33. Judge Psalms 96-100" (The Bible reader's companion. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books)

Expositor's Bible Commentary notes that

Ezekiel always gave specific dates for new visions or oracles. Since no new chronological notice was given, and since the speeches of chapters 12-19 were closely related thematically to the foregoing vision, it can be assumed that these messages were uttered shortly after Ezekiel's explanation of the vision in chapters 8-11."

The date of Ezekiel's prophecy in this chapter cannot be stated with absolute certainty, but as Ezekiel generally presents a chronological record,  the date is almost certainly between the sixth month of the sixth year of Jehoiachin's captivity, circa 592, ("It came about in the sixth year, on the fifth day of the sixth month, as I was sitting in my house with the elders of Judah sitting before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell on me there." Ezek 8:1) and the fifth month of the seventh year, circa 591 ("Now in the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth of the month, certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and sat before me." Ezek 20:1).

Adam Clarke appears to be correct in his comment that

"All the prophecies from this to the twentieth chapter are supposed to have been delivered in the sixth year of Zedekiah, five years before the taking of Jerusalem. How accurate the prediction! and how exactly fulfilled!"

J Vernon McGee sets the context writing that

"Zedekiah was on the throne in Jerusalem, and the false prophets were saying to the captives, “Look, Nebuchadnezzar has made two sieges of Jerusalem, and he’s carried away captives, but he did not destroy the city, he did not burn the temple, and he did not execute the king. You are going to be able to return soon. There’s nothing to worry about.”

You live in the midst of the rebellious house (Ezek 2:3,6-8; 3:9,26,27; 17:12; 24:3; 44:6; Dt 9:7,24; 31:27; Ps78:40; Is1:23; 30:1,9; 65:2; Je4:17; 5:23; 9:1-6; Da9:5-9; Ac7:51,52) God wastes no time in reminding Ezekiel that he lived right in the middle (that is literally what the Hebrew word pictures) a house of rebels who had been been watching his symbolic acts and hearing his judgment oracles for over a year. Regrettably, this rebellious attitude had characterized Israel's history. 

The Greek Septuagint (LXX) phrases it slightly different stating that Ezekiel

"was dwelling in the middle of those who had a general disregard for what was right (Greek = adikia) including a disregard for human rights and characterized by injustice, unrighteousness, disregard for God's laws and disobedience to God."

Expositor's Bible Commentary adds that

"The exiles had not grasped the serious consequences of Ezekiel's warnings. They still hoped for an early return to Palestine, for they viewed the continued preservation of Jerusalem and Judah as signs of security After all, Jerusalem was the eternal city. They presented several reasons for their hope and security--as well as their objections to Ezekiel's warning--in chapters 12-19. First, if judgment was to come, it would not be in their lifetime, as Ezekiel had declared (ch.12). Second, Ezekiel was only one of many prophets. Most prophets and prophetesses announced hope and reasons for optimism. Why should the people listen to Ezekiel (ch. 13)? Third, the leaders in Judah were ultimately responsible. If there was to be any judgment, it would be on them, not the exiles (ch. 14). Fourth, if real danger of judgment should exist, then they would only have to find some righteous man to intercede for them before God. Thus they would be delivered (ch. 14). Fifth, how could Ezekiel possibly believe that God would judge his own chosen people? He would not do that (chs. 15-16). Sixth, it would not be fair for God to judge anyone for his forefathers' sins. The people thought Ezekiel was saying that God did judge one for his forefathers' sins (ch. 17). Seventh, if judgment was really coming, then there was nothing they could do to stop it; for they would be paying for their fathers' sins. It would not make any difference if they repented (ch. 18). Eighth, Zedekiah, the contemporary ruler of Judah, could be trusted. He would throw off the yoke of Babylonia (ch. 19). Ezekiel patiently, systematically, and adamantly (cf. Ezek3:9) challenged the naive reasoning of the exiles, undermining each source of their optimistic rejection to his warnings of judgment. When Ezekiel had finished his challenges, no excuses remained." (Gaebelein, F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary OT 7 Volume Set: Books: Zondervan Publishing or Pradis = computer version)

"Eyes to see but do not see" (Dt29:4; Is6:9,10; 29:9, 10, 11, 12; 42:19,20; Je5:21; Mt13:13,14; Mk4:12; 8:17,18; Lk 8:10; Jn9:39-41; 12:40; Ac28:26,27; Ro11:7,8; 2Co3:14; 4:3,4; Ep4:18; 2Th2:10,11) indicates that they failed to comprehend what they saw, which clearly indicates that they had a spiritual problem. They had heard the truth about the consequences of disobedience many times before, but their unregenerate (spiritually uncircumcised) heart invariably twisted or rejected that truth. Thus the exiles rejected all the signs and sermons from Ezekiel that prophesied the impending destruction of Judah and Jerusalem. The fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) in 722BC should have been a lesson in the consequences of national sin but neither the exiles or those remaining in Judah learned their lesson.

