Ezekiel

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Introduction

1 <1-3> I am the priest, Ezekiel son of Buzzi. I was in exile[1] by the Kebar Canal in Babylonia when the skies opened up, and I saw visions[2] of God. This was on the fifth day of the fourth month of the thirtieth year.[3] (This was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile. The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel. The power of the Lord came over him at that place.)

The Chariot of the Lord—God’s Throne

<4> I was watching a big storm come in from the north. It was a big cloud with a strong wind, and there was fire flashing from it. Light was shining out all around it. It looked like hot metal[4] glowing in a fire. <5> Inside the cloud, there were four living beings that looked like people. <6> But each one of them had four faces and four wings. <7> Their legs were straight. Their feet looked like cow’s feet, and they sparkled like polished brass. <8> Under their wings were human arms. There were four living beings. Each living being had four faces and four wings. <9> The wings touched each other. The living beings did not turn when they moved. They went in the direction they were looking.

<10> Each living being had four faces. [In the front] they each had a man’s face. There was a lion’s face on the right side and a bull’s face on the left side. There was an eagle’s face on the back. <11> Their wings were spread out over them. With two of the wings each living being reached out to touch the one near it, and with the other two wings it covered its body. <12> Each living being went in the direction it was looking. They went wherever the spirit[5] caused them to go, but they did not turn when they moved. <13> That is what the living beings looked like.

Inside the area between the living beings, there was something that looked like burning coals of fire. This fire was like small torches that kept moving around among the living beings. The fire glowed brightly and lightning flashed from it. <14> The living beings ran back and forth—fast like lightning.[6]

<15-16> I was looking at the living beings when I noticed four wheels that touched the ground. There was one wheel by each living being. All of the wheels looked the same. The wheels looked as if they were made from a clear, yellow jewel. They looked like there was a wheel inside a wheel. <17> They could turn to move in any direction. [But the living beings] did not turn when they moved.[7]

<18> The rims of the wheels were tall and frightening. There were eyes all over the rims of all four wheels.

<19> The wheels always moved with the living beings. If the living beings went up into the air, the wheels went with them. <20> They went wherever the spirit wanted them to go, and the wheels went with them, because the power that moved the living being was in the wheels. <21> So if the living beings moved, the wheels moved. If the living beings stopped, the wheels stopped. If the wheels went into the air, the living beings went with them, because the spirit was in the wheels.

<22> There was an amazing thing over the heads of the living beings. It was like a bowl[8] turned upside down, and the bowl was clear like crystal. <23> Under this bowl, each living being had wings reaching out to the one next to it. Two wings spread out one way and two wings spread out the other way, covering its body.

<24> Then I heard the wings. Every time the living beings moved, their wings made a very loud noise like a lot of water rushing by. They were loud like [God] All-Powerful. They were as loud as an army or a crowd of people. When the living beings stopped moving, they put their wings down by their side.

<25> The living beings stopped moving and lowered their wings. Then there was another loud sound that came from above the bowl over their heads. <26> There was something that looked like a throne on top of the bowl. It was blue like sapphire. There was also something that looked like a man sitting on the throne. <27> I looked at him from his waist up. He looked like hot metal with fire all around him. I looked at him from his waist down. It looked like fire with a glow that was shining all around him. <28> The light shining around him was like a rainbow in a cloud. It was the Glory of the Lord.[9] As soon as I saw that, I fell to the ground. I bowed with my face to the ground, and then I heard a voice speaking to me.

The Lord Speaks to Ezekiel

2 <1> The voice said, “Son of man,[10] stand up and I will speak with you.”

<2> Then the Spirit came into me[11] and lifted me up on my feet, and I listened to the one who spoke to me. <3> He said, “Son of man, I am sending you to speak to the family of Israel. Those people and their ancestors turned against me many times. They have sinned against me many times—and they are still sinning against me today. <4> I am sending you to speak to them, but they are very stubborn. They are very hard headed, but you must speak to them. You must say, ‘This is what the Lord our Master says.’ <5> They are a rebellious people, so they may not listen to you and stop sinning, but at least they will know that there is a prophet[12] living among them.

<6> “Son of man, don’t be afraid of the people or what they say. It is true: they will turn against you and try to hurt you. Their words will be sharp like thorns and will sting like scorpions. But don’t be afraid of what they say. They are a rebellious people, but don’t be afraid of them. <7> You must tell them what I say whether they listen and stop sinning or not. They are a rebellious people!

<8> “Son of man, you must listen to what I say to you. Don’t turn against me like those rebellious people. Open your mouth and [accept the words I give you and then speak them to the people]. Eat these words.”

<9> Then I saw an arm reach out toward me. It was holding a scroll[13] with words written on it. <10> It rolled the scroll open in front of me. Words were on the front and on the back of the scroll. There were all kinds of sad songs, sad stories, and warnings.

3 <1> God said to me, “Son of man,[14] eat what you see. Eat this scroll, and then go tell these things to the family of Israel.”

<2> So I opened my mouth and he put the scroll into my mouth. <3> Then God said, “Son of man, I am giving you this scroll. Swallow it! Let that scroll fill your body.”

So I ate the scroll. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth.

<4> Then God said to me, “Son of man, go to the family of Israel. Speak my words to them. <5> I am not sending you to some foreigners you cannot understand. You don’t have to learn another language. I am sending you to the family of Israel. <6> I am not sending you to many different countries where people speak languages you cannot understand. If you went to those people and spoke to them, they would listen to you. But you will not have to learn those hard languages. <7> No, I am sending you to the family of Israel. Only, these people have hard heads—they are very stubborn! And the people of Israel will refuse to listen to you. They don’t want to listen to me. <8> But I will make you just as stubborn as they are, and your head just as hard. <9> A diamond is harder than flint rock. In the same way you will be more stubborn than they are, and your head will be harder . Then you will not be afraid of them or those who always turn against me.”

<10> Then God said to me, “Son of man, listen to every word I say to you and remember them. <11> Then go to all of your people in exile[15] and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord our Master says ….’ They will not listen, and they will not stop sinning, but you must still tell them my message.”

<12> Then the spirit[16] lifted me up, and I heard a voice behind me. It was very loud, like thunder. It said, “Blessed is the Glory of the Lord!” <13> Then the wings of the living beings began moving. The wings made a very loud noise as they touched each other, and the wheels in front of them began making a noise as loud as thunder. <14> The Spirit lifted me and took me away. I was very sad and upset in my spirit, but I felt the Lord’s power in me. <15> I went to the people of Israel who were forced to live in Tel Aviv[17] by the Kebar Canal. I sat there among them for seven days, shocked and silent.

The Watchman of Israel

<16> After seven days, the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <17> “Son of man, I am making you a watchman[18] for Israel. I will tell you about bad things that will happen to them, and you must warn Israel. <18> If I say, ‘These evil people will die!’ Then you must warn them. You must tell them to change their lives and stop doing evil. If you don’t warn them, they will die because they sinned. But I will also make you responsible for their death, because you did not go to them and save their lives.

<19> “If you warn them and tell them to change their lives and stop doing evil, but they refuse to listen, they will die because they sinned. But since you warned them, you will have saved your own life.

<20> “If good people stop being good and begin to do evil, and I send something that makes them stumble and sin, they will die because they sinned. But since you did not warn them and remind them of the good things they had done, I will make you responsible for their death.

<21> “But if you warn good people and tell them to stop sinning, and they listen to your warning and stop sinning, they will not die. In that way you will have saved your own life.”

<22> The Lord’s power came to me. He said to me, “Get up and go to the valley.[19] I will speak to you in that place.”

<23> So I got up and went out to the valley. The Glory of the Lord[20] was there—as I had seen it by the Kebar Canal. So I bowed with my face to the ground. <24> But the Spirit came into me and lifted me up on my feet. He said to me, “Go home and lock yourself in your house. <25> Son of man, people will come with ropes and tie you up. They will not let you go out among the people. <26> I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth—you will not be able to talk. So they will not have anyone to teach them that they are doing wrong, because they are always turning against me. <27> But I will talk to you, and then I will allow you to speak. But you must say to them, ‘This is what the Lord our Master says.’ If a person wants to listen, fine. If a person refuses to listen, fine. But those people always turn against me.

Warnings About the Attack of Jerusalem

4 <1> “Son of man,[21] take a brick. Scratch a picture on it. Draw a picture of a city—the city Jerusalem. <2> And then act like you are an army surrounding the city. Build a dirt wall around the city to help you attack it. Build a dirt road leading up to the city wall. Bring battering rams[22] and set up army camps around the city. <3> And then take an iron pan and put it between you and the city. It will be like an iron wall separating you and the city. In this way you will show that you are against it. You will surround the city and attack it. This is an example for the family of Israel to show that I will destroy Jerusalem.

<4> “Then you must lie down on your left side. You must do the thing that shows that you are taking the sins of the people of Israel on yourself. You will carry the guilt for as many days as you lie on your left side. <5> You must bear the guilt of Israel for 390 days.[23] In this way I am telling you how long Israel will be punished; one day equals one year.

<6> “After that time, you will lie on your right side for 40 days. This time you will bear the guilt of Judah for 40 days. One day equals one year. I am telling you [how long Judah must be punished].”

<7> “Now, roll up your sleeve and raise your arm over the brick. Act like you are attacking the city of Jerusalem. Do this to show that you are speaking as my messenger to the people. <8> Now look, I am tying ropes on you. You will not be able to roll over from one side to another until your attack against the city[24] is finished.”

<9> “You must get some grain to make bread. Get some wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt.[25] Mix all these things together in one bowl and grind them to make flour. You will use this flour to make bread. You will eat only this bread during the 390 days that you lie on your side. <10> You will be allowed to use only 1 cup[26] of that flour each day to make bread. You will eat that bread from time to time throughout the day. <11> You can drink only 3 cups[27] of water each day. You can drink it from time to time throughout the day. <12> You must make your bread each day. You must get dry human dung and burn it. Then you must cook the bread over this burning dung. You must eat this bread in front of the people.” <13> Then the Lord said, “This will show that the family of Israel will eat unclean bread[28] in foreign countries, and I am the one who forced them to leave Israel and go to those countries!”

<14> Then I said, “Oh, but Lord my Master, I have never eaten any unclean food. I have never eaten meat from an that died from a disease or from an animal that was killed by a wild animal. I have never eaten unclean meat—not from the time that I was a little baby until today. None of that bad meat ever entered my mouth.”

<15> Then God said to me, “Very well, I will let you use dry cow dung to cook your bread. You don’t have to use dry human dung.”

