Ezekiel 4 (Septuagint: ChatGPT)

The Septuagint version differs from the Masoretic Text and the Targum: the Septuagint has the additional 150 days in verse 4; and elsewhere, the 190 days in place of 390 days.

“The anger of the Lord shall not return, until He has executed and until He has performed the intent of His thought; in the latter days ye shall understand it perfectly” Jeremiah 23:20

Ezekiel 4 (Septuagint: translation and comments from ChatGPT)

1 ΚΑΙ σύ, υἱὲ ἀνθρώπου, λαβὲ σεαυτῷ πλίνθον καὶ θήσεις αὐτὴν πρὸ προσώπου σου καὶ διαγράψεις ἐπ᾿ αὐτὴν πόλιν τὴν ῾Ιερουσαλήμ

Translation: “And you, son of man, take a brick and place it before yourself and engrave upon it the city of Jerusalem.”

Commentary: This verse is from the Book of Ezekiel in the Bible, specifically Ezekiel 4:1. In this prophetic vision, God instructs Ezekiel to take a brick and engrave the name of Jerusalem on it. This action is symbolic and serves several purposes:

Symbolic Representation: The brick represents Jerusalem, and the act of engraving it signifies the city’s importance and centrality in the prophecy. This visual representation is meant to convey a message about the city’s fate.
Prophetic Significance: By placing the brick before himself, Ezekiel is enacting a symbolic prophecy concerning Jerusalem. It is a way to communicate the message of divine judgment and impending disaster to the people.
Visual Aid: The act serves as a tangible reminder of the prophecy and the conditions facing Jerusalem. It helps to make the abstract message more concrete and memorable for those receiving it.

Overall, this prophetic act is part of a broader narrative in which Ezekiel uses symbolic actions to convey God’s messages about the consequences of Jerusalem’s actions and its future.

2 καὶ δώσεις ἐπ᾿ αὐτὴν περιοχὴν καὶ οἰκοδομήσεις ἐπ᾿ αὐτὴν προμαχῶνας καὶ περιβαλεῖς ἐπ᾿ αὐτὴν χάρακα καὶ δώσεις ἐπ᾿ αὐτὴν παρεμβολὰς καὶ τάξεις τὰς βελοστάσεις κύκλῳ.

Translation: “And you shall place a siege works against it, and you shall build a siege wall against it, and you shall set up a mound against it, and you shall place camps against it, and you shall place battering rams against it all around.”

Commentary: This verse continues from Ezekiel 4:1, detailing specific actions Ezekiel is instructed to perform with the brick representing Jerusalem. These actions are symbolic representations of the siege that will come upon the city:

Siege Works: The verse describes the construction of siege works, which include building a siege wall, placing a mound (or rampart), and setting up camps and battering rams. These are all elements used in ancient warfare to lay siege to a city.
Symbolic Representation of Siege: By enacting these symbols, Ezekiel is illustrating the forthcoming siege and destruction of Jerusalem. The brick and the detailed construction are meant to represent the military actions that will besiege the city, emphasizing the severity of the forthcoming divine judgment.
Prophetic Symbolism: Each element of the siege (wall, mound, camps, and battering rams) serves as a visual metaphor for the various aspects of the siege and destruction that Jerusalem will face. It is a vivid way to convey the seriousness of the prophecy and the certainty of its fulfillment.
Divine Judgment: This act is a dramatic and impactful way to show the people of Jerusalem that their city will be surrounded, attacked, and ultimately destroyed due to their actions and disobedience. The detailed depiction serves to underline the inevitability of the divine judgment being foretold.

Overall, Ezekiel’s actions are intended to serve as a powerful visual representation of the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, underscoring the gravity of the prophetic message.

3 καὶ σὺ λάβε σεαυτῷ τήγανον σιδηροῦν καὶ θήσεις αὐτὸ τοῖχον σιδηροῦν ἀνὰ μέσον σοῦ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον τῆς πόλεως καὶ ἑτοιμάσεις τὸ πρόσωπόν σου ἐπ᾿ αὐτήν, καὶ ἔσται ἐν συγκλεισμῷ, καὶ συγκλείσεις αὐτήν· σημεῖόν ἐστι τοῦτο τοῖς υἱοῖς ᾿Ισραήλ.

Translation: “And you, take for yourself a piece of ironware and set it as an iron wall between you and the city, and prepare your face against it, and it shall be in a state of siege, and you shall besiege it. This shall be a sign to the children of Israel.”