How much like Judah we all have been at times...we know what we are doing is a clear violation of God's law and that it has reaped consequences in our life or other people's lives and yet we stubbornly continue in that destructive behavior or attitude! How we all need to remember rebellious Judah's example and that "these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (1Cor10:11, cf 10:6)

Richards notes that

"Grasping spiritual truth is a matter of attitude rather than intelligence. Eyes to see and ears to hear speak of man’s natural capacity to process information. Don’t be surprised when the “wise” of this world ridicule biblical faith. The failure to truly see or hear is rooted in mankind’s attitude toward God. Only a heart open to the Lord will grasp and respond to His truth. (Richards, L. 1991. The Bible Reader's Companion.  Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books)

"For they are a rebellious house" The Hebrew word  for rebellious (meriy from marah = be bitter, rebel against; click to study the 14/22 occurrences of meriy are in Ezekiel) describes a hard hearted attitude which reserves the right to make the final decision regarding one's life independent of any authority. Sin is conscious, obstinate rebellion against the known will of God. It is an attitude manifest by actions which are consciously flung in the face of a holy and righteous God. God says that the whole "house" (Ezekiel and Jeremiah being some of the few exceptions) was rebellious. In the Septuagint, the Greek word (parapikraino from pará = to the point of + pikraíno = to embitter) used to translate "rebellious" means to continually (the verb is present tense = habitual action) provoke or exasperate. Israel and Judah were continually provoking the LORD (the only NT use of parapikraino is found in Heb3:16 where the writer asks the rhetorical question

"who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses?" (He 3:16-note)

Matthew Henry writes that God had to give the message first visually and then verbally to the exiles

because they are a stupid, dull, unthinking people, that will not heed or will soon forget what they only hear of, or at least will not be at all affected with it; it will make no impression at all upon them.

Why was Israel spiritually blind? The LORD explains (note the use of the word "for" which is usually a clue that what follows explains the preceding section) that their spiritual blindness was a consequence of their rebellion which denied God's right to rule in their heart. People in our day demonstrate the same rebellious tendencies in their hearts and in their actions.  But both then and now, rebellion against God reaps consequences, paying out bad "dividends". One way or another, people who "despise wisdom and instruction" (Pr1:7) always pay a high price.

Are you suffering from choices you've made that have grieved your heavenly Father?" God can use those consequences for your eternal welfare. Humble yourself and return to Him today! The way back to God begins with a broken heart which sees our sin as God sees it.

The psalmist amplifies on why Israel was spiritually blind and deaf. In psalm 115 he describes an idol as something that "...they have eyes, but they cannot see. They have ears, but they cannot hear...." (Ps115:5, 6)

Then the psalmist describes the effect of idolatry on the idolater writing that "Those who make them will become like them. Everyone who trusts in them." (Ps115:8)

We know from other passages that Israel clearly was guilty of gross idolatry (eg Ezek 6 mentions idols five times). And thus it should be no surprise that the exiles have eyes but cannot see and ears but cannot hear spiritual truth.

 Dearly beloved, are you "toying with idolatry"? Idols come in many different shapes and sizes in our modern world and yet anything that is repetitively coming between you and God is your "idol". So let me ask again: are you worshipping any idol. In John's second epistle he gave a stern warning in the from of an urgent (aorist imperative) command:

"Little children, guard yourselves from idols." (1Jn5:21)

Beware of idolatry for it "blinds" us to spiritual truth.

Jameison, Fausset, Brown has an interesting comment regarding the fact that the rebellious nature of Jewish exiles is reemphasized once again (Hebrew word for "rebellious" was used 7x in the first 3 chapters and last used in Ezek 3:27). They suggest that

"Ezekiel needed often to be reminded of the people's perversity, lest he should be discouraged by the little effect produced by his prophecies. Their "not seeing" is the result of perversity, not incapacity. They are willfully blind...the symbolical prophecy was designed to warn the exiles at Chebar against cherishing hopes, as many did in opposition to God's revealed word, of returning to Jerusalem, as if that city was to stand; externally living afar off, their hearts dwelt in that corrupt and doomed capital."