<16> Then God said to me, “Son of man, I am destroying Jerusalem’s supply of bread. People will have only a little bread to eat. They will be very worried about their food supply, and they will have only a little water to drink. They will be very scared when they drink that water. <17> That is because there will not be enough food and water for the people. They will be terrified of each other as they watch each other wasting away because of their sins.

People of Jerusalem Scattered

5 <1-2> “Son of man,[29] after your famine[30] you must do this: Take a sharp sword and use it like a barber’s razor. Shave off your hair and beard. Put the hair on a scale and weigh it. Separate it into three equal parts. Put a third of your hair on the brick that has the picture of the city on it. Burn that hair in that ‘city.’ Then use the sword and cut a third of your hair into small pieces all around the outside of the ‘city.’ Next, throw a third of your hair into the air and let the wind blow it away. This will show that I will pull out my sword and chase some of the people into faraway countries. <3> But then you must get a few of those hairs and wrap them up in your robe. <4> Take some of th ose hairs and throw them into the fire. This will show that a fire will start there and burn throughout the whole house of Israel.[31]”

<5> Then the Lord my Master said to me, “The brick is a picture of Jerusalem. I put Jerusalem in the middle of other nations, with countries all around her. <6> The people rebelled against my commands. They were worse than any of the other nations! They broke more of my laws than any of the people in the countries around them. They refused to listen to my commands. They did not obey my laws.”

<7> So the Lord my Master says, “I will do this because you did not obey my laws and commands. You broke more of my laws than the people who lived around you, and you did what even they know is wrong!” <8> So the Lord my Master says, “So now, even I am against you! I will punish you while those other people watch. <9> I will do things to you that I have never done before. And I will never do those terrible things again, because you did so many terrible things. <10> People in Jerusalem will be so hungry that parents will eat their own children, and children will eat their own parents. I will punish you in many ways, and those who are left alive, I will scatter them to the winds.”

<11> The Lord my Master says, “Jerusalem, I promise by my life that I will punish you! I promise that I will punish you, because you did terrible things to my Holy Place. You did horrible things that made it dirty. I will punish you. I will not show any mercy or feel sorry for you. <12> A third of your people will die inside the city from diseases and hunger. Another third will die in battle outside the city. And then I will pull out my sword and chase the last third of your people into faraway countries. <13> Only then will I stop being angry with your people. I will know that they have been punished for the bad things they did to me. They will know that I am the Lord, and that I spoke to them because of my strong love[32] for them!”

<14> God said, “Jerusalem, I will destroy you—you will be nothing but a pile of rocks. The people around you will make fun of you. Everyone who walks by will make fun of you. <15> People around you will make fun of you, but you will also be a lesson for them. They will see that I was angry and punished you. I was very angry and I warned you. I, the Lord, told you what I would do. <16> I told you I would send you terrible times of hunger. I told you I would send you things that would destroy you. I told you that I would take away your supply of food and that those times of hunger would come again and again. <17> I told you I would send hunger and wild animals against you that would kill your children. I told you there would be disease and death everywhere in the city. I told you I would bring enemy soldiers to fight against you. I, the Lord, told you all these thing s would happen!”

Prophecies Against Israel

6 <1> Then the word of the Lord came to me again. <2> He said, “Son of man,[33] turn toward the mountains of Israel. Speak against them for me. <3> Tell the mountains this:

“‘Mountains of Israel, listen to this message from the Lord my Master! The Lord my Master says these things to the hills and mountains and to the ravines and valleys. Look! I am bringing the enemy to fight against you. I will destroy your high places.[34] <4> Your altars[35] will be broken into pieces. Your incense[36] altars will be smashed, and I will throw down your dead bodies in front of your filthy idols. <5> I will put the dead bodies of the people of Israel in front of their filthy idols. I will scatter your bones around your altars. <6> Bad things will happen wherever your people live. Their cities will become piles of rock. Their high places will be destroyed, so those places of worship will never be u sed again. The altars will all be destroyed. People will never worship those filthy idols again. The incense altars will be smashed. Everything you made will be destroyed completely. <7> Your people will be killed, and then you will know that I am the Lord!’”

<8> God said, “But I will let a few of your people escape. They will live in other countries for a short time. I will scatter them and force them to live in other countries. <9> Then the survivors[37] will be taken prisoners. They will be forced to live in other countries, but they will remember me. I broke their spirit.[38] They will hate themselves for the evil things they did. In the past, they turned away from me and left me. They chased after their filthy idols. They were like a woman leaving her husband and running off with another man. They did many terrible things, <10> but they will learn that I am the Lord. Then they will know that if I say that I will do something, I will do it! They will know that I caused all of the troubles that happened to them.”

<11> Then the Lord my Master said to me, “Clap your hands and stamp your feet. Speak against all the terrible things that the people of Israel have done. Warn them that they will be killed by disease and hunger. Tell them they will be killed in war. <12> People far away will die from disease. People near this place will be killed with swords, and those who are left in the city will starve to death. Only then will I stop being angry. <13> Only then will you know that I am the Lord. You will know this when you see your dead bodies in front of your filthy idols and around their altars. Those bodies will be near every one of your places for worship,[39] on every high hill and mountain, under every green tree and every oak tree with leaves. You offered your sacrifices everywhere. They were a sweet smell for your filthy idols. <14> But I will raise my arm over you and punish you and your people, wherever they live! I will destroy your country! It will be emptier than Diblah Desert.[40] Then they will know that I am the Lord!”

Disaster Is Coming to Jerusalem

7 <1> Then the word of the Lord came to me. <2> He said, “Now, son of man, here is a message from the Lord my Master. This message is for the land of Israel:

“The end!

The end is coming.

The whole country will be destroyed.

<3> Your end is coming now!

I will show how angry I am with you.

I will punish you for the evil things you did.

I will make you pay for all the terrible things you did.

<4> I will not show you any mercy

or feel sorry for you.

I am punishing you

for the evil things you did.

You have done such terrible things.

Now, you will know that I am the Lord.”

<5> This is what the Lord my Master said: “There will be one disaster after another! <6> The end is coming, and it will come quickly! <7> You people living in Israel, do you hear the whistle? The enemy is coming. That time of punishment is coming very soon. The noise of the enemy is getting louder and louder on the mountains. <8> Very soon now, I will show you how angry I am. I will show all of my anger against you. I will punish you for the evil things you did. I will make you pay for all the terrible things you did. <9> I will not show you any mercy or feel sorry for you. I am punishing you for the evil things you did. You have done such terrible things. Now, you will know that I am the Lord.

<10> “That time of punishment has come like a plant sprouting, budding and flowering: God has given the signal, the enemy is prepared, the proud king (Nebuchadnezzar) is ready. <11> This violent man is ready to punish the evil people. There are many people in Israel—but he is not one of them. He is not a person in that crowd. He is not some important leader from them.

<12> “That time of punishment has come. The day is here. Those who buy things will not be happy, and those who sell things will not feel bad about selling them because that terrible punishment will happen to everyone. <13> The people who sold their property[41] will never go back to it. Even if some people escape alive, they will never go back to their property, because this vision[42] is for the whole crowd. So even if some people escape alive, it will not make everyone feel better.

<14> “They will blow the trumpet to warn the people. The people will get ready for battle, but they will not go out to fight because I will show the whole crowd how angry I am. <15> The enemy with his sword is outside the city. Disease and hunger is inside the city. If some people go out into the fields, enemy soldiers will kill them. If they stay in the city, hunger and disease will destroy them.

<16> “But some people will escape. The survivors will run to the mountains, but they will not be happy. They will be sad for all their sins. They will cry and make sad noises like doves. <17> They will be too tired and sad to raise their arms. Their legs will be like water. <18> They will wear clothes of sadness and be covered with fear. You will see the shame on every face. They will shave their heads to show their sadness. <19> They will throw their silver idols into the streets. They will treat their gold statues like dirty rags, because those things will not be able to save them when the Lord shows his anger. Those things were nothing but a trap that caused the people to fall. They will not give food to the people or put food in their bellies.

<20> “They used their beautiful jewelry and made an idol. They were proud of that statue. They made their terrible statues. They made those filthy things, so I will throw them away like a dirty rag. <21> I will let strangers take them. Those strangers will make fun of them. They will kill some of the people and take others away as prisoners. <22> I will turn my head away from them—I will not look at them. The strangers will ruin my Temple—they will go into the secret parts of that holy building and make it unfit for worship.

<23> “Make chains for the prisoners, because many people will be punished for killing other people. There will be violence every place in the city. <24> I will bring evil people from other nations, and they will get all the houses of the people of Israel. I will stop all of you powerful people from being so proud. Those people from other nations will get all your places of worship.

<25> “You will shake with fear. You will look for peace, but there will be none. <26> You will hear one sad story after another. You will hear nothing but bad news. You will look for a prophet and ask him for a vision. The priests will have nothing to teach you, and the elders[43] will not have any good advice to give you. <27> Your king will be crying for the people who died. The leaders will wear clothes of sadness. The common people will be very scared, because I will pay them back for what they did. I will decide their punishment, and I will punish them. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

Sinful Things Done at the Temple

8 <1> One day I, Ezekiel, was sitting in my house, and the elders of Judah were sitting there in front of me. This was on the fifth day of the sixth month of the sixth year [of exile].[44] Suddenly, the power of the Lord my Master came on me. <2> I saw something that looked like fire, like a man’s body. From the waist down, he was like fire. From the waist up, he was bright and shining like hot metal[45] in a fire. <3> Then I saw something that looked like an arm. The arm reached out and grabbed me by the hair on my head. Then the spirit[46] lifted me into the air, and in God’s vision, he took me to Jerusalem. He too k me to the inner gate—the gate that is on the north side. The statue that makes God jealous is by that gate. <4> But the Glory of the God of Israel was there. The Glory looked just like the vision I saw in the valley [by the Kebar Canal].

<5> God spoke to me. He said, “Son of man,[47] look toward the north.” So I looked, and there, north of the Altar Gate by the entrance, was that statue that made God jealous.

<6> Then God said to me, “Son of man, do you see what terrible things the people of Israel are doing? They built that thing here, right next to my Temple! And if you come with me, you will see even more terrible things!”

<7> So I went to the entrance to the courtyard, and I saw a hole in the wall. <8> God said to me, “Son of man, make a hole in the wall.” So I made a hole in the wall, and there I saw a door.

<9> Then God said to me, “Go in and look at the terrible, evil things that the people are doing here.” <10> So I went in and looked. I saw statues of all kinds of reptiles[48] and animals that you hate to think about. The statues were the filthy idols that the people of Israel worshiped. There were pictures of those animals carved all around on every wall!