Commentary:

Iron Wall: Ezekiel is instructed to take a piece of iron (likely a pan or similar object) and use it as a symbolic iron wall between himself and the city of Jerusalem. This act symbolizes the impenetrable barrier that will exist between Jerusalem and its deliverance, emphasizing the severity of the siege and the divine judgment.
Symbolic Representation: By preparing his face against the iron wall, Ezekiel is demonstrating the divine judgment that will come against Jerusalem. The wall symbolizes the impenetrable nature of the siege and the separation between the people and their salvation.
Sign to Israel: This act serves as a symbolic gesture to the people of Israel, making the prophecy tangible and visually impactful. It represents the certainty of the siege and the divine intention to bring about judgment upon the city.
State of Siege: The instruction to place the iron wall and to be in a state of siege emphasizes the unrelenting nature of the forthcoming siege. It is a metaphor for the divine decision to cut off Jerusalem from any hope of escape or deliverance.

Overall, this act is meant to vividly demonstrate the divine judgment and the forthcoming siege of Jerusalem. By using tangible symbols, Ezekiel helps the people visualize the gravity of the situation and the inevitability of the divine decree.

4 Καὶ σὺ κοιμηθήσῃ ἐπὶ τὸ πλευρόν σου τὸ ἀριστερὸν καὶ θήσεις τὰς ἀδικίας τοῦ οἴκου ᾿Ισραὴλ ἐπ᾿ αὐτοῦ κατὰ ἀριθμὸν τῶν ἡμερῶν πεντήκοντα καὶ ἑκατόν, ἃς κοιμηθήσῃ ἐπ᾿ αὐτοῦ, καὶ λήψῃ τὰς ἀδικίας αὐτῶν.

Translation: “And you shall lie on your left side and set the iniquities of the house of Israel upon it, according to the number of the days, fifty and one hundred, upon which you shall lie upon it, and you shall bear their iniquities.”

Commentary:

Lying on the Left Side: Ezekiel is instructed to lie on his left side as a symbolic act representing the bearing of the iniquities of the house of Israel. This act is both a physical and symbolic demonstration of the burdens that Israel will face due to their sins.
Number of Days: The command specifies a period of 150 days (fifty plus one hundred). Each day represents a period of time in which Ezekiel will symbolically bear the sins of Israel. This could be interpreted as representing the cumulative guilt and judgment that will be imposed on the nation.
Bearing Iniquities: By lying on his side for the specified period, Ezekiel is symbolically carrying the weight of Israel’s sins. This act emphasizes the severity of Israel’s transgressions and the corresponding divine judgment they are to face.
Symbolic Act: This prophetic action is designed to make the consequences of Israel’s iniquities more tangible to them. The act serves as a visual representation of the spiritual and moral burden they bear and the forthcoming punishment.

Overall, this instruction further emphasizes the seriousness of Israel’s sins and the impending divine judgment. It uses Ezekiel’s physical actions to symbolize the spiritual reality of Israel’s situation, making the prophecy more vivid and impactful for the people.

5 καὶ ἐγὼ δέδωκά σοι τὰς δύο ἀδικίας αὐτῶν εἰς ἀριθμὸν ἡμερῶν ἐνενήκοντα καὶ ἑκατὸν ἡμέρας. καὶ λήψῃ τὰς ἀδικίας τοῦ οἴκου ᾿Ισραὴλ

Translation: “And I have given you the two iniquities of them for a number of ninety and one hundred days. And you shall bear the iniquities of the house of Israel.”

Commentary:

Two Iniquities: This verse indicates that Ezekiel will bear “two iniquities,” which might refer to the major sins or transgressions committed by the house of Israel. The specific nature of these “two iniquities” is not detailed in this verse but is a part of the symbolic act.
Ninety and One Hundred Days: The period of 190 days (ninety plus one hundred) is significant. This extended period underscores the gravity and the extensive nature of the sins being symbolically represented. It suggests a prolonged period of suffering or judgment proportional to the sins.
Bearing Iniquities: Ezekiel’s symbolic act of lying on his side for this extended period is meant to bear the burden of Israel’s iniquities. It reinforces the concept that the prophet is taking on the symbolic role of suffering for the nation’s sins, illustrating the weight of their wrongdoing and the severity of the consequences they face.
Symbolism of Time: The use of specific time frames in prophetic actions is common in biblical texts. It conveys the idea that the consequences of sin and divine judgment are not immediate but will unfold over a defined period.

In summary, this passage continues the symbolic act of Ezekiel bearing the sins of Israel, emphasizing the seriousness of their iniquities and the length of time during which this symbolic burden will be carried. The specific numbers serve to underline the extensive nature of Israel’s transgressions and the protracted period of judgment they face.

6 καὶ συντελέσεις ταῦτα πάντα· καὶ κοιμηθήσῃ ἐπὶ τὸ πλευρόν σου τὸ δεξιὸν καὶ λήψῃ τὰς ἀδικίας τοῦ οἴκου ᾿Ιούδα τεσσαράκοντα ἡμέρας. ἡμέραν εἰς ἐνιαυτὸν τέθεικά σοι.

