The Captivity Symbolized Ezekiel 12

The Captivity Symbolized Ezekiel 12 – 13 Last week we ended where Ezekiel was returned to Babylon by the Spirit (Ezekiel 11:2425) and told to share what he had seen. Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon (who conquered Judah and Jerusalem and sent the Jews into exile) placed Zedekiah on the throne of Judah (ruling over the ones who did not go into exile). Prophet Jeremiah was Zedekiah’s counselor, yet “he did evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 24:19-20; Jeremiah 52:2-3). In his ninth year as king, Zedekiah severed relations with Babylon. God was angry with Zedekiah because he made a covenant with Nebuchadnezzar invoking the name of God. Jeremiah had warned Zedekiah of disaster because he broke his covenant. Nebuchadnezzar was furious. Jeremiah repeatedly communicated the LORD's word that resistance (or going back on his covenant he made with Babylon) would result in disaster, but if Zedekiah would surrender, all lives would be saved. (Jeremiah 38:2-3, 17-18) Zedekiah listened, but stubbornly maintained his hopeless rebellion. This man had the opportunity to save everyone, yet was only concerned about saving himself. Nebuchadnezzar’s siege on Judah lasted three summers. At its end, when the food supply was exhausted, the cowardly Zedekiah gathered his army, opened the city gate, and made a night-time escape. * Now back to Ezekiel, Israel was a rebellious group of people and God wanted to show them what was going to happen in captivity. God told Ezekiel to follow these instructions as a sign to the house of Israel. (remember Ezekiel is acting this out) 1. Prepare your belongings for captivity (only what could be carried on your shoulder) 2. Go into captivity by day in their sight. Go from your place to captivity in another place 3. In the evening, dig through the wall in their sight and carry your belongings out through it. 4. Cover your face so that you cannot see the ground. EZEKIEL OBEYED GOD NOT KNOWING WHAT IT MEANT. After Ezekiel obeyed, God revealed to him the meaning.

Zedekiah would be the one carried off into captivity. Ezekiel was displaying a sign of events to come in Zedekiah’s life. Zedekiah was blinded and carried off to captivity and imprisoned. *Babylon's army made chase, and soon captured Zedekiah. Tried for treason, his sentence was cruel. Zedekiah's sons and best friends were killed, right before his eyes — and then his eyes were gouged out. He was taken to Babylon to die of old age in prison, thereby unwillingly fulfilling the prophecy (Ezekiel 12:13) that he would go to Babylon and die there. Then God shares in Ezekiel 12:15-16 what will happen to those who were helping Zedekiah. These are the “bad figs” that did not go into captivity. So, when Zedekiah is taken to Babylon the others who associated with him are dispersed among other countries, they will be spared (the remnant), so they can declare all the wrong they have done and other nations will know “I Am the Lord.” If you remember back from last week, Prophet Jeremiah was in this mix that was dispersed, but he was not a “bad fig” God used him in the midst of the “bad figs” to have them turn their heart towards God. But in the end they killed Jeremiah. In Ezekiel 13 God declares judgment on the false prophets. If you recall during our study of Ezekiel 4-7, there were false prophets telling the people there would be peace, but God tells the people that disaster is coming. In Ezekiel 13:1-7 God calls these false prophets, "foxes in the deserts." These false prophets will be destroyed and not allowed to return. God compares them to a "flimsy wall covered in white wash." Characteristics of a false prophet: 1. Divination (attempting to gain knowledge, such as the future, by using other means other than God.) 2. They give people what they want to hear. (Ezekiel 13:10-11) 3. They are unstable, but look good on the outside. 4. They preach a peace that will not come. 5. God will expose their lies when times of distress comes. 6. They are willing to go against God for monetary gain. God declared, "I will tear down the wall you have covered with whitewash and will level it to the ground so that its foundations will be laid bare. When it falls, you will be destroyed in it; and you will know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 13:14) God tore down the wall with a mighty wind, flooding rain and great hailstones. (Ezekiel 13:14) God also declares judgment on "the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people."

This was fulfilled when the "good figs" were in Babylonian captivity. 2 Chronicles 36:19-21

1. What did Zedekiah do that made God angry?

2. Who counseled Zedekiah? Did Zedekiah listen to him?

3. What was Zedekiah’s punishment?

4. What did God call false prophets?

5. How do we recognize the false prophets of our day? Do you think those characteristics still apply?

6. Journal what God is speaking to you.