Let's Apply this truth: When people become spiritually blind and deaf, God may use unusual means to get their attention and to get His Word to them. God will probably not ask most of us to carry out such bizarre acts as Ezekiel was commanded to perform, but there is an important practical question we must all ask ourselves: Can others tell by my  life-style that I really believe Jesus is coming again to judge the world in righteousness. Peter reminds us that

"the day of the Lord will come like a thief (just as judgment would finally fall on Jerusalem), in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up (Jerusalem and Judah will be made desolate). Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless." (2Pe 3:10, 11, 12, 13, 14-notes)?

Remembering that you were created for eternity and that your life on earth is a temporary assignment should radically alter what you value as important and where you spend your time. Am I living my life with the conscious, constant awareness that I am a "sermon" to those around me who are spiritually blind to God’s truth? You may be the only "Bible" someone else ever reads. What do they say about your Jesus and His gospel from reading your "Bible"?

Cooper adds that

"Prepare for yourself baggage" (Ezek 12:10, 11, 12; 4:1-17; Je13:1-11; 18:2-12; 19:1-15; 27:2) God's servants must be ready to respond to whatever God tells them to do, even though it may not "make much sense" at the time. In these next five verses God gives Ezekiel at least 10 commands.

The Septuagint translates "exile" uses a Greek word which means to be taken into captivity by spear point clearly implying that this is to be exile related to military captivity.

"In their sight" (Septuagint translates the Hebrew with Greek enopion meaning "face to face") is a key phrase in this chapter, mentioned 6 times in these first 7 verses. Do you see the paradox? Ezekiel was to act out this drama in the sight of those who did not have eyes to see with the hope that they would open their eyes to see the underlying spiritual truth! The exiles for whom Ezekiel performed this drama had experienced captivity and exile themselves either in 605 b.c. or in 597 b.c. Therefore it follows that they should be able to recognize what Ezekiel was acting out, but as we see in Ezek 12:8, they fail to understand what he is doing.

Jehovah's declaration "Perhaps they will understand" clearly reflects His longsuffering and lovingkindness toward His unfaithful "wife" Israel (Jer2:2, 3:1, 31:32). God's "ulterior motive" for Ezekiel's strange actions was to hold out His hand of grace in hope that the rebels might come to their senses (2Ti2:25, 26-note), see the error of their ways, repent and return to Him. In Jeremiah God instructs the prophet to record in one volume all the messages since the outset of Jeremiah’s ministry in 627BC. (Jer 1:2) up to 605/604BC, to be read to the people in the temple so that

"Perhaps the house of Judah will hear all the calamity which I plan to bring on them, in order that every man will turn from his evil way; then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin...Perhaps their supplication will come before the LORD and everyone will turn from his evil way, for great is the anger and the wrath that the LORD has pronounced against this people." (Jer 36:3,7)

In Ezekiel 33 God instructs Ezekiel to

"Say to them, 'As I live!' declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?" (Ezek 33:11) 

In Jeremiah God says

"Perhaps they will listen and everyone will turn from his evil way, that I may repent of the calamity which I am planning to do to them because of the evil of their deeds." (Je 26:3)

God's heart of lovingkindness is also seen in Deuteronomy where He says

"Oh that they (His "chosen people") had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!...Would that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would discern their future!" (Dt 5:29 32:29)

And in the Psalms God says

"Oh that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways!" (Ps81:13)

Craigie refers to this "perhaps..." clause as

"The ministry of judgment (which) retains the hope of repentance."

He goes on to add that...

"The fact that the prophet’s ministry continues at all is based on this “perhaps”. People seem to be so blind and deaf, but perhaps if something is said and done often enough, someone will understand. And so it becomes clear again that the continuing declaration of judgment is in fact a sign of grace. The warning of impending judgment always leaves open the possibility of repentance."  (Ezekiel. The Daily study Bible series. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press)

This prophetic drama  (591bc) was fulfilled several years later (586bc) when after 18 months of laying siege to Jerusalem, the Babylonians finally broke through the city walls

"and all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls beside the king’s garden, though the Chaldeans were all around the city. And they went by way of the Arabah. But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho (this equates with God spreading His net and ensnaring Zedekiah) and all his army was scattered from him (exactly as Ezekiel had predicted). Then they captured the king and brought him to the king of Babylon at Riblah, and he passed sentence on him. And they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, then put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him with bronze fetters and brought him to Babylon." (2 Ki 25:4-7).