Translation: “And you shall complete all these things. And you shall lie on your right side and bear the iniquities of the house of Judah forty days. A day for each year have I appointed for you.”

Commentary:

Completion of the Symbolic Acts: This verse continues the instructions given to Ezekiel, indicating that he will complete the symbolic acts he has been performing. The completion signifies the end of a period of symbolic representation of the nation’s sins.
Lying on the Right Side: The change from lying on the left side to the right side signifies a transition in the symbolic act. The right side is often associated with favor or blessing in biblical symbolism, which may indicate a shift in focus from the iniquities of Israel to those of Judah.
Bearing the Iniquities of Judah: Ezekiel is now instructed to bear the iniquities of the house of Judah specifically, separate from those of Israel. This reflects the idea that Judah, while related, is being judged for its own distinct set of sins.
Forty Days: The period of forty days represents a time of judgment or testing, which is a common symbolic duration in biblical texts. It contrasts with the one hundred ninety days previously assigned for Israel, emphasizing a different or lesser duration for Judah’s sins.
Day for Each Year: The principle of “a day for each year” is a common prophetic symbolism where each day represents a year of actual time. This means that Ezekiel’s forty days correspond to forty years of judgment or consequences for the house of Judah.
Symbolic Judgment: The use of symbolic acts and specific time frames in Ezekiel serves to convey the seriousness and extent of divine judgment against the nations. It emphasizes that the consequences of sin are not arbitrary but are proportional to the sins committed.

In summary, this passage details the final part of Ezekiel’s symbolic actions, focusing on Judah and using a forty-day period to represent forty years of iniquity. The use of symbolic time frames underscores the prophetic message about the consequences of sin and divine judgment.

7 καὶ εἰς τὸν συγκλεισμὸν ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ ἑτοιμάσεις τὸ πρόσωπόν σου καὶ τὸν βραχίονά σου στερεώσεις καὶ προφητεύσεις ἐπ᾿ αὐτήν.

Translation: “And you shall prepare your face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and you shall strengthen your arm, and prophesy against it.”

Commentary:

Preparing the Face Toward the Siege: This instruction directs Ezekiel to face towards Jerusalem, symbolizing his role in focusing on and confronting the impending siege. It emphasizes the importance of his prophetic message and the seriousness of the judgment that is about to fall upon Jerusalem.
Strengthening the Arm: This could symbolize the act of fortifying oneself or preparing to take a strong stand against the city. It might also indicate the need for strength and resilience in delivering the message of prophecy, as well as in the face of the forthcoming judgment.
Prophesying Against Jerusalem: Ezekiel is tasked with delivering a prophetic message that condemns Jerusalem. This continues the theme of prophetic judgment against the city, emphasizing that the consequences of its actions are being communicated clearly and authoritatively.
Symbolic Representation of Siege: The act of preparing his face and arm towards the city symbolizes Ezekiel’s active engagement in the prophetic role. It serves as a representation of the siege that Jerusalem will experience, reinforcing the gravity of the situation and the certainty of its occurrence.
Prophetic Responsibility: This instruction highlights the responsibility of the prophet to actively communicate and address the judgment that is about to come. It underscores the role of prophecy not just as a passive revelation but as an active declaration of divine will.

In summary, this verse focuses on the act of Ezekiel preparing himself to prophesy against Jerusalem, symbolically aligning himself with the impending siege and emphasizing his role in delivering the message of judgment. The preparation and strengthening indicate the seriousness and urgency of his prophetic task.

8 καὶ ἐγὼ ἰδοὺ δέδωκα ἐπὶ σὲ δεσμούς, καὶ μὴ στραφῇς ἀπὸ τοῦ πλευροῦ σου ἐπὶ τὸ πλευρόν σου, ἕως οὗ συντελεσθῶσιν ἡμέραι τοῦ συγκλεισμοῦ σου.

Translation: “And behold, I have placed chains upon you, and you shall not turn from your side to the other side, until the days of your siege are completed.”

Commentary:

Chains Upon You: This symbolizes the physical and symbolic restraints placed upon Ezekiel, illustrating the seriousness and constraint of the prophetic message he must deliver. It represents the limitation and burden of his role, as well as the confinement of the people’s situation being prophesied.
Not Turning From Your Side: Ezekiel is instructed to remain in a fixed position, which can be seen as a metaphor for steadfastness and unwavering focus on the prophecy and its message. This permanence signifies the unchanging nature of the prophecy and the inevitable reality of the siege.
Completion of the Siege: The duration of Ezekiel’s confinement corresponds with the length of the siege he is prophesying about. It emphasizes the connection between the prophet’s experience and the events he is foretelling. Until the siege is fulfilled, Ezekiel must maintain his position, reflecting the ongoing nature of the divine judgment.
Symbolic Representation: The physical act of remaining in one position and being bound by chains symbolizes the prophet’s dedication and the inescapable nature of the message he must deliver. It conveys the gravity of the judgment and the necessity for the people to understand the seriousness of their situation.