<11> Then I noticed that Jaazaniah son of Shapham and the 70 elders[49] of Israel were there with the people worshiping in that place. There they were, right at the front of the people, and each leader had his own incense dish in his hand. The smoke from the burning incense was rising into the air. <12> Then God said to me, “Son of man, do you see what the elders of Israel do in the dark? Each man has a special room for his own false god. They say to themselves, ‘The Lord cannot see us. The Lord left this country.’” <13> Then he said to me, “If you come with me, you will see these men doing even more terrible things!”

<14> Then God led me to the entrance to the Lord’s Temple. This gate was on the north side. I saw women sitting there and crying. They were sad about the false god Tammuz[50]!

<15> God said to me, “Son of man, do you see these terrible things? Come with me and you will see things that are even worse than this!” <16> Then he led me to the inner courtyard of the Lord’s Temple. There I saw 25 men bowing down and worshiping. They were between the porch and the altar—but they were facing the wrong way. Their backs were to the Holy Place. They were bowing down to worship the sun!

<17> Then God said, “Son of man, do you see this? The people of Judah think my Temple is so unimportant that they will do these terrible things here in my Temple! This country is filled with violence, and they constantly do things to make me angry. Look, they are wearing rings in their noses to honor the moon like a false god![51] <18> I will show them my anger! I will not show them any mercy or feel sorry for them! They will shout to me—but I refuse to listen to them!”

God’s Messengers Punish Jerusalem

9 <1> Then God shouted to the leaders in charge of punishing the city. Each leader had his own destructive weapon in his hand.[52] <2> Then I saw six men walking on the road from the upper gate. This gate is on the north side. Each man had his own deadly weapon in his hand. One of the men wore linen clothes.[53] He wore a scribe’s pen and ink set[54] at his waist. Those men went to the bronze altar in the Temple and stood there. <3> Then the Glory of the God of Israel rose from above the Cherub angels[55] where he had been. Then the Glory went to the door of the Temple and stopped when he was over the threshold. Then he called to the man wearing the linen clothes and the scribe’s pen and ink set.

<4> Then the Lord (Glory) said to him, “Go through the city of Jerusalem. Put a mark on the forehead of everyone who feels sad and upset about all the terrible things people are doing in this city.”

<5-6> Then I heard God say to the other men, “I want you to follow the first man. You must kill all those who do not have the mark on their foreheads. It doesn’t matter if they are elders,[56] young men or young women, children or mothers—you must use your weapon and kill everyone who does not have the mark on their forehead. Don’t show any mercy. Don’t feel sorry for anyone. Start here at my Temple.” So they started with the elders in front of the Temple.

<7> He said to them, “Make this Temple unclean[57]—fill this courtyard with dead bodies! Now go!” So they went and killed the people in the city.

<8> I stayed there while the men went to kill the people. I bowed with my face to the ground and said, “Oh Lord my Master, in showing your anger against Jerusalem, are you killing all the survivors in Israel?”

<9> He said, “The family of Israel and Judah have committed many very bad sins! People are being murdered everywhere in this country, and the city is filled with crime. That is because the people say to themselves, ‘The Lord left this country. He cannot see what we are doing.’ <10> So I will not show any mercy or feel sorry for them. They brought it on themselves. I am only giving them the punishment they deserve!”

<11> Then the man wearing linen clothes and a scribe’s pen and ink set spoke up. He said, “I have done what you commanded.”

The Glory of the Lord Leaves the Temple

10 <1> Then I looked up at the bowl[58] over the heads of the Cherub angels. The bowl looked clear blue like sapphire, and there was something that looked like a throne over it. <2> Then [the one sitting on the throne] said to the man dressed in linen clothes,[59] “Step into the area between the wheels[60] under the Cherub angels. Take a handful of the burning coals from between the Cherub angels and go throw them over the city of Jerusalem.”

The man walked past me. <3> The Cherub angels were standing in the area south[61] of the Temple as the man walked to them. The cloud filled the inner courtyard. <4> Then the Glory of the Lord rose up off the Cherub angels near the threshold of the door of the Temple. Then the cloud filled the Temple, and the bright light from the Glory of the Lord filled the whole courtyard. <5> The noise from the wings of the Cherub angels could be heard all the way out in the outer courtyard. The sound was very loud—like the thundering voice when God All-Powerful speaks.

<6> God had given the man dressed in linen clothes a command. He had told him to go into the area between the wheels among the Cherub angels and get some hot coals. So the man went there and stood by the wheel. <7> One of the Cherub angels reached out his hand and took some of the hot coals from the area between the Cherub angels. He poured the coals into the man’s hands, and the man left. <8> (The Cherub angels had what looked like human arms under their wings.)

<9> Then I noticed that there were four wheels. There was one wheel by each Cherub angel, and the wheels looked like a clear yellow jewel. <10> There were four wheels, and they all looked the same. They looked like there was a wheel in a wheel. <11> They could go in any direction when they moved, but [the Cherub angels] did not turn around when they moved. They went in the direction that the head was looking. They did not turn around when they moved. <12> There were eyes all over their bodies. There were eyes on their backs, on their arms, on their wings, and on their wheels—on all four wheels! <13> These wheels were what I heard called, “the area between the wheels.”

<14-15> Each Cherub angel had four faces. The first was the face of a Cherub,[62] the second was the face of a man, the third was a lion’s face, and the fourth was an eagle’s face. (These Cherub angels were the living beings I saw in the vision by the Kebar Canal.[63])

Then the Cherub angels rose into the air, <16> and the wheels rose with them. When the Cherub angels raised their wings and flew into the air, not even the wheels turned around. <17> If they flew into the air, the wheels went with them. If they stood still, so did the wheels, because the spirit[64] of the living being was in them.

<18> Then the Glory of the Lord rose from the threshold of the Temple, moved to the place over the Cherub angels, and stopped there. <19> Then the Cherub angels raised their wings and flew into the air. I saw them leave. The wheels went with them. Then they stopped at the East Gate of the Lord’s Temple. The Glory of the God of Israel was in the air above them.

<20> These were the living beings under the Glory of the God of Israel in the vision at the Kebar Canal, and now I realized they were Cherub angels. <21> Each living being had four faces, four wings, and something that looked like human arms under their wings. <22> The faces of the Cherub angels were the same as the four faces on the living beings in the vision by the Kebar Canal. They all looked straight ahead in the direction they were going.

Prophecies Against the Leaders

11 <1> Then the spirit[65] carried me to the East Gate of the Lord’s Temple. This gate faces the east, [where the sun comes up]. I saw 25 men there at the entrance of this gate. Some of the leaders were among them, including Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah.

<2> Then God spoke to me and said, “Son of man,[66] these are the men who make evil plans for this city. They always tell the people to do evil things. <3> These men say, ‘We will be building our houses again very soon. We are as safe in this city as meat in a pot!’ <4> So you must speak to the people for me. Son of man, go prophesy to the people.”

<5> Then the Spirit of the Lord came on me. He said to me, “Tell them that this is what the Lord said: House of Israel, you are planning big things. But I know what you are thinking. <6> You have killed many people in this city. You have filled the streets with dead bodies. <7> Now, the Lord our Master says this, ‘The dead bodies are the meat, and the city is the pot. But he (Nebuchadnezzar) will come and take you out of this safe pot. <8> You are afraid of the sword, but I am bringing the sword against you!’” This is what the Lord our Master said.

<9> He also said, “I will take you out of this city and give you to strangers. I will punish you. <10> You will die by the sword. I will punish you here in Israel, so you will know that I am the Lord. <11> Yes, this place will be the cooking pot, and you will be the meat cooking in it. I will punish you here in Israel. <12> Then you will know that I am the Lord. It was my law that you broke. You did not obey my commands. You decided to live like the nations around you.”

<13> As soon as I finished speaking for God, Pelatiah son of Benaiah died! I fell to the ground. I bowed with my face touching the ground and said, “Oh, Lord my Master, you are going to completely destroy all the survivors of Israel!”

Prophecies Against Survivors in Jerusalem

<14> But then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <15> “Son of man, remember your brothers, the family of Israel. They were forced to leave their country, but I will bring them back.[67] But now, the people living in Jerusalem are saying, ‘Stay far away from the Lord. This land was given to us—it is ours!’

<16> “So tell them this: The Lord our Master says, ‘It is true, I forced my people to go far away to other nations. I did scatter them among many countries. But I will be their temple for a short time while they are in those other countries. <17> But you must tell those people that the Lord their Master will bring them back. I have scattered you among many nations, but I will gather you together and bring you back from those nations. I will give the land of Israel back to you. <18> When my people come back, they will destroy all the terrible, filthy idols that are here now. <19> I will bring them together and make them like one person. I will put a new spirit[68] in them. I will take away that heart of stone, and I will put a real heart in its place. <20> Then they will obey my laws and my commands. They will do the things I tell them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.’”

The Glory of the Lord Leaves Jerusalem

<21> Then God said, “But now, their hearts belong to those terrible, filthy idols, and I must punish those people for the bad things they did.” This is what the Lord my Master said. <22> Then the Cherub angels raised their wings and flew into the air. The wheels went with them. The Glory of the God of Israel was above them. <23> The Glory of the Lord rose into the air and left the city and stopped on the hill east of Jerusalem.[69] <24> Then the spirit[70] lifted me into the air and brought me back to Babylonia. It brought me back to the people who were forced to leave Israel. I saw all this in the vision of God. Then [the one I saw] in the vision rose into the air and left me. <25> Then I spoke to the people in exile.[71] I told them about everything the Lord showed me.

Ezekiel Leaves Like a Captive

12 <1> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[72] you live among rebellious people who always turn against me. They have eyes to see what I have done for them, but they don’t see those things. They have ears to hear what I told them to do, but they don’t hear my commands, because they are a rebellious people. <3> So, son of man, pack your bags. Act like you are going to a faraway country. Do this so that the people can see you. Maybe they will see you—but they are a very rebellious people.

<4> “During the day, take your bags outside so that the people can see you. Then in the evening, act like you are going away like a prisoner to a faraway country. <5> While the people are watching, make a hole in the wall and go out through that hole in the wall. <6> At night, put your bag on your shoulder and leave. Cover your face so that you cannot see where you are going. You must do these things so that the people can see you, because I am using you as an example to the family of Israel.”

<7> So I did as I was commanded. During the day, I took my bags and acted as if I were going to a faraway country. That evening I used my hands and made a hole in the wall. During the night, I put my bag on my shoulder and left. I did this so that all the people could see me.