Jeremiah records a similar description, stating

"it came about, when Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them (the Babylonian officials within the confines of Jerusalem), that they fled and went out of the city at night by way of the king’s garden through the gate between the two walls; and he went out toward the Arabah." (Jer 39:4 cf similar description of Zedekiah's escape attempt in Jer 52:7, 8, 9, 10, 11)

Why would God go to such lengths (visual drama vv3-6 followed by a verbal explanation in vv8-16) to describe the fate of King Zedekiah to the exiles who are not even in Jerusalem? As noted in vv15-16, the over arching goal is clearly that all "might know that I am the LORD".  But it is reasonable to speculate that as long as Zedekiah was upon the throne in Jerusalem, the exiles could flatter themselves with the vain hope that he might sign a peace accord or somehow otherwise reconcile with Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah, instead of being their deliverer, would very shortly be their fellow-suffer according to the sign and sermon by Ezekiel.  In addition since there had been no fulfillment of Ezekiel's doom and gloom predictions given over the previous 2 years, the exiles would have reasoned that there was an increasing likelihood that they would experience an early return to Jerusalem (see Ezek 12:21, 22, 23 24 25). 

John MacArthur agrees adding that

"In their sight" (Ezek 12:12; 2Ki25:4; Je39:4; 52:7) God wants the exiles to see the message, but since they fail to perceive the meaning it is followed below with the verbal version. In the Septuagint the Greek word enopion translates the Hebrew phrase "in their sight" and is placed first in the Greek for emphasis (also first in Ezek 12:5). They will have no excuse for their rebellion, especially when they see Ezekiel's prophecies come to pass exactly as he predicted. They will know and understand that it is the hand of God. Will some of the exiles repent? Scripture is silent except as it says above "perhaps".

"Load the baggage" the baggage of exile must have brought up painful reminders of to all the exiles of the day they were carried away from them homeland and should have shook them out of their spiritual doldrums but it did not have this effect.

"You shall cover your face so that you cannot see the land" (1Sa28:8; 2Sa15:30) There were occasions when the face was covered in mourning or shame, but those Scriptural allusions use a different Hebrew verb than the one used here. Most scholars agree that Ezekiel's action of covering his face so that he could not see the land (the land he was in at that time was Babylon) predicted the blinding of Zedekiah who then would never be able to see the land of Babylon.  Jeremiah records that Nebuchadnezzar "blinded Zedekiah's eyes and bound him in fetters of bronze to bring him to Babylon" (Jer39:7) fulfilling Ezekiel's prediction.

"For I have set you as a sign" (Ezek 12:11; 4:3; 24:24; Is 8:18; 20:2-4) By performing the specific actions, Ezekiel became the message pointing the way. In a similar way the actions of believers today constitute the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What message are you giving out?

I did so as I had been commanded (Je32:8, 9, 10, 11, 12; Mt 21:6,7; Mk14:16; Jn 2:5, 6, 7, 8; Acts 26:19) Repeatedly we see the Ezekiel unhesitating obedience of Ezekiel to do as commanded, no matter what was involved (Ezek 24:18; 37:7,10). Oh, that all God's children had such obedient hearts. Jesus said

"You are My friends, if you do what I command you." (Jn 15:14)

Are you a friend of Jesus?

"Went out in the dark" is translated in the Septuagint as "went out secretly (Greek = krupto = to hide, keep from being seen, keep secret; root of our English word "cryptic")". Ezekiel's actions were cryptic to the eyes of the bewildered exiles!

Stop for a moment and put yourself in Ezekiel's place. Can you imagine the reaction he must have encountered from the rebellious exiles...here he is, loaded down with baggage, digging through the mud brick wall and then walking out, headed covered, disappearing into the dark night? The exiles would have the evening to reflect on Ezekiel’s latest "dramatic antic". Surely they must have wondered what he was up to now. Remember, that by now the exiles probably were not surprised by his bizarre behavior. But what did this charade mean? In the next section God opens the prophet's mouth to satisfy the curiosity of the exiles.