In summary, this verse illustrates the extent of Ezekiel’s prophetic mission, emphasizing his unchanging position and the physical constraints imposed on him as symbols of the impending siege and the unalterable nature of the divine message.

9 Καὶ σὺ λάβε σεαυτῷ πυροὺς καὶ κριθὰς καὶ κύαμον καὶ φακὸν καὶ κέγχρον καὶ ὄλυραν καὶ ἐμβαλεῖς αὐτὰ εἰς ἄγγος ἓν ὀστράκινον καὶ ποιήσεις αὐτὰ σεαυτῷ εἰς ἄρτους, καὶ κατὰ ἀριθμὸν τῶν ἡμερῶν, ἃς σὺ καθεύδεις ἐπὶ τοῦ πλευροῦ σου, ἐνενήκοντα καὶ ἑκατὸν ἡμέρας φάγεσαι αὐτά.

Translation: “And you shall take for yourself wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt, and you shall put them into one vessel of clay and make them into bread for yourself. According to the number of the days that you lie on your side, ninety and one hundred days you shall eat it.”

Commentary:

Ingredients for Bread: The specified ingredients—wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt—are basic staples and represent a form of simple sustenance. The use of these ingredients underscores the scarcity and hardship during the siege, as Ezekiel is commanded to prepare his food from these basic, less refined elements.
One Vessel of Clay: The use of a clay vessel emphasizes the humble and makeshift nature of the preparation. Clay is a common material, often associated with everyday use and simplicity.
Bread Preparation: Making bread from these mixed grains signifies endurance and survival under duress. The act of baking bread with these ingredients symbolizes the sustenance needed during the time of hardship and siege.
Number of Days: The command to eat this bread for ninety and one hundred days corresponds to the number of days Ezekiel was to lie on his side, reflecting the extended period of the siege and the prolonged nature of the suffering that is being prophesied.
Symbolic Act: This act serves as a physical manifestation of the coming hardship and scarcity that the people will face during the siege. It is a dramatic representation meant to convey the severity of the situation and to prepare the people for the difficult times ahead.

In summary, Ezekiel’s preparation of bread with basic ingredients and the duration for which he must eat it serve to symbolize the impending deprivation and suffering that will be experienced during the siege. It is a vivid and tangible sign intended to communicate the reality of the prophesied judgment and to impress upon the people the severity of their situation.

10 καὶ τὸ βρῶμά σου, ὃ φάγεσαι, ἐν σταθμῷ εἴκοσι σίκλους τὴν ἡμέραν· ἀπὸ καιροῦ ἕως καιροῦ φάγεσαι αὐτά.

Translation: “And your food, which you shall eat, shall be in a measure of twenty shekels a day; from time to time you shall eat it.”

Commentary:

Daily Ration: The specific measure of twenty shekels per day for food indicates a strict rationing of provisions. This reflects the scarcity and the controlled distribution of resources during the siege. The use of a weight measurement (shekels) underlines the precise and limited nature of the food supply.
Controlled Intake: The phrase “from time to time” suggests that Ezekiel is to eat this rationed amount intermittently, further emphasizing the hardship and the limited availability of food. This intermittent consumption highlights the severity of the famine and siege conditions.
Symbolic Representation: This regulation of daily food intake serves to underscore the reality of deprivation and scarcity that the people will face. By living under these conditions, Ezekiel is dramatizing the suffering that the Israelites will endure due to the siege.

In summary, the prescription of a specific measure of food per day and the command to eat it intermittently are meant to symbolize the extreme rationing and deprivation that will occur during the siege, reinforcing the message of judgment and hardship.

11 καὶ ὕδωρ ἐν μέτρῳ πίεσαι τὸ ἕκτον τοῦ εἴν· ἀπὸ καιροῦ ἕως καιροῦ πίεσαι.

Translation: “And you shall drink water by measure, the sixth part of a hin; from time to time you shall drink it.”

Commentary:

Water Rationing: The instruction to drink water by measure, specifically the sixth part of a hin, illustrates the precise control and limitation of resources. A hin is a unit of liquid measure, and the sixth part indicates a very small quantity, reflecting the severe scarcity of water during the siege.
Intermittent Consumption: The phrase “from time to time” again emphasizes the irregularity in the availability of water, mirroring the irregularities and hardships faced by the besieged. This highlights the challenging conditions that the people will experience.
Symbolic Significance: Just as with the food, the measured and intermittent nature of the water consumption symbolizes the broader deprivation and the dire circumstances resulting from the siege. It represents the suffering and the constraints imposed on the people.