<8> The next morning, the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <9> “Son of man, did the rebellious people of Israel ask you what you were doing? <10> Tell them that this is what the Lord their Master said. This sad message is about the leader of Jerusalem and all the people of Israel who live there. <11> Tell them, ‘I am an example for all of you. What I have done will happen to you.’ You will be forced to go to a faraway country as prisoners. <12> And your leader will make a hole in the wall and sneak out at night. He will cover his face so that people will not recognize him. His eyes will not be able to see where he is going. <13> He will try to escape, but I will catch him! He will be caught in my trap. Then I will bring him to Babylonia—the land of the Chaldeans. But he will not be able to see where he is going.< a HREF="#fnRefDef-73" NAME="fnRefText-73" CLASS="FRTx">[73] <14> I will force the king’s people to live in the foreign countries around Israel, and I will scatter his army to the winds. The enemy soldiers will chase after them. <15> Then they will know that I am the Lord. They will know that I scattered them among the nations. They will know that I forced them to go to other countries.

<16> “But I will let a few of the people live. They will not die from the disease, hunger, and war. I will let them live so that they can tell other people about the terrible things they did against me. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

Shake With Fear

<17> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <18> “Son of man, you must act as if you are very frightened. You must shake when you eat your food. You must act worried and afraid when you drink your water. <19> You must say this to the common people: ‘This is what the Lord our Master says to the people living in Jerusalem and in the other parts of Israel. You will be very worried while you eat your food. You will be terrified while you drink your water, because everything in your country will be destroyed! This will happen because the people living there are so violent. <20> Many people live in your cities now, but those cities will be ruined. Your whole country will be destroyed! Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

Disaster Will Come

<21> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <22> “Son of man, why do people say this poem about the land of Israel:

Trouble will not come soon,

the visions will not come.

<23> “Tell the people that the Lord their Master will stop that poem. They will not say that about Israel anymore. Now they will say this poem:

Trouble will come soon,

the visions will happen.

<24> “It is true, there will not be any more false visions in Israel. There will not be any more magicians telling things that don’t come true. <25> This is because I am the Lord, and whatever I command to happen will happen! I will not let the time stretch out. Those troubles are coming soon—in your own lifetime. You rebellious people, when I say something, I make it happen.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<26> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <27> “Son of man, the people of Israel think that the visions I give you are for a time far in the future. They think you are talking about things that will happen many years from now. <28> So you must tell them this, ‘The Lord my Master says: I will not delay any longer. If I say something will happen, it will happen!’” This is what the Lord my Master said.

Warnings Against False Prophets

13 <1> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[74] you must speak to the prophets of Israel for me. They are only saying what they want to say. You must speak to them. Tell them this, ‘Listen to this message from the Lord! <3> This is what the Lord my Master says. Bad things will happen to you foolish prophets. You are following your own spirits. You are not telling people what you really see in visions.

<4> “‘Israel, your prophets will be like foxes running through empty, destroyed buildings. <5> You have not put soldiers near the broken walls of the city. You have not built walls to protect the family of Israel. So when the day comes for the Lord to punish you, you will lose the war!

<6> “‘False prophets[75] said they saw visions. They did their magic and said things would happen—but they lied. They said the Lord sent them—but they lied. They are still waiting for their lies to come true.

<7> “‘False prophets, the visions you saw were not true. You did your magic and said things would happen, but you lied! You said that the Lord said those things, but I did not speak to you!’”

<8> So now, the Lord my Master really will speak. He says, “You told lies. You saw visions that were not true. So now I am against you!” This is what the Lord my Master said. <9> The Lord says, “I will punish the prophets who saw false visions and told lies. I will remove them from my people. Their names will not be in the list of the family of Israel. They will never again come to the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord and Master!

<10> “Again and again those false prophets[76] lied to my people. The prophets said there would be peace, but there is no peace. The people need to fix the walls and prepare for war. But they only slap a thin coat of plaster[77] over the broken walls. <11> Tell them that I will send hail and a strong rain. The wind will blow hard, and a tornado will come. Then the wall will fall down. <12> When the wall falls down, the people will ask the prophets, ‘What happened to the plaster you put on the wall?’” <13> The Lord my Master says, “I am angry and I will send a storm against you. I am angry and I will send a strong rain. I am angry and I will make hail fall from the sky and completely destroy you! <14> You put plaster on the wall, but I will destroy the whole wall. I will pull it to the ground. The wall will fall on you, and then you will know that I am the Lord. <15> I will finish showing my anger against the wall and those who put plaster on it. Then I will say, ‘There is no wall, and there are no workers to put plaster on it.’

<16> “All these things will happen to the false prophets of Israel. They speak to the people of Jerusalem and say there will be peace, but there is no peace.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<17> [God said,] “Son of man, look at the women prophets in Israel. They say the things they want to say, so you must speak against them for me. You must say this to them. <18> ‘This is what the Lord my Master says: Bad things will happen to you women. You sew cloth bracelets for people to wear on their arms. You make special scarves for people to wear on their heads. [You say those things have magic powers] to control people’s lives. You trap the people only to keep yourselves alive! <19> You make them think I am not important. You turn them against me for a few handfuls of barley and a few scraps of bread. You tell lies to my people. They love to listen to lies. You kill those who should live, and you let people live who should die. <20> So this is what the Lord and Master says to you: You make those cloth bracelets to trap people, but I will set them free. I wil l tear those bracelets off your arms, and the people will be free from you. They will be like birds flying from a trap. <21> And I will tear up those scarves, and save my people from your power. They will escape from your trap, and you will know that I am the Lord.

<22> “‘You prophets tell lies. Your lies hurt good people—I did not want to hurt them! You support bad people and encourage them. You don’t tell them to change their lives. You don’t try to save their lives! <23> So you will not see any more useless visions or do any more magic. I will save my people from your power, and you will know that I am the Lord.’”

Warnings Against Idol Worship

14 <1> Some of the elders[78] of Israel came to me. They sat down to talk with me. <2> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <3> “Son of man,[79] these men came to talk to you. But they still have their filthy idols. They kept the things that made them sin. They still worship those statues, so why do they come to me for advice? Should I answer their questions? No! <4> But I will give them an answer. You must tell them this. ‘This is what the Lord my Master says: If any Israelites come to a prophet and ask me for advice, I myself will answer their questions. I will answer them even if they still have their filthy idols, even if they kept the things that made them sin, and even if they still worship those statues. I will speak to them in spite of all their filthy idols. <5> This is because I want to touch their hearts. I want to show them I love them, even though they left me for their filthy idols.’

<6> “So tell the family of Israel this. Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says: Come back to me and leave your filthy idols. Turn away from those terrible, false gods. <7> If any Israelites or foreigners who live in Israel come to me for advice, I will give them an answer. I will answer them even if they still have their filthy idols, even if they kept the things that made them sin and even if they worship those statues. This is the answer I will give them: <8> I will turn against them and destroy them. They will be an example to others. People will laugh at them. I will remove them from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord! <9> And if a prophet is foolish enough to give his own answer, I will show him how foolish he is! I will use my power against him. I will destroy him and remove him from among my people, Israel. <10> So both the one who came for advice and the prophet who gave an answer will get the same punishment. <11> Why? So that those prophets will stop leading my people away from me, and my people will stop being filthy with sin. Then they will be my special people, and I will be their God.’” This is what the Lord my Master said.

Jerusalem Will Be Punished

<12> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <13> “Son of man, I will punish any nation that leaves me and sins against me. I will stop their food supply. I might cause a famine[80] and remove the people and animals from that country. <14> I would punish that country even if Noah, Daniel, and Job[81] lived there. They could save their own lives by their goodness, [but they could not save the whole country].” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<15> God said, “Or, I might send wild animals through that country to kill all the people. Then no one would travel through that country because of the wild animals. <16> If Noah, Daniel, and Job lived there, those three men could save their own lives. But by my life I promise, they could not save the lives of other people—not even their own sons and daughters! That evil country would be destroyed.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<17> “Or, I might send an enemy army to fight against that country. The soldiers would destroy that country—I would remove all the people and animals from that country. <18> If Noah, Daniel, and Job lived there, those three men could save their own lives. But by my life I promise, they could not save the lives of other people—not even their own sons and daughters! That evil country would be destroyed.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<19> “Or, I might send a disease against that country. I will pour my anger down on the people. I will remove all the people and animals from that country. <20> If Noah, Daniel, and Job lived there, those three men could save their own lives because they are good men. But by my life I promise, they could not save the lives of other people—not even their own sons and daughters!” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<21> Then the Lord my Master said, “So think how bad it will be for Jerusalem: I will send all four of those punishments against that city! I will send enemy soldiers, hunger, disease, and wild animals against that city. I will remove all the people and animals from that country. <22> Some of the people will escape from that country. They will bring their sons and daughters and come to you for help. Then you will see how bad those people really are, and you will feel better about all the troubles that I am bringing to Jerusalem. <23> You will see how they live and all the bad things they do. Then you will know that I had a good reason for punishing them.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

Jerusalem, the Vine, Will Be Burned

15 <1> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[82] are the pieces of wood from a grapevine[83] any better than the little branches cut from trees in the forest? No! <3> Can you use that wood from a grapevine to make anything? No! Can you use that wood to make pegs to hang dishes on? No! <4> People throw that wood into the fire. The ends burn, and the middle is scorched. <5> If you cannot make anything from that wood before it is burned, you surely cannot make anything from that wood after it is burned! <6> So people throw the pieces of wood from a grapevine into the fire just like wood from any other tree in the forest. In the same way I will throw the people living in Jerusalem into the fire!” This is what the Lord my Master said. <7> “I will punish those people. But some of them will be like the sticks that don’t burn completely. They will be punished, but they will not be destroyed completely. You will see that I punished them, and you will know that I am the Lord! <8> I will destroy that country because the people left me [to worship false gods].” This is what the Lord my Master said.

God’s Love for Jerusalem

16 <1> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man, tell the people of Jerusalem about the terrible things they have done. <3> You must say, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says to Jerusalem: Look at your history. You were born in Canaan. Your father was an Amorite. Your mother was a Hittite. <4> Jerusalem, on the day you were born, there was no one to cut your navel cord. No one put salt on you and washed you to make you clean. No one wrapped you in cloth. <5> No one felt sorry for you or took care of you. On the day you were born, your parents threw you out in the field. You were still covered with the blood and afterbirth.

<6> “‘Then I passed by. I saw you lying there, kicking in the blood. You were covered with blood, but I said, “Please live!” Yes, you were covered with blood, but I said, “Please live!” <7> I helped you grow like a plant in the field. You grew and grew. You became a young woman: your periods began, your breasts grew, and your hair began to grow. But you were still bare and naked. <8> I looked you over. I saw you were ready for love, so I spread my clothes over you[84] and covered your nakedness. I promised to marry you. I made the agreement[85] with you, and you became mine.’” This is what the Lord my Master said. <9> “‘I washed you in water. I poured water over you to wash away the blood that was on you, and then I put oil on your skin. <10> [86] I gave you a nice dress and soft leather sandals, a linen headband, and a silk scarf. <11> I also gave you some jewelry. I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck. <12> I gave you a nose ring, earrings, and a beautiful crown to wear. <13> You were beautiful in your gold and silver jewelry, and your linen, silk, and embroidered material. You ate the best foods. You were very, very beautiful, and you became the queen! <14> You became famous for your beauty, all because I made you so lovely!’” This is what the Lord my Master said.