The fact that Ezekiel's prophesy is given in two stages (visual, then verbal) would have compelled the exiled viewers (stage 1) to reflect on the interpretation before confronted with the verbal explanation (stage 2) the next day. Quite likely the most obvious interpretation to the spiritually dulled exiles who were surviving on (vain) hope would have been that the exile was about to end! They may have reasoned that just as Ezekiel packed and left, so too would they soon leave, setting out again on the road to Jerusalem. Their empty hope however would be dashed, as Ezekiel declared the true meaning the next day.

Matthew Henry adds that

Parenthetically, we should note that if Ezekiel had balked the preceding day and failed to do "as...commanded" (v7), it is not likely that he would have heard a word from the LORD the next morning. Obedience always brings blessing. John echoes this principle recording Jesus' words that

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him." (Jn 14:21)

What instruction has God given you that you need to obey, so that you might enjoy the blessing of an ever increasing awareness of His presence?

Expositor's Bible Commentary comments that

Remember that Ezekiel's mouth is still stopped and he is not to speak to the exiles unless God tells him. Thus "Say to them..." is Ezekiel's clue that God is opening his mouth, giving him the means and the message to speak. This is a good pattern for all God's "watchmen" to follow.

"This burden" (prophetic oracle) (Hebrew masa') (2Ki 9:25; Is 13:1; 14:28; Mal1:1) can mean a load that is carried about, but in the present context refers to an oracle or a pronouncement, and specifically to a prophetic utterance with the focus being on the content of the prophesy.

"The prince in Jerusalem" (Ezek 7:27; 17:13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21; 21:25, 26, 27; Je21:7; 24:8; 38:18) is a reference to Zedekiah who the ruler of Judah as Ezekiel prophesied and was the third son of Josiah to sit on the throne and the last ruler of Judah. Ezekiel does not use the Hebrew term melek for "king". The Septuagint concurs, translating "prince" with the Greek word archon, meaning one in a position of eminence, ruling capacity or leadership, especially referring to civic leadership.

John MacArthur observes that

I am a sign indicates Ezekiel and his dramatic actions was to the exiles the discernible indication of what was not itself directly perceptible by their senses or reason.

Matthew Henry explaining the need for a sign for rebellious Israel (and for all who are rebellious) reasons that

"The ignorance of those that are willfully ignorant, that have faculties and means and will not use them, is so far from being their excuse that it adds rebellion to their sin. None so blind, so deaf, as those that will not see, that will not hear. They see not, they hear not; for they are a rebellious house. The cause is all from themselves: the darkness of the understanding is owing to the stubbornness of the will. Now this is the reason why he must speak to them by signs, as deaf people are taught, that they might be either instructed or ashamed. Note, Ministers must accommodate themselves not only to the weakness, but to the willfulness of those they deal with, and deal with them accordingly: if they dwell among those that are rebellious they must speak to them the more plainly and pressingly, and take that course that is most likely to work upon them, that they may be left inexcusable."

So it will done to them" Who is them? In context, them refers to King Zedekiah and his court officials. (see note above)

"Exile into captivity" (Je15:2; 52:15,28-30) can also be translated "captive into captivity".  While exile can be voluntary, Zedekiah's exile is forced for the second Hebrew word translated "captivity"

"He will cover His face" (Ezek 12:6; 2 Ki25:4; Je39:4; 42:7) reflects Zedekiah's attempt to minimize his recognition and maximize his chances of escape. Although the context is much different, President George W Bush left his ranch at Crawford, Texas in the dead of night with a baseball cap pulled over his head to minimize recognition and maximize the chances that he would be able to carry out a surprise visit to the American troops in Iraq on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2003. His mission succeeded whereas Zedekiah's attempt failed. Why did it fail? Because God said it would fail and God's Word never fails! Ezekiel's prophecy delivered 5 years before Jerusalem fell, came to pass exactly as had been predicted.

As discussed in Ezek 12:6, Cooper agrees that the

"I will spread My net....he will be caught in My snare...I will bring him to Babylon" (2Ki 25:5, 6, 7; Je34:3; 39:7; 52:8, 9, 10, 11)

This is the LORD speaking declaring in the first person that He Himself will carry out the capture and exile of King Zedekiah. And yet we know from the Scriptures noted earlier (click here) that Babylon carries out the plan and purpose of God. God is completely sovereign. Jeremiah illustrates Jehovah's sovereignty over earthly "sovereigns" in his prophesy of God

calling a bird of prey from the east (King Cyrus who God summoned to conquer Babylon so that a remnant of Jews could return to Jerusalem at the end of 70 years), the man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it." (Isa46:11)

The point is that God may use any tool He wants to accomplish His purposes on earth (Ro 9:14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23-notes).