Overall, this command reinforces the theme of scarcity and suffering by illustrating the restricted availability of both food and water during the siege, underlining the harsh conditions that the Israelites will endure as part of the prophetic message.

12 καὶ ἐγκρυφίαν κρίθινον φάγεσαι αὐτά· ἐν βολβίτοις κόπρου ἀνθρωπίνης ἐγκρύψεις αὐτὰ κατ᾿ ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν

Translation: “And you shall eat it as barley cakes, and you shall bake it with human dung in their sight.”

Commentary:

Barley Cakes: The use of barley cakes as a staple food highlights the poverty and dire conditions of the people. Barley was a lower-grade grain compared to wheat and was often associated with hardship and scarcity.
Human Dung: The instruction to bake the cakes with human dung is a profound symbol of defilement and degradation. This act represents the extreme impurity and the depth of the suffering that the people will experience.
Public Display: The fact that Ezekiel is to perform this act “in their sight” emphasizes the public nature of the suffering and humiliation. It is not just a personal suffering but one that is meant to be witnessed and serve as a visible sign of the dire consequences of the people’s actions.
Prophetic Sign: This act serves as a prophetic symbol of the defilement and humiliation that will accompany the siege of Jerusalem. It graphically illustrates the consequences of disobedience and the resulting judgment.

In summary, the command to bake barley cakes with human dung is a dramatic and powerful symbol meant to convey the extreme distress and defilement that will befall the people of Jerusalem as a result of their actions. It underscores the severity of the impending judgment and serves as a stark visual aid to the prophecy.

13 καὶ ἐρεῖς· τάδε λέγει Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ ᾿Ισραήλ· οὕτως φάγονται οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ ᾿Ισραὴλ ἀκάθαρτα ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσι.

Translation: “And you shall say: Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘So shall the children of Israel eat their bread unclean among the nations.’”

Commentary:

Prophetic Message: This statement reinforces the symbolism of Ezekiel’s actions. By eating bread in such a defiled manner, Ezekiel is illustrating the future condition of the Israelites. The bread, which is a basic staple, becomes a symbol of the Israelites’ impurity and degradation.
Unclean Among the Nations: The phrase “unclean among the nations” signifies that the Israelites will experience their bread—i.e., their sustenance and way of life—in a state of impurity and dishonor while they are scattered among the Gentile nations. This represents their loss of dignity and the harsh consequences of their disobedience.
Spiritual Implication: This act and statement are meant to show the spiritual and moral state of the people. The unclean eating practices highlight their estrangement from God and the resulting punishment of living among the nations in disgrace.
Historical Context: This prophecy reflects the historical context of the Babylonian exile. The Israelites’ disobedience and sin lead to their downfall and exile, symbolized here by their unclean consumption of bread among foreign nations.

In summary, this prophecy emphasizes the profound consequences of the Israelites’ actions—living in defilement and disgrace among other nations, as a direct result of their disobedience to God.

14 καὶ εἶπα· μηδαμῶς, Κύριε Θεὲ τοῦ ᾿Ισραήλ· ἰδοὺ ἡ ψυχή μου οὺ μεμίανται ἐν ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ θνησιμαῖον καὶ θηριάλωτον οὐ βέβρωκα ἀπὸ γενέσεώς μου ἕως τοῦ νῦν, οὐδὲ εἰσελήλυθεν εἰς τὸ στόμα μου πᾶν κρέας ἕωλον.

Translation: “And I said: ‘Not so, Lord God of Israel; behold, my soul has not been defiled by any unclean thing, and from my youth until now, I have not eaten anything that dies of itself or is torn by beasts, nor has any unclean meat entered my mouth.’”

Commentary:

Objection by Ezekiel: Ezekiel’s response shows his concern about violating his personal and religious purity. As a prophet committed to adhering strictly to the laws and customs, he is expressing his objection to the command, citing his longstanding adherence to dietary laws and purity.
Personal Purity: Ezekiel emphasizes his personal dedication to ritual purity by mentioning that he has avoided eating anything that is ceremonially unclean or considered impure by Jewish dietary laws. This reflects his devoutness and adherence to religious rules.
Divine Instruction vs. Personal Convictions: Ezekiel’s objection highlights the tension between divine commands and personal convictions. Although he is commanded to perform a symbolic act that involves eating defiled food, he is reluctant to do so because it conflicts with his principles and past practices.
Symbolic Act: The divine command for Ezekiel to eat unclean food is symbolic, representing the spiritual and moral state of Israel. However, Ezekiel’s concern illustrates the gravity of this symbolic act, showing how deeply entrenched and respected the laws of ritual purity are in the life of a devout Israelite.
Religious Context: This passage underscores the struggle between the prophet’s personal piety and the need to convey a prophetic message. The act of eating defiled food serves as a powerful symbol of the Israelites’ future state, but it challenges Ezekiel’s commitment to maintaining his own purity.