Jerusalem, the Unfaithful Bride

<15> [God said,] “But you began to trust in your beauty. You used the good name you had and became unfaithful to me. You acted like a prostitute with every man who passed by. You gave yourself to them all! <16> You took your beautiful clothes and used them to decorate your places for worship.[87] And you acted like a prostitute in those places. You gave yourself to every man who came by! <17> Then you took your beautiful jewelry that I gave you, and you used the gold and silver to make statues of men, and you had sex with them too! <18> Then you took the beautiful cloth and made clothes for those statues. You took the perfume and incense I gave you and put it in front of those idols. <19> I gave you bread, honey, and oil, but you gave that food to your idols. You offered them as a sweet smell to please your false gods. You acted like a prostitute with those false gods!” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<20> “You and I had children together, but you took our children. You killed them and gave them to those false gods! But that is only some of the evil things you did when you were unfaithful to me and went to those false gods. <21> You slaughtered[88] my sons and then passed them through the fire to those false gods. <22> You left me and did all those terrible things. You never remembered what happened when you were young. You did not remember that you were naked and kicking in blood when I found you.

<23> “After all these evil things, … Oh Jerusalem, it will be very bad for you!” The Lord my Master said all these things. <24> “After all those things you made a mound for worshiping that false god. You built those places for worshiping false gods on every street corner. <25> You built your mounds at the head of every road. Then you degraded your beauty. You used it to catch every man who walked by. You raised your skirt so that they could see your legs, and then you were like a prostitute with those men. <26> Then you went to Egypt, your neighbor with the big sex organ. You had sex with him many times to make me angry. <27> So I punished you! I took away part of your land. I let your enemies, the daughters of the Philistines, do what they wanted to you. Even they were shocked at the evil things you did. <28> Then you went to have sex with Assyria.[89] You could not get enough. You were never satisfied. <29> So you turned to Canaan, and then to Babylonia, and still you were not satisfied. <30> You are so weak. You let all those men cause you to sin. You acted just like a prostitute who wants to be the one in control.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<31> [God said,] “But you were not exactly like a prostitute. You built your mounds at the head of every road, and you built your places for worship at every street corner. You had sex with all those men, but you did not ask them to pay you like a prostitute does. <32> You are a woman guilty of adultery. You would rather have sex with strangers than with your own husband. <33> Most prostitutes force men to pay them for sex, but you gave money to your many lovers. You paid all the men around to come in to have sex with you. <34> You are just the opposite of most prostitutes who force men to pay them, because you pay the men to have sex with you.”

<35> Prostitute, listen to the message from the Lord. <36> This is what the Lord my Master says: “You have spent your money[90] and let your lovers and filthy gods see your naked body and have sex with you. You have killed your children and poured out their blood. This was your gift to those false gods. <37> So I am bringing all of your lovers together. I will bring all the men you loved and all the men you hated. I will bring them all together and let them see you naked.[91] They will see you completely naked. <38> Then I will punish you. I will punish you as a murderer and a woman who committed the sin of adultery. You will be punished as if by an angry and jealous husband. <39> I will let those lovers have you. They will destroy your mounds. They will burn your places for worship. They will tear off your clothes and take your beautiful jewelry. They will leave you bare and naked [as you were when I found you]. <40> They will bring a crowd of people and throw rocks at you to kill you. Then they will cut you in pieces with their swords. <41> They will burn your house. They will punish you so that all the other women can see. I will stop you from living like a prostitute. I will stop you from paying money to your lovers. <42> Then I will stop being angry and jealous. I will calm down. I will not be angry anymore. <43> Why will all these things happen? Because you did not remember what happened when you were young. You did all those bad things and made me angry. So I had to punish you for doing them, but you planned even more terrible things.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<44> “All the people who talk about you will now have one more thing to say. They will say, ‘Like mother, like daughter.’ <45> You are your mother’s daughter. You don’t care about your husband or your children. You are like your sister. Both of you hated your husband and your children. [You are like your parents.] Your mother was a Hittite and your father was an Amorite. <46> Your older sister was Samaria. She lived to the north of you with her daughters. Your younger sister was Sodom.[92] She lived to the south of you with her daughters. <47> You did all the terrible things they did, but you also did much worse! <48> I am the Lord and Master. As I live, I swear that your sister Sodom and her daughters never did as many bad things as you and your daughters.

<49> “Your sister Sodom and her daughters were proud. They had too much to eat, and too much time on their hands, and they did not help poor, helpless people. <50> Sodom and her daughters became too proud and began to do terrible things in front of me. So I punished them!

<51> “And Samaria did only half as many bad things as you did. You did many more terrible things than Samaria! You have done so many more terrible things than your sisters have done. Sodom and Samaria seem good compared to you. <52> So you must bear your shame. You have made your sisters look good compared to you. You have done terrible things, so you should be ashamed.

<53> “I destroyed Sodom and the towns around it, and I destroyed Samaria and the towns around it. And I will destroy you too, Jerusalem. But I will build those cities again, and I will rebuild you too. <54> I will comfort you. Then you will remember the terrible things you did, and you will be ashamed. <55> So you and your sisters will be rebuilt. Sodom and the towns around her, Samaria and the towns around her, and you and the towns around you will all be rebuilt.

<56> “In the past, you were proud and made fun of your sister Sodom. But you will not do that again. <57> You did that before you were punished, before your neighbors started making fun of you. The daughters of Edom[93] and Philistia are making fun of you now. <58> Now you must suffer for the terrible things you did.” This is what the Lord said.

God Remains Faithful

<59> This is what the Lord my Master said: “I will treat you like you treated me! You broke your marriage promise. You did not respect our agreement. <60> But I will remember the agreement we made when you were young. I made an agreement with you that will continue forever! <61> I will bring your sisters to you, and I will make them your daughters. That was not in our agreement, but I will do that for you. Then you will remember the terrible things you did, and you will be ashamed. <62> So I will make my agreement with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. <63> You will remember me, and you will be so ashamed of the evil things you did that you will not be able to say anything. But I will make you pure, and you will never be ashamed again!” This is what the Lord my Master said.

The Eagle and the Vine

17 <1> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[94] tell this story to the family of Israel. Ask them what it means. <3> Say to them:

“‘A large eagle with big wings came to Lebanon.

The eagle had feathers covered with spots.

<4> The eagle broke the top out of the big cedar tree (Lebanon)

and brought it to Canaan.

The eagle set down the branch in the town of merchants.[95]

<5> Then the eagle took some of the seeds from Canaan.

He planted them in good soil by a good river.

<6> The seeds grew and became a grapevine.

It was a good vine.

The vine was not tall,

but it spread to cover a large area.

The vine grew stems,

and smaller vines grew very long.

<7> Then another eagle with big wings saw the grapevine.

The eagle had many feathers.

The grapevine wanted this new eagle

to care for it.

So it stretched its roots and branches toward the eagle.

Its branches stretched toward this eagle.

The branches grew away from the field where it was planted.

The grapevine wanted the new eagle to water it.

<8> The grapevine was planted in a good field near plenty of water.

It could have grown branches and fruit.

It could have become a very good grapevine.’”

<9> This is what the Lord my Master said.

“Do you think that plant will succeed?

No, the new eagle will pull the plant from the ground,

and the bird will break the plant’s roots.

It will eat up all the grapes.

Then the new leaves will wilt.

That plant will be very weak.

It will not take strong arms

or a powerful nation to pull that plant up by the roots.

<10> Will the plant grow where it is planted?

No, the hot east wind will blow, and the plant will become dry and die.

It will die there where it was planted.”

King Zedekiah Punished

<11> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <12> “Explain this story to the people of Israel who always turn against me. Tell them this: The first eagle is the king of Babylonia. He came to Jerusalem and took away the king and other leaders. He brought them to Babylonia. <13> Then Nebuchadnezzar made an agreement with a man from the king’s family. Nebuchadnezzar forced that man to make a promise. So this man promised to be loyal to Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar made this man the new king of Judah. Then he took all the powerful men away from Judah. <14> So Judah became a weak kingdom that could not turn against King Nebuchadnezzar. The people were forced to keep the agreement Nebuchadnezzar made with the new king of Judah. <15> But this new king tried to rebel against Nebuchadnezzar anyway! He sent messengers to Egypt to ask for help. The new king asked for many horses and soldiers. Now, do you think the new king of Judah will succeed? Do you think the new king will have enough power to break the agreement and escape punishment?”

<16> The Lord my Master says, “By my life, I swear this new king will die in Babylonia! Nebuchadnezzar made this man the new king of Judah, but he broke his promise with Nebuchadnezzar. This new king ignored that agreement. <17> The king of Egypt will not be able to save the king of Judah. He might send many soldiers, but Egypt’s great power will not save Judah. Nebuchadnezzar’s army will build dirt roads and dirt walls to capture the city. Many people will die. <18> But the king of Judah will not escape, because he ignored his agreement. He broke his promise to Nebuchadnezzar.” <19> The Lord my Master makes this promise: “By my life, I swear that I will punish the king of Judah, because he ignored my warnings and broke our agreement. <20> I will set my trap, and he will be caught in it. Then I will bring him to Babylon, and I will punish hi m there. I will punish him because he turned against me, <21> and I will destroy his army. I will destroy his best soldiers and scatter them to the wind. Then you will know that I am the Lord and that I told you these things.”

<22> This is what the Lord my Master said:

“I will take a branch from a tall cedar tree.

I will take a small branch from the top of the tree,

and I myself will plant it on a very high mountain.

<23> I myself will plant it on a high mountain in Israel.

That branch will grow into a tree.

It will grow branches and make fruit

and become a beautiful cedar tree.

Many birds will sit on its branches

and live in the shadows under its branches.

<24> “Then the other trees will know that

I make tall trees fall to the ground,

and I make small trees grow tall.

I make green trees become dry, and I make dry trees become green.

I am the Lord.

If I say that I will do something, then I will do it!”

True Justice

18 <1> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Why do you people say this proverb?

The parents ate the sour grapes,

but the children got the sour taste.”

<3> But the Lord my Master says, “By my life, I swear that people in Israel will not think this proverb is true anymore! <4> I will treat everyone, child and parent, just the same. The one who sins is the one who will die!