Net (Hebrew =reset) (Ezek 17:16,20; 19:8,9; 32:3; Job19:6; Ps 11:6; Is24:17,18; Je 50:24; La 3:47; 4:19,20; Luke 21:35) describes the

"instrument used to catch game, as birds (Pr1:17); it was made out of cords woven together. Sometimes a net was spread over a pit; the animal became entrapped in the net as he fell into the hole...This word is employed metaphorically to describe people being trapped by their enemies. The wicked spread nets to overcome the righteous (Ps140:5), and the arrogant lay a net by flattery (Pr29:5). However, they often become trapped in their own deeds (Job 18:8). Priests and rulers too lay a net for the people by entangling them in sin (Ho5:1). On the other hand, God spreads a net for disobedient Israel (Hos 7:12; Ezek17:20) and for Pharaoh (Ezek 32:3). It means they shall be taken into captivity. This image draws from real life, for a picture...shows a Mesopotamian king containing his enemies in a net (cf. La1:13). The righteous, however, escape the net of the wicked by confidently calling on God, their refuge (Ps 25:15; 31:4)." (Harris, R L, Archer, G L & Waltke, B K Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. Moody Press or  Logos software version) 

The IVP Background Commentary adds that

"the image of God snaring his enemies in a net is a common one in ancient Near Eastern art. Among the most graphic is the Stele of the Vultures, which depicts the Sumerian god Ningirsu holding a net of woven reeds in his left hand. Imprisoned within the net are the soldiers of Umma who had attacked Eannatum, the king of Lagash. Egyptian art from the reign of Necho II portrays the pharaoh gathering his foes in a gigantic net " (Matthews, V. h., Chavalas, M. W., & Walton, J. H. (2000). The IVP Bible background commentary : Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)

Adam Clarke has an interesting comment on "net" writing that it may be a

"reference to an ancient manner of fighting. One, who was called the retiarius, had a small casting net, which if he could throw over his antagonist’s head, he then dispatched him with his sword; if he missed his throw, he was obliged to run in order to get his net once more adjusted for another throw. In the mean time the other pursued him with all his speed to prevent this, and to dispatch him; hence he was called secutor: the first the netman, the second the pursuer."

Allen writes that

"The king would be captured not merely by Nebuchadnezzar’s troops but by the divine adversary who masterminded the Babylonian campaign and made it the means of his retribution. Yahweh was the hunter who would trap his prey and give it to his servants to take proudly home. The net is not a sort of giant butterfly net but, as the context of Ezek 19:8 makes clear, part of an ambush toward which the frightened victim would be driven to be entangled by netting spread on the ground or to fall into a pit dug under it." (Allen, L. C.  Vol. 28: Word Biblical Commentary : Ezekiel 1-19. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated)

"I will bring him to Babylon...yet he will not see it though he will die there" describes a prophecy fulfilled to the letter. Scripture records that Zedekiah was captured by Nebuchadnezzar who passed sentence and

"they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, then put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him with bronze fetters and brought him to Babylon." (2Ki 25:7, repeated in Jer39:7, 52:11) 

The practice of gouging out a prisoner’s eyes appears in the Assyrian Annals of Ashurnasirpal II in the ninth century and those of Sargon II in the eighth century. This was simply one of several terror tactics employed to frighten and humiliate their enemies.

Speaking between 592 and 591 bc, Ezekiel predicted the deportation of Jerusalem’s population to Babylon about 5 years later, and prophesied exactly what would happen to Zedekiah. This detailed fulfillment of prophecy should encourage every saint and cause every sinner to tremble. (see devotional below) In Isaiah God asks

"'who is like Me? Let him proclaim and declare it; Yes, let him recount it to Me in order, from the time that I established the ancient nation. And let them declare to them the things that are coming and the events that are going to take place. Do not tremble and do not be afraid. Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock? I know of none.'" (Isa44:7, 8)

The land of the Chaldeans  The IVP Background Commentary says that

The Chaldeans are first mentioned in Mesopotamian sources in the ninth century b.c. Although related ethnically to the other Aramean tribes of southern Babylonia, they had a distinct tribal structure. As the Assyrian empire began to weaken, Chaldean leaders, including Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar, eventually gained their independence and established the Neo-Babylonian dynasty after 625 b.c. The areas that they controlled and within which they settled the exiles from Judah ranged from all of southern Mesopotamia to the region west of Haran on the upper reaches of the Euphrates River." (Matthews, V. h., Chavalas, M. W., & Walton, J. H. (2000). The IVP Bible background commentary : Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)|