In summary, Ezekiel’s response highlights his deep commitment to ritual purity and his internal conflict with the prophetic symbolic act commanded by God. This underscores the significant personal and religious implications of the divine instruction he is given.

15 καὶ εἶπε πρός με· ἰδοὺ δέδωκά σοι βόλβιτα βοῶν ἀντὶ τῶν βολβίτων τῶν ἀνθρωπίνων, καὶ ποιήσεις τοὺς ἄρτους σου ἐπ᾿ αὐτῶν.

Translation: “And He said to me: ‘Behold, I have given you ox dung instead of human dung, and you shall make your bread upon it.’”

Commentary:

Substitution of Dung: In response to Ezekiel’s objection about using human dung, God provides an alternative—ox dung. This change still involves using a form of animal dung, which is not inherently clean but is less severe compared to human dung. This demonstrates a compromise while still maintaining the symbolic nature of the command.
Symbolism of the Act: The use of dung (whether human or animal) to bake bread symbolizes the defilement and impurity that will affect the people of Israel. Even though the use of ox dung is a concession, it still serves the purpose of illustrating the profound degradation and suffering the Israelites will endure.
Adherence to Prophetic Symbolism: The replacement of human dung with ox dung shows sensitivity to Ezekiel’s concerns while preserving the message’s potency. It reflects God’s understanding of the prophet’s constraints and ensures the symbolic act remains impactful.
Religious and Social Implications: The act of baking bread on dung underscores the dire and humiliating conditions that the Israelites will face, serving as a metaphor for their future suffering and spiritual decline. It highlights the severity of their situation through a deeply symbolic and provocative act.
Compromise in Prophetic Tasks: This exchange illustrates a form of divine accommodation. God recognizes Ezekiel’s personal objections and provides an alternative that still fulfills the symbolic purpose of the act, showing a balance between prophetic instruction and personal piety.

Overall, the passage reflects the tension between divine commands and human concerns, with a concession made to accommodate the prophet’s sensitivities while still conveying a powerful symbolic message about the Israelites’ fate.

16 καὶ εἶπε πρός με· υἱὲ ἀνθρώπου, ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ συντρίβω στήριγμα ἄρτου ἐν ῾Ιερουσαλήμ, καὶ φάγονται ἄρτον ἐν σταθμῷ καὶ ἐν ἐνδείᾳ καὶ ὕδωρ ἐν μέτρῳ καὶ ἐν ἀφανισμῷ πίονται,

Translation: “And He said to me: ‘Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they will eat bread by weight and in scarcity, and they will drink water by measure and in dismay.’”

Commentary:

Breaking the Staff of Bread: The “staff of bread” is a metaphor for sustenance and support. By breaking it, God is symbolizing a severe shortage of food and resources in Jerusalem. This act represents a dramatic decline in the city’s ability to provide for its inhabitants, reflecting a time of great distress and deprivation.
Bread and Water by Measure: The scarcity of bread and water emphasizes the extreme conditions that the people will face. The use of measures highlights the precise and limited nature of their resources, indicating that even basic necessities will be rationed strictly.
Eating and Drinking in Scarcity: The description of eating and drinking in such conditions underscores the gravity of the coming hardships. The scarcity will not only be physical but also emotional and psychological, leading to “dismay” or “terror” among the people.
Prophetic Symbolism: This prophecy serves as a vivid representation of the consequences of the people’s disobedience and sin. The rationing of food and water symbolizes the broader implications of their failure to heed God’s warnings, including the potential collapse of their social and economic structures.
Preparation for Siege: This passage can be seen as foreshadowing the siege of Jerusalem, where food and water would become scarce due to the siege’s conditions. The prophecy reflects the real-life experiences of famine and suffering that would accompany such a siege.

Overall, this passage vividly portrays the impending crisis and serves as a dire warning to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It emphasizes the severity of their situation and the consequences of their actions, both in terms of physical deprivation and emotional distress.

17 ὅπως ἐνδεεῖς γένωνται ἄρτου καὶ ὕδατος· καὶ ἀφανισθήσεται ἄνθρωπος καὶ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ καὶ τακήσονται ἐν ταῖς ἀδικίαις αὐτῶν.

Translation: “That they may become destitute of bread and water; and man and his brother will be consumed away, and they will waste away in their iniquities.”