<5> “Whoever is good will live! Such good people are fair and do what is right. <6> They don’t go to the mountains to share food offered to idols. They don’t pray to those filthy idols in Israel. They don’t commit adultery with their neighbor’s wife. They don’t have sex with their wives during their period. <7> They don’t take advantage of others. If someone borrows money from them, they might take something of value before they give the money. But when that person pays them back, they return that thing. They give food to the hungry and clothes to people who need them. <8> If someone wants to borrow money, they lend them the money, and they don’t charge interest on that loan. Good people refuse to be crooked. They are always fair with everyone. People can trust them. <9> They obey my laws and study my rules so that they can learn to be fair and dependable. Those people are good, so they w ill live.

<10> “But someone like that might have a son who does not do any of these good things. The son steals things and kills people. <11> He does things his father never did. He goes to the mountains and eats foods offered to false gods. He commits the sin of adultery with his neighbor’s wife. <12> He mistreats poor, helpless people. He takes advantage of them. When a debt is paid,[96] he does not give back what he took from them. He prays to filthy idols and does other terrible things. <13> He lends money to people who need it, but he forces them to pay interest on the loan. The evil son will not be allowed to live. He will be put to death because he did such terrible things, and he will be responsible for his own death.

<14> “Now, that evil son might also have a son. But this son sees the bad things his father did, and he refuses to live as his father did. He treats people fairly. <15> He does not go to the mountains and eat foods offered to false gods. He does not pray to filthy idols in Israel. He does not commit the sin of adultery[97] with his neighbor’s wife. <16> He does not take advantage of people. If someone borrows money from him, the good son takes something of value and then gives the other person the money. When that person pays him back, the good son gives back what he took. The good son gives food to hungry people, and he gives clothes to those who need them. <17> He helps the poor. If people want to borrow money, the good son lends them the money, and he does not charge interest on the loan! He obeys my laws and follows them. He will not be put to death for his father’s sins. The good son will live. <18> The father hurts people and steals things. He never does anything good for my people! He will die because of his own sins.

<19> “You might ask, ‘Why will the son not be punished for his father’s sins?’ The reason is that the son was fair and did good things. He very carefully obeyed my laws, so he will live. <20> The one who sins is the one who will be put to death. A son will not be punished for his father’s sins, and a father will not be punished for his son’s sins. A good man’s goodness belongs to him alone, and a bad man’s evil belongs to him alone.

<21> “Now, if evil people change their lives then they will live and not die. They might stop doing all the bad things they did and begin to carefully obey all my laws. They might become fair and good. <22> God will not remember all the bad things they did. He will remember only their goodness, so they will live!”

<23> The Lord my Master says, “I don’t want bad people to die. I want them to change their lives so that they can live!

<24> “Now, maybe good people might stop being good. They might change their lives and begin to do all the terrible things that bad people have done in the past. (The bad people changed, so they can live.) So if those good people change and become bad, God will not remember all the good things they did. He will remember that they turned against him and began to sin. So they will die because of their sin.

<25> “You people might say, ‘[The Lord] my Master isn’t fair!’ But listen, family of Israel. I am fair. You are the ones who are not fair! <26> If good people change and become evil, they must die for the bad things they do. <27> And if bad people change and become good and fair, they will save their lives. They will live! <28> They saw how bad they were and came back to me. They stopped doing the bad things they did in the past. So they will live! They will not die!”

<29> The people of Israel said, “That’s not fair! [The Lord] my Master isn’t fair!”

“I am fair! You are the ones who are not fair! <30> Why? Because, family of Israel, I will judge each of you only for what you do!” This is what the Lord my Master said. “So come back to me! Stop committing those crimes and do away with those things that cause you to sin! <31> Throw away all the terrible idols with which you committed your crimes! Change your heart and spirit. People of Israel, why should you do things that will cost you your life? <32> I don’t want to kill you! Please come back and live!” This is what the Lord my Master said.

A Sad Song About Israel

19 <1> [God said to me,] “You must sing this sad song about the leaders of Israel.

<2> “‘Your mother is like a female lion,

lying there with the male lions.

She went to lie down with

the young male lions and had many babies.

<3> One of her cubs gets up.

He has grown to be a strong young lion.

He has learned to catch his food.

He killed and ate a man.

<4> “‘The people heard him roar,

and they caught him in their trap.

They put hooks in his mouth,

and carried the young lion to Egypt.

<5> “‘The mother lion had hoped that cub would become the leader,

but now she lost all hope.

So she took another of her cubs

and trained him to be a lion.

<6> He hunted with the adult lions

and became a strong young lion.

He learned to catch his food.

He killed and ate a man.

<7> He attacked the palaces

and destroyed the cities.

Everyone in that country was too scared to speak when they heard his growl.

<8> Then the people who lived around him set a trap for him,

and they caught him in their trap.

<9> They put hooks on him and locked him up.

They had him in their trap,

so they took him to the king of Babylon.

And now, you cannot hear his roar

on the mountains of Israel.

<10> “‘Your mother is like a grapevine

planted near the water.

She had plenty of water,

so she grew many strong vines.

<11> Then she grew large branches.

They were like a strong walking stick.

They were like a king’s scepter.[98]

The vine grew taller and taller.

It had many branches and reached to the clouds.

<12> But the vine was pulled up by the roots,

and thrown down to the ground.

The hot east wind blew and dried its fruit.

The strong branches broke, and they were thrown into the fire.

<13> “‘Now that grapevine is planted in the desert.

It is a very dry and thirsty land.

<14> A fire started in the large branch

and spread to destroy all of its vines and fruit.

So there was no strong walking stick.

There was no king’s scepter.’

This was a sad song about death, and it was sung as a sad song about death.”

Israel Turned Away From God

20 <1> One day, some of the elders[99] of Israel came to me to ask the Lord for advice. This was on the tenth day of the fifth month, of the seventh year [of exile].[100] The elders sat down in front of me.

<2> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <3> “Son of man,[101] speak to the elders of Israel. Tell them ‘This is what the Lord my Master says: Have you come to ask me advice? If you have, I will not give it to you.’ <4> Should you judge them? Will you judge them, son of man? You must tell them about the terrible things their fathers have done. <5> You must tell them, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says: On the day I chose Israel, I raised my hand to Jacob’s family and made a promise to them in Egypt. When I let them know who I was, I raised my hand and said: “I am the Lord your God.” <6> On that day, I promised to take you out of Egypt and lead you to the land I was giving to you. That was a good land filled with many goo d things.[102] It was the most beautiful of all countries!

<7> “‘I told the family of Israel to throw away their horrible idols. I told them not to become filthy with those filthy statues from Egypt. I said, “I am the Lord your God.” <8> But they turned against me and refused to listen to me. They did not throw away their horrible idols. They did not leave their filthy statues in Egypt. So I decided to destroy them in Egypt—to let them feel the full force of my anger. <9> But I did not destroy them. I had already told the Egyptians that I would bring my people out of Egypt. I did not want to ruin my good name, so I did not destroy Israel in front of those other people. <10> I brought the family of Israel out of Egypt. I led them into the desert. <11> Then I gave them my laws and told them all my rules. Whoever obeys them will live. <12> I also told them about all the special days of rest, which were a special sign between us. They showed that I am the Lord and that I was making them special to me.

<13> “‘But the family of Israel turned against me in the desert. They did not follow my laws. They refused to obey my rules—even though people who obey my laws live because of them. They treated my special days of rest as if they were not important. They worked on those days many times. I decided to destroy them in the desert—to let them feel the full force of my anger. <14> But I did not destroy them. The other nations saw me bring Israel out of Egypt. I did not want to ruin my good name, so I did not destroy Israel in front of those other people. <15> I made another promise to those people in the desert. I promised that I would not bring them into the land I was giving them. That was a good land filled with many good things. It was the most beautiful of all countries!

<16> “‘The people of Israel refused to obey my rules or to follow my laws. They treated my days of rest as if they were not important. They did all these things because their hearts belonged to their filthy idols. <17> But I felt sorry for them, so I did not destroy them. I did not completely destroy them in the desert. <18> I spoke to their children and told them, “Don’t be like your parents. Don’t make yourself filthy with their filthy idols. Don’t follow their laws or obey their commands. <19> I am the Lord. I am your God. Obey my laws and keep my commands. Do the things I tell you. <20> Show that my days of rest are important to you. Remember, they are a special sign between us. I am the Lord, and these days show you that I am your God.”

<21> “‘But the children turned against me and did not obey my laws. They did not keep my commands—even though people who obey my laws live because of them. They treated my special days of rest as though they were not important. So I decided to destroy them completely in the desert, to let them feel the full force of my anger. <22> But I stopped myself. The other nations saw me bring Israel out of Egypt. I did not want to ruin my good name, so I did not destroy Israel in front of those other people. <23> So I made another promise to those people in the desert. I promised to scatter them among the nations, to send them to many different countries.

<24> “‘The people of Israel did not obey my commands. They refused to obey my laws. They treated my special days of rest as though they were not important, and they worshiped the filthy idols of their fathers. <25> So I gave them laws that were not good. I gave them commands that would not bring life. <26> I let them make themselves filthy with their gifts. They even began to sacrifice their own firstborn children. In this way I would destroy them. Then they would know that I am the Lord.’ <27> So now, son of man, speak to the family of Israel. Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says: The people of Israel said bad things about me and made evil plans against me. <28> But I still brought them to the land I promised to give them. They saw all the hills and green trees, so they went to all those places to worship. They took their sacrif ices and anger offerings[103] to all those places. They offered their sacrifices that made a sweet smell, and they offered their drink offerings at those places. <29> I asked the people of Israel why they were going to the high places. But that high place is still there today.[104]’

<30> “Since Israel did those things, speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says: You people have made yourselves filthy by doing the things your ancestors[105] did. You have acted like a prostitute. You have left me to be with the horrible gods your ancestors worshiped. <31> You are giving the same kind of gifts. You are putting your children in the fire as a gift to your false gods. You are still making yourself filthy with these filthy idols today! Do you really think that I should let you come to me and ask me for advice? I am the Lord and Master. By my life, I swear that I will not answer your questions or give you advice! <32> You keep saying you want to be like the other nations. You live like the people in other nations. You serve pieces of wood and stone idols!’”

<33> The Lord my Master says, “By my life, I swear that I will rule over you as king. But I will raise my powerful arm and punish you. I will show my anger against you! <34> I will bring you out of these other nations. I scattered you among these nations, but I will gather you together and bring you back from these countries. But I will raise my powerful arm and punish you. I will show my anger against you! <35> I will lead you into a desert as I did before, but this will be a place where other nations live. We will stand face to face, and I will judge you. <36> I will judge you as I judged your ancestors in the desert near Egypt.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<37> “I will judge you guilty and punish you according to the Agreement. <38> I will remove all those who turned against me and sinned against me. I will remove them from your homeland. They will never again come to the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

<39> Now, family of Israel, this is what the Lord my Master says: “Whoever wants to worship their filthy idols, let them go and worship them. But later, don’t think you will get any advice from me. You will not ruin my name anymore! Not when you continue to give your gifts to your filthy idols.”