The Value of Prophecy - Some people believe that the Bible is merely a haphazard collection of ancient writings. But we have good reason to believe it is God's inspired Word. For example, the Bible contains prophecies that have been fulfilled. Centuries before specific events took place, the writers of Scripture predicted their occurrence, and in the course of time those events came to pass. No matter how farsighted we may be, we cannot foretell the future with any precision. Indeed, our best guesses often turn out to be wrong. Here are some examples:

"Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value." Who said that? A renowned professor of military strategy. "Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau." This pronouncement was made by a distinguished economist just before the financial crash of 1929. The Bible, however, is filled with dramatic examples of fulfilled prophecy. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 and Psalm 22:1-18 record details about the crucifixion of Christ hundreds of years before this cruel form of execution was ever practiced. When we pick up the Bible, we can rest assured that we are holding in our hands the one authoritative divine revelation of truth—a claim verified by fulfilled prophecy. —V C Grounds  (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

"I will scatter...all who are around him". Note Who performs the "scattering". In context "him" refers to Zedekiah and those around would be his body guards. Jeremiah records that when

"the city (Jerusalem) was broken into, and all the men of war fled and went forth from the city at night by way of the gate between the two walls which was by the king's garden, though the Chaldeans were all around the city. And they went by way of the Arabah." (Jer 52:7)

He goes on to add that

the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him." (Jer 52:8)

Thus we see a detailed fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy.

To every wind probably alludes to the four winds and so to every corner of the world, north, south, east and west.

Allen comments that Zedekiah's

"bodyguard and army would be no match for Yahweh’s punitive onslaught.... Dispersed and chased to their deaths, they would be unable to protect their sovereign from divine judgment. By this fate they would recognize at last the work of the divine judge, undoing all their misplaced patriotism and loyalty."  (Allen, L. C.  Vol. 28: Word Biblical Commentary : Ezekiel 1-19. Word Biblical Commentary.  Dallas: Word, Incorporated)

"I will draw a sword after them" (Ezek 5:2,12; 14:17,21; Lv 26:33; Je 42:16,22) is similar to Ezekiel's earlier prophecy that

Moses had warned Israel that the judgment for idolatry would be their dispersion among the Gentile nations declaring that

"the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and you shall be left few in number (a remnant) among the nations (goyim, the Gentiles), where the LORD shall drive you.  And there you will serve gods, the work of man’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell. But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days, you will return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice." (Dt 4:27, 28, 29, 30)

The remarkable fulfillment of the worldwide dispersion of the Jews over the last  2000 years is a testimony to the inerrant accuracy of the Bible and the assurance that in the latter days the Jews will return to the Lord, this period culminating in the time of Jacob's trouble or the great tribulation.

Note once again the frequent use of the Divine first person in this and the surrounding verses (Ezek 12:13, 14,15, 16). God is the righteous Judge Who personally executes the judgment against the rebellious house.

"and spread them..." is the Hebrew verb zarah which literally describes the stirring up of air to produce a scattering and spreading effect. The Greek verb is diaspeiro meaning to scatter abroad or disperse, and here prophesies a worldwide dispersion of the Jews. The picture inherent in the use of this verb is interesting as it was used to describe the cleansing of grain of chaff by the motion of wind.

Here in Ezekiel we see that God's chosen people require a purifying also, but it will be a chastening experience; hence the Lord is said, metaphorically, "to fan" His people ("And I will winnow them with a winnowing fork at the gates of the land. I will bereave them of children, I will destroy My people. (Why?) They did not repent of their ways" Jer15:7), with the result that they will be scattered as chaff to various distant places.

Moses warned this would happen if Israel forsook the covenant

"You, however, I will scatter among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, as your land becomes desolate and your cities become waste" Lev 26:33

Let's apply this truth: Note the crucial time phrase “when”. We can acknowledge Him now, in salvation. Or later, in judgment, when it is too late.

Paul reaffirms this truth declaring that Jesus

"humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil 2:8, 9, 10, 11-note)

He is Lord. Now or later.
Which will your choice be?