Commentary:

Destitution of Bread and Water: The prophecy emphasizes the extreme lack of basic necessities, highlighting how severe the famine will be. This scarcity will lead to desperate conditions where even the most basic needs are unmet.
Consumption of Man and His Brother: The phrase “man and his brother” indicates that the suffering will be widespread, affecting families and communities. The term “consumed away” suggests not just physical decline but also the breakdown of social structures and relationships due to the intense hardship.
Wasting Away in Iniquities: The phrase “waste away in their iniquities” implies that the suffering is not only a consequence of material deprivation but also of moral and spiritual failure. The hardships they face are a result of their actions and behavior, reflecting the idea that their iniquities are contributing to their downfall.
Overall Picture: This verse paints a bleak picture of the consequences of the people’s actions. It underscores the totality of the disaster, where physical deprivation leads to moral and social disintegration. The suffering described here serves as both a direct consequence of their disobedience and a manifestation of the divine judgment upon them.
Prophetic Warning: As a prophetic message, this passage serves as a stark warning about the results of failing to adhere to divine commands and righteousness. The consequences are portrayed as not only physical and social but also deeply spiritual, reinforcing the idea that iniquity leads to comprehensive ruin.

~~~~~

And now from Copilot

Although the gist of the translation and the comments of the mood of the atmosphere is pretty good, Copilot translation and comments tend to be influenced by the Masoretic Text, especially with the numbers of days in the Septuagint version; hence it is not as accurate as ChatGPT. Hopefully they’ll improve over time.

Septuagint 4

1 ΚΑΙ σύ, υἱὲ ἀνθρώπου, λαβὲ σεαυτῷ πλίνθον καὶ θήσεις αὐτὴν πρὸ προσώπου σου καὶ διαγράψεις ἐπ᾿ αὐτὴν πόλιν τὴν ῾Ιερουσαλήμ.

Translation: “And you, son of man, take a brick and lay it before you, and engrave on it a city, even Jerusalem.”

Explanation: This is from Ezekiel 4:1. It describes the beginning of a series of symbolic actions that God commands Ezekiel to perform, representing the siege and judgment of Jerusalem.

Translation: “And lay siege against it, build a siege wall against it, and raise a mound against it; set camps also against it, and place battering rams against it all around.”

Explanation: This is from Ezekiel 4:2. It continues the instructions given to Ezekiel to create a detailed model of the siege of Jerusalem. This symbolic act is meant to visually represent the coming destruction and the severity of the siege that Jerusalem will face due to the people’s disobedience.

Translation: “And you, take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between you and the city; set your face toward it, and it shall be besieged, and you shall lay siege against it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel.”

Explanation: This is from Ezekiel 4:3. The iron plate represents a barrier between Ezekiel (symbolizing God) and Jerusalem, indicating the severity and inevitability of the coming siege. Ezekiel’s actions serve as a powerful visual prophecy to the people of Israel, emphasizing the consequences of their disobedience.

4 Καὶ σὺ κοιμηθήσῃ ἐπὶ τὸ πλευρόν σου τὸ ἀριστερὸν καὶ θήσεις τὰς ἀδικίας τοῦ οἴκου ᾿Ισραὴλ ἐπ᾿ αὐτοῦ κατὰ ἀριθμὸν τῶν ἡμερῶν πεντήκοντα καὶ ἑκατόν, ἃς κοιμηθήσῃ ἐπ᾿ αὐτοῦ, καὶ λήψῃ τὰς ἀδικίας αὐτῶν.

Translation: “And you shall lie on your left side, and place the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it. According to the number of the days that you lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity, one hundred and fifty days.”

Explanation: In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel to lie on his left side for 150 days, symbolizing the years of Israel’s iniquity. Each day represents a year of their sin. This symbolic act is part of Ezekiel’s prophetic message, illustrating the judgment and consequences that will come upon Israel due to their disobedience.

Translation: “And I have assigned you the years of their iniquity according to the number of days, one hundred and ninety days; and you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel.”

Explanation: In this verse, God tells Ezekiel that he will bear the iniquity of the house of Israel for 190 days, symbolizing the years of their sin. Each day represents a year of their iniquity. This symbolic act is part of Ezekiel’s prophetic message, illustrating the judgment and consequences that will come upon Israel due to their disobedience.

Translation: “And when you have completed these, you shall lie down again, but on your right side, and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah for forty days. I have assigned you a day for each year.”

Explanation: In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel to lie on his right side for forty days, symbolizing the forty years of Judah’s iniquity. Each day represents a year of their sin. This symbolic act is part of Ezekiel’s prophetic message, illustrating the judgment and consequences that will come upon Judah due to their disobedience.

Translation: “And you shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and with your arm bared, you shall prophesy against it.”

Explanation: In this verse, God instructs the prophet Ezekiel to symbolically act out the siege of Jerusalem. By setting his face toward the city and baring his arm, Ezekiel demonstrates the impending judgment and destruction that will come upon Jerusalem due to its people’s sins.