<40> The Lord my Master says, “People must come to my holy mountain—the high mountain in Israel—to serve me! The whole family of Israel will be on their land—they will be there in their country. There you can come to ask me for advice, and you must come there to bring me your offerings. You must bring the first part of your crops to me there. You must bring all your holy gifts to me in that place. <41> Then I will be pleased with the sweet smell of your sacrifices. That will happen when I bring you back. I scattered you among many nations, but I will gather you together and make you my special people again, and all the nations will see it. <42> Then you will know that I am the Lord. You will know this when I bring you back to the land of Israel, the land I promised to give to your ancestors. <43> In that country you will remember all the evil things you did that ma de you filthy, and you will be ashamed. <44> Family of Israel, you did many evil things, and you should be destroyed because of them. But to protect my good name, I will not give you the punishment you really deserve. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<45> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <46> “Son of man, look toward the Negev, the southern part of Judah. Speak against the Negev Forest.[106] <47> Say to the Negev Forest, ‘Listen to the word of the Lord. This is what the Lord my Master said: Look, I am ready to start a fire in your forest. The fire will destroy every green tree and every dry tree. The flame that burns will not be put out. All the land from south to north will be burned by the fire. <48> Then all people will see that I, the Lord, have started the fire. The fire will not be put out!’”

<49> Then I said, “Oh, Lord my Master! If I say this, the people will say that I am only telling them stories.”

Babylon, the Sword

21 <1> So the word of the Lord came to me again. He said, <2> “Son of man,[107] look toward Jerusalem and speak against their holy places. Speak against the land of Israel for me. <3> Say to the land of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord said: I am against you! I will pull my sword from its sheath.[108] I will remove all people from you—the good and the evil. <4> I will cut both good people and evil people from you. I will pull my sword from its sheath and use it against all people from south to north. <5> Then everyone will know that I am the Lord. They will know that I have pull ed my sword from its sheath. My sword will not go back into its sheath again until it is finished.’

<6> “Son of man, make sad sounds like a sad person with a broken heart. Make these sad sounds in front of the people. <7> Then they will ask you, ‘Why are you making these sad sounds?’ Then you must say, ‘Because of the sad news that is coming. Every heart will melt with fear. All hands will become weak. Every spirit will become weak. All knees will be like water.’ Look, that bad news is coming. These things will happen!” This is what the Lord my Master said.

The Sword Is Ready

<8> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <9> “Son of man, speak to the people for me. Say this, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says:

“‘Look, a sword, a sharp sword,

and it has been polished.

<10> The sword was made sharp for killing.

It was polished to flash like lightning.

My son, you ran away from the stick I used to punish you.

You refused to be punished with that wooden stick.

<11> So the sword has been polished.

Now it can be used.

The sword was sharpened and polished.

Now it can be put in the hand of the killer.

<12> “‘Son of man, shout out and scream because the sword will be used against my people and all the rulers of Israel. They wanted war—so they will be with my people when the sword comes. So slap your thigh to show your sadness, <13> because it is not just a test. You refused to be punished with the wooden stick, so what else should I use to punish you? [A sword?]’” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<14> [God said,] “Son of man, clap your hands to show your sadness, and speak to the people for me.

“Let the sword come down twice,

no, three times!

This sword is for killing the people.

This is the sword for the great killing.

This sword will cut into them.

<15> Their hearts will melt with fear,

and many people will fall.

The sword will kill many people

by the city gates.

Yes, the sword will flash like lightning.

It was polished to kill the people!

<16> Sword, be sharp!

Cut on the right side.

Cut straight ahead.

Cut on the left side.

Go wherever your edge was chosen to go.

<17> “Then I, too, will clap my hands

and stop showing my anger.

I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Jerusalem Punished

<18> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <19> “Son of man, draw two roads that the sword of the king of Babylon can use to come to Israel. Both roads will come from the same country. Then draw a sign at the head of the road to the city. <20> Use the sign to show which road the sword will use. One road leads to the Ammonite city of Rabbah. The other road leads to Judah, to the protected city, Jerusalem. <21> This shows that the king of Babylon has come to the place where the two roads separate. He has used magic signs to find the future. He shook some arrows. He asked questions from family idols. He looked at the liver[109] from an animal he killed.

<22> “The signs tell him to take the road on his right, the road leading to Jerusalem! He plans to bring the battering rams.[110] He will give the command, and his soldiers will begin the killing. They will shout the battle cry. Then they will build a wall of dirt around the city. They will build a dirt road leading up to the walls. They will build wooden towers to attack the city. <23> Those magic signs mean nothing to the people of Israel. They have the promises they made. But [the Lord] will remember their sin, so the Israelites will be captured.”

<24> This is what the Lord my Master says: “You have done many evil things. Your sins are very clear. You forced me to remember that you are guilty, so the enemy will catch you in his hand. <25> And you, evil leader of Israel, you will be killed. Your time of punishment has come! The end is here!”

<26> This is what the Lord my Master says: “Take off the turban[111]! Take off the crown! The time has come to change. The important leaders will be brought low, and those who are not important now will become important leaders. <27> I will completely destroy that city! But this will not happen until the right man becomes the new king. Then I will let him have this city.”

The Ammonites Punished

<28> [God said,] “Son of man, speak to the people for me. Say this, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says to the people of Ammon and their shameful god:

“‘Look, a sword!

The sword is out of its sheath.[112]

It has been polished.

The sword is ready to kill.

It was polished to flash like lightning!

<29> “‘Your visions[113] are useless.

Your magic will not help you.

It is only a bunch of lies.

The sword is now at the throats of evil men.

They will soon be only dead bodies.

Their time has come.

The time has come for their evil to end.

Prophecy Against Babylon

<30> “‘Put the sword back in its sheath.[114] Babylon, I will judge you in the place where you were created, in the land where you were born. <31> I will pour out my anger against you. My anger will burn you like a hot wind. I will hand you over to cruel men.[115] Those men are skilled at killing people. <32> You will be like fuel for the fire. Your blood will flow deep into the earth—people will never remember you again. I, the Lord, have spoken!’”

Ezekiel Speaks Against Jerusalem

22 <1> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[116] will you judge the city of murderers? Will you tell her about all the terrible things she has done? <3> You must say, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says: The city is full of murderers, so her time of punishment will come. She made filthy idols for herself, and those idols made her filthy!

<4> “‘People of Jerusalem, you killed many people. You made filthy idols. You are guilty, and the time has come to punish you. Your end has come. Other nations will make fun of you and laugh at you. <5> People far and near will make fun of you. You have ruined your name. You are filled with chaos.

<6> “‘Look, all the leaders in Israel are using their strength just to kill other people. <7> And the people in Jerusalem don’t respect their parents. There in the city, they abuse the foreigners. They cheat orphans and widows in that place. <8> You hate all that I consider holy. You treat my special days of rest as if they are not important. <9> In Jerusalem, people tell lies in order to kill innocent people. They go to the mountains to worship false gods and then come back to Jerusalem to eat their fellowship meals.

“‘In Jerusalem, people commit many sexual sins. <10> There men commit sexual sins with their father’s wife. There the men rape women—even during their monthly time of bleeding. <11> One man commits a terrible sin against his own neighbor’s wife. Another man has sex with his daughter-in-law and makes her unclean.[117] Another man rapes his father’s daughter—his very own sister. <12> There men accept bribes to kill people. You lend money and charge interest on the loans. You cheat your neighbors just to make a little money. You have even forgotten me.’ This is what the Lord my Master said.

<13> “[God said,] ‘Now look! I will slam my hand down and stop you! I will punish you for cheating and killing people. <14> Will you be brave then? Will you be strong at the time I come to punish you? No! I am the Lord. I have spoken, and I will do what I said! <15> I will scatter you among the nations. I will force you to go to many countries. I will completely destroy the filthy things in this city. <16> But Jerusalem, you will become unclean. And the other nations will see all these things happen. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

Israel Is Like Worthless Waste

<17> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <18> “Son of man, bronze, iron, lead, and tin are important metals, but when a worker melts silver to make it pure, those metals are poured off as waste. Israel has become like that waste to me. <19> So this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘All of you have become like worthless waste. So I will gather you into Jerusalem. <20> Workers put silver, bronze, iron, lead, and tin into a fire. They blow on the fire to make it hotter. Then the metals begin to melt. In the same way I will put you in my fire and melt you. That fire is my hot anger. <21> I will put you in my fire of anger and blow on it, and you will begin to melt. <22> In that city, you will be like silver melting in a fire. Then you will know that I am the Lord, and that I poured out my an ger on you.’”

Ezekiel Speaks Against Jerusalem

<23> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <24> “Son of man, speak to Israel. Tell her that she is not pure.[118] I am angry at that country, so that country has not received its rain. <25> The prophets in Jerusalem are making evil plans. They are like a lion—it roars when it begins to eat the animal it caught. They have destroyed many lives. They have taken many valuable things and made widows of many of the women in Jerusalem.

<26> “The priests have really hurt my teachings. They don’t treat my holy things right—they don’t show they are important. They treat holy things the same as things that are not holy.[119] They treat clean[120] things like things that are unclean. They don’t teach the people about these things. They refuse to respect my special days of rest. They treat me as though I am not important.

<27> “The leaders in Jerusalem are like a wolf eating the animal it has caught. They attack people and kill them just to get rich.

<28> “The prophets don’t warn the people—they cover up the truth. They are like workers who don’t really repair a wall—they only put plaster over the holes. They only see lies. They do their magic to learn the future, but they only tell lies. They say, ‘This is what the Lord my Master said.’ But they are only lying—the Lord did not speak to them!

<29> “The common people take advantage of each other. They cheat and steal from each other. They get rich by taking advantage of poor, helpless beggars, and they really cheat the foreigners. They are not fair to them at all!

<30> “I asked the people to [change their lives and] protect their country. I asked people to fix the walls. I wanted them to stand by those holes in the wall and fight to protect their city. But no one came to help! <31> So I will show them my anger—I will completely destroy them. I will punish them for the evil things they have done. It is all their fault.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

23 <1> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[121] listen to this story about Samaria and Jerusalem. There were two sisters, daughters of the same mother. <3> They became prostitutes in Egypt while they were still young girls. In Egypt, they first made love and let men touch their nipples and hold their young breasts. <4> The older daughter was named Oholah,[122] and her sister was named Oholibah.[123] They became my wives, and we had children. (Oholah is really Samaria, and Oholibah is really Jerusalem.)