Allen writes that

Isaiah reminded his Jewish readers that

Unless the LORD of hosts had left us a few survivors, we would be like Sodom, we would be like Gomorrah. (Isa 1:9-note)

As discussed in depth in Ezekiel 6:8 the concept of the remnant is interwoven throughout the Old and New Testament. In Romans God confirms the certainty of a preserved remnant , declaring (quoting His response to Elijah)

"I HAVE KEPT for Myself 7000 MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL. In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God's gracious choice." (Ro11:4,5-note)

The persistence of a Jewish remnant is living proof of the grace of God.

Note the two reasons why God says He will spare a few of the Jews (read the verse again to see His reasons).

Earlier God had promised

"I shall leave a remnant, for you will have those who escaped the sword among the nations when you are scattered among the countries. Then those of you who escape will remember Me among the nations to which they will be carried captive, how I have been hurt by their adulterous hearts which turned away from Me, and by their eyes, which played the harlot after their idols; and they will loathe themselves in their own sight for the evils which they have committed, for all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD; I have not said in vain that I would inflict this disaster on them."' (Ezek 6:8-10)

"That they may tell all their abomination among the nations" (Ezek 14:22,23; 36:31; Lv 26:40,41; Je 3:24,25; Da 9:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), where nations is another name for the Gentiles, heathen, pagans or those who do not know the living God. Thus some of the surviving Jews were dispersed among foreign nations as witnesses that the nation was in exile because of their iniquity and not because of God’s lack of care or inability to defend them. The latter supposition would be a natural interpretation of Israel’s misfortune due to the common view in the ancient Near East of each nation having a patron deity.

"Abomination" means that which is loathed or abhorred and figuratively was used on occasion as a synonym for an idol (see Isa 44:19, 2Ki23:13), which is most likely as least part of the intended meaning in this verse.

The Hebrew word (caphar) for "tell" is interesting as it conveys the idea of taking account of something or of carefully observing and considering and then recounting it in detail to another. The point is that the dispersed Jews would provide a detailed account of why there were in dispersion (see the cross references below which expand on this truth)

In Deuteronomy we read that

"all the nations shall say, 'Why has the LORD done thus to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?' Then men shall say, 'Because they forsook the covenant of the LORD, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. And they went and served other gods and worshiped them, gods whom they have not known and whom He had not allotted to them. Therefore, the anger of the LORD burned against that land, to bring upon it every curse which is written in this book; and the LORD uprooted them from their land in anger and in fury and in great wrath, and cast them into another land, as it is this day." (Dt 29:24-28)

Jehovah again warns King Solomon and the people declaring

"if you or your sons shall indeed turn away from following Me, and shall not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you and shall go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land which I have given them, and the house which I have consecrated for My name, I will cast out of My sight. So Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And this house will become a heap of ruins; everyone who passes by will be astonished and hiss and say, 'Why has the LORD done thus to this land and to this house?' And they will say, 'Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and adopted other gods and worshiped them and served them, therefore the LORD has brought all this adversity on them.'" (1Ki9:6-9)

Jeremiah warns those with ears that cannot hear again declaring that

"many nations will pass by this city; and they will say to one another, 'Why has the LORD done thus to this great city?' Then they (not the Jews but the Gentiles who are discussing the fate of the Jews) will answer, 'Because they forsook the covenant of the LORD their God and bowed down to other gods and served them.'" (Je22:8,9)

Gill writes that the Gentiles upon

"observing their calamities, and distresses, would read their sin in their punishment; and conclude they must have been guilty of great enormities, who were punished in such a manner; so that their punishment was a visible and standing declaration to the heathens of the abominable sins they had been guilty of".

They...may know that I am the LORD Once again we see as so often throughout this book, that judgment has a goal, namely the creation of awareness in those that are judged “that I am the Lord” (Ezek 12:15, 16).

This judgment had a purpose for as God said earlier

"...I will leave a remnant, for you will have those who escaped the sword among the nations when you are scattered among the countries. Then those of you who escape will remember Me among the nations to which they will be carried captive, how I have been hurt by their adulterous hearts which turned away from Me, and by their eyes which played the harlot after their idols; and they will loathe themselves in their own sight for the evils which they have committed, for all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD; I have not said in vain that I would inflict this disaster on them."' (Ezek 6:9-11)

As Craigie comments

The purpose (to know God is LORD) makes the judgment positive and worth while. To live life without the knowledge that God is the LORD is to miss the entire point of human existence. And so the judgment may ultimately be seen as an act of mercy: if the truth cannot be learned in peace, then it must be learned in judgment—but either is preferable to not learning the truth at all." (Craigie, P. C.  Ezekiel. The Daily study Bible series. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press)