Translation: “And behold, I will place cords upon you, so that you cannot turn from one side to the other, until you have completed the days of your siege.”

Explanation: In this verse, God tells Ezekiel that he will be bound with cords, symbolizing the binding of Jerusalem during its siege. Ezekiel’s inability to turn from one side to the other represents the inescapable judgment and the prolonged suffering that Jerusalem will endure.

Translation: “And you, take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt, and put them into one vessel, and make bread of them for yourself. You shall eat it according to the number of the days that you lie on your side, ~~three~~ [one] hundred and ninety days.”

Explanation: In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel to prepare a specific mixture of grains and legumes to make bread. This bread is to be his food during the symbolic act of lying on his side for ~~390~~ [190] days, representing the years of Israel’s sin. The unusual ingredients and the method of preparation symbolize the harsh conditions and scarcity that will come upon the people during the siege.

10 καὶ τὸ βρῶμά σου, ὃ φάγεσαι, ἐν σταθμῷ εἴκοσι σίκλους τὴν ἡμέραν· ἀπὸ καιροῦ ἕως καιροῦ φάγεσαι αὐτά.

Translation: “And your food that you eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels a day; from time to time you shall eat it.”

Explanation: In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel to measure his food carefully, symbolizing the scarcity and rationing that will occur during the siege of Jerusalem. The limited amount of food (twenty shekels a day) represents the dire conditions and the need for strict rationing during the period of judgment.

11 καὶ ὕδωρ ἐν μέτρῳ πίεσαι τὸ ἕκτον τοῦ εἴν· ἀπὸ καιροῦ ἕως καιροῦ πίεσαι.

Translation: “And you shall drink water by measure, the sixth part of a hin; from time to time you shall drink.”

Explanation: In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel to drink water in measured amounts, specifically one-sixth of a hin (approximately 0.6 liters or 20 ounces) at a time. This symbolizes the severe rationing and scarcity of resources that will occur during the siege of Jerusalem. The careful measurement of water, like the rationing of food, underscores the harsh conditions and the need for strict control over limited supplies.

Translation: “And you shall eat it as barley cakes, baking it in their sight on human dung.”

Explanation: In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel to bake his bread using human dung as fuel. This shocking command is meant to symbolize the extreme defilement and unclean conditions that the people of Jerusalem will experience during the siege. It serves as a vivid and disturbing illustration of the consequences of their disobedience and the severity of the coming judgment.

Translation: “And you shall say, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: Thus shall the children of Israel eat their bread unclean among the nations.’”

Explanation: In this verse, God declares that the Israelites will eat their food in an unclean manner among the nations. This prophecy symbolizes the defilement and hardship they will face in exile due to their disobedience. The unclean food represents the loss of purity and the severe conditions they will endure away from their homeland.

Translation: “Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God of Israel! Behold, my soul has not been defiled by uncleanness, and I have not eaten anything that died of itself or was torn by beasts from my youth until now, nor has any unclean meat entered my mouth.’”

Explanation: In this verse, Ezekiel responds to God’s command with a plea, expressing his concern about defiling himself. He emphasizes his adherence to dietary laws, stating that he has never eaten anything unclean or impure. This highlights Ezekiel’s commitment to maintaining ritual purity and his distress at the thought of violating these laws.

Translation: “And He said to me, ‘See, I have given you cow dung instead of human dung, and you shall prepare your bread on it.’”

Explanation: In this verse, God responds to Ezekiel’s plea by allowing him to use cow dung instead of human dung to bake his bread. This concession shows God’s understanding of Ezekiel’s concerns about ritual purity while still maintaining the symbolic act of illustrating the dire conditions that will come upon Jerusalem.

Translation: “And He said to me, ‘Son of man, behold, I am about to break the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they shall eat bread by weight and with anxiety, and they shall drink water by measure and in dismay.’”

Explanation: In this verse, God tells Ezekiel that He will cut off the food supply in Jerusalem. The people will have to eat bread in measured amounts and drink water in rationed quantities, symbolizing the severe scarcity and anxiety they will face during the siege. This prophecy underscores the dire consequences of their disobedience and the harsh conditions they will endure.

Translation: “So that they may lack bread and water; they will be appalled at one another and waste away in their iniquity.”

Explanation: In this verse, God continues to describe the severe conditions that will befall the people of Jerusalem. The scarcity of food and water will lead to extreme distress and suffering. The people will be horrified by their situation and will waste away due to their sins. This verse emphasizes the dire consequences of their disobedience and the harsh reality of the impending judgment.

~ by Joel on September 12, 2024.

Posted in Ezekiel, Ezekiel Timeline

A Prophecy of Esau and Jacob