<5> “Then Oholah became unfaithful to me—she began to live like a prostitute. She began to want her lovers. She saw the Assyrian soldiers <6> in their blue uniforms. They were all desirable young men riding horses. They were leaders and officers, <7> and Oholah gave herself to all those men. All of them were handpicked soldiers in the Assyrian army, and she wanted them all! She became filthy with their filthy idols. <8> Besides that, she never stopped her love affair with Egypt. Egypt made love to her when she was a young girl. Egypt was the first lover to touch her young breasts. Egypt poured his untrue love on her. <9> So I let her lovers have her. She wanted Assyria, so I gave her to them! <10> They raped[124] her. They took her children and killed her. They punished her, and women still talk about he r.

<11> “Her younger sister Oholibah saw all these things happen. But Oholibah sinned more than her sister! She was more unfaithful than Oholah. <12> She wanted the Assyrian leaders and officers. She wanted those soldiers in blue uniforms riding their horses. They were all desirable young men. <13> I saw that both women were going to ruin their lives with the same mistakes.

<14> “Oholibah continued to be unfaithful to me. In Babylon, she saw pictures of men carved on the walls. These were pictures of Chaldean[125] men wearing their red uniforms. <15> They wore belts around their waists and long turbans[126] on their heads. All of those men looked like chariot[127] officers. They all looked like native-born Babylonian men, <16> and Oholibah wanted them. <17> So the Babylonian men came to her love bed to have sex with her. They used her and made her so filthy that she became disgusted with them.

<18> “Oholibah let everyone see that she was unfaithful. She let so many men enjoy her naked body, that I became disgusted with her—just as I had become disgusted with her sister. <19> Again and again Oholibah was unfaithful to me, and then she remembered the love affair she had as a young girl in Egypt. <20> She remembered her lover with the penis like a donkey and a flood of semen like a horse.

<21> “Oholibah, you dreamed of those times when you were young; when your lover touched your nipples and held your young breasts. <22> So Oholibah, this is what the Lord my Master says: ‘You became disgusted with your lovers, but I will bring them here, and they will surround you. <23> I will bring all the men from Babylon, especially the Chaldeans. I will bring the men from Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the men from Assyria. I will bring all the leaders and officers, all those desirable young men, chariot officers, and handpicked soldiers riding their horses. <24> That crowd of men will come to you in large groups, riding on their horses and in their chariots. They will have their spears, shields, and helmets. They will gather around you, and I will tell them what you have done to me. Then they will punish you their own way. <25> I will show you how jealous I am. They will become angry and hurt you. They will cut off your nose and ears. They will kill you with a sword. Then they will take your children and burn whatever is left of you. <26> They will take your nice clothes and jewelry. <27> So I will stop your dreams about your love affair with Egypt. You will never again look for them. You will never remember Egypt again!’”

<28> This is what the Lord my Master says: “I am giving you to the men you hate. I am giving you to the men you became disgusted with. <29> And they will show how much they hate you! They will take everything you worked for, and they will leave you bare and naked! People will clearly see your sins. They will see that you acted like a prostitute and dreamed wicked dreams. <30> You did those bad things when you left me to chase after the other nations. You did those bad things when you began to worship their filthy idols. <31> You followed your sister and lived like she did. You, yourself, took her cup of poison and held it in your hands.[128]” <32> This is what the Lord my Master says:

“You will drink your sister’s cup of poison.

It is a tall, wide cup of poison.

It holds much poison.

People will laugh at you and make fun of you.

<33> You will stagger like a drunk.

You will become very dizzy.

That is the cup of destruction

and devastation.

It is like the cup of punishment

that your sister drank.

<34> You will drink the poison in that cup.

You will drink it to the last drop.

You will throw down the glass

and break it to pieces.

You will tear at your breasts from the pain.

This will happen because I am the Lord and Master,

and this is what I said.

<35> “So this is what the Lord my Master said: ‘Jerusalem, you forgot me. You threw me away and left me behind. So now you must suffer for leaving me and living like a prostitute. You must suffer for your wicked dreams.’”

Judgment Against Oholah and Oholibah

<36> The Lord my Master said to me, “Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? Then tell them about the terrible things they have done. <37> They committed the sin of adultery.[129] They are guilty of murder. They acted like prostitutes—they left me to be with their filthy idols. They had my children, but they forced them to pass through fire. They did this to give food to their filthy idols. <38> They also treated my special days of rest and my holy place as though they were not important. <39> They killed their children for their idols,[130] and then they went into my holy place and made it filthy too! They did this inside my Temple[131]!

<40> “They have sent for men from faraway places. You sent a messenger to these men, and they came to see you. You bathed for them, painted your eyes, and put on your jewelry. <41> You sat on a fine bed with a table set before it. You put my incense[132] and my oil[133] on this table.

<42> “The noise in Jerusalem sounded like a crowd of people having a party.[134] Many people came to the party. People were already drinking as they came in from the desert. They gave bracelets and beautiful crowns to the women. <43> Then I spoke to one of the women who was worn out from her sexual sins. I told her, ‘Will they continue to do sexual sins with her, and she with them?’ <44> But they kept going to her as they would go to a prostitute. Yes, they went again and again to Oholah and Oholibah, those wicked women.

<45> “But good men will judge them guilty of adultery and murder, because Oholah and Oholibah committed adultery and their hands are covered with blood!”

<46> This is what the Lord my Master said: “Gather the people together to punish and terrorize Oholah and Oholibah. <47> They will throw stones at these women and kill them. They will cut the women to pieces with their swords. They will kill their children and burn their houses. <48> In this way I will remove that shame from this country, and all the other women will be warned not to do the shameful things you have done. <49> They will punish you for the wicked things you did. You will be punished for worshiping your filthy idols. Then you will know that I am the Lord and Master.”

The Pot and the Meat

24 <1> The word of the Lord my Master came to me. This was on the tenth day of the tenth month, in the ninth year [of exile].[135] He said, <2> “Son of man,[136] write today’s date and this note: ‘On this date the army of the king of Babylon surrounded Jerusalem.’ <3> Tell this story to the family who refuses to obey (Israel). Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says:

“‘Put the pot on the fire.

Put on the pot and pour in the water.

<4> Put in the pieces of meat.

Put in every good piece, the thighs and the shoulders.

Fill the pot with the best bones.

<5> Use the best animals in the flock.

Pile the wood under the pot,

and boil the pieces of meat.

Boil the soup until even the bones

are cooked.

<6> “‘So this is what the Lord my Master says:

It will be bad for Jerusalem.

It will be bad for that city of murderers.

Jerusalem is like a pot with rust on it,

and those spots of rust cannot be removed!

That pot is not clean, and the rust cannot be removed,

so the meat must be thrown out and not divided among the priests.

<7> Jerusalem is like a pot with rust on it.

This is because the blood from the murders is still there!

She put the blood on the bare rock.

She did not pour the blood on the ground and cover it with dirt.[137]

<8> I put her blood on the bare rock,

so it would not be covered.

I did this so that people would become angry and punish her for killing innocent people.

<9> “‘So this is what the Lord my Master says:

It will be bad for that city of murderers!

I will pile up plenty of wood for the fire.

<10> Put plenty of wood under the pot.

Light the fire.

Cook the meat well done.

Mix in the spices,[138] and let the bones be burned up.

<11> Then let the pot stand empty on the coals.

Let it become so hot that its stains[139] begin to glow.

Those stains will be melted away.

The rust will be destroyed.

<12> “‘Jerusalem might work hard

to scrub away her stains.

But that ‘rust’ will not go away!

Only the fire of punishment will remove it.

<13> “‘You sinned against me

and became stained with sin.

I wanted to wash you and make you clean,

but the stains would not come out.

I will not try washing you again

until my hot anger is finished with you!

<14> “‘I am the Lord. I said your punishment would come, and I will make it happen. I will not hold back the punishment or feel sorry for you. I will punish you for the evil things you did. This is what the Lord my Master said.’”

The Death of Ezekiel’s Wife

<15> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <16> “Son of man, you love your wife very much, but I am going to take her away from you. Your wife will die suddenly, but you must not show your sadness. You must not cry loudly. You will cry and your tears will fall, <17> but you must mourn quietly. Dress as you normally do; wear your turban[140] and sandals; don’t cover your mustache and don’t eat the food people normally eat when someone dies.”

<18> The next morning I told the people what God had said. That evening, my wife died. The next morning I did what God commanded. <19> Then the people said to me, “Why are you doing this? What does it mean?”

<20> Then I said to them, “The word of the Lord came to me. He told me <21> to speak to the family of Israel. The Lord my Master said, ‘Look, I will destroy my holy place. You are proud of that place and sing songs of praise about it. You love to see it. You really love that place. But I will destroy it, and your children that you left behind will be killed in battle. <22> But you will do the same things that I have done about my dead wife. You will not cover your mustache or eat the food people normally eat when someone dies. <23> You will wear your turbans and your sandals. You will not show your sadness publicly or cry publicly, but you will waste away with guilt and talk to each other quietly about your grief. <24> So Ezekiel is an example for you. You will do all the same things he did. That time of punishment will come, and then you wi ll know that I am the Lord.’”

<25-26> [The Lord said to me,] “Son of man, I will take away that safe place of Jerusalem from the people. That beautiful place makes them happy. They love to see it. They really love that place. But at that time, I will take that city and their children away from the people. One of the survivors will come to you with the bad news about Jerusalem. <27> At that time you will be able to speak to that person. You will not be silent anymore. In this way you will be an example for them. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

Prophecy Against Ammon

25 <1> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[141] look toward the people of Ammon and speak against them for me. <3> Say to them: ‘Listen to the word of the Lord my Master! This is what the Lord my Master says: You were happy when my holy place was destroyed. You were against the land of Israel when it was polluted. You were against the family of Judah when the people were carried away as prisoners. <4> So I will give you to the people from the east. They will get your land. Their armies will set up their camps in your country. They will live among you and eat your fruit and drink your milk.

<5> “‘I will make the city Rabbah a pasture for camels and the country of Ammon a sheep pen. Then you will know that I am the Lord. <6> This is what the Lord says: You were happy that Jerusalem was destroyed. You clapped your hands and stamped your feet. You had fun insulting the land of Israel, <7> so I will punish you. You will be like the valuable things soldiers take in war. You will lose your inheritance and die in faraway lands. I will destroy your country! Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

Prophecy Against Moab and Seir

<8> This is what the Lord my Master says: “Moab and Seir[142] say, ‘The family of Judah is just like any other nation.’ <9> I will cut into Moab’s shoulder—I will take away its cities, which are on its borders, the glory of the land, Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim. <10> Then I will give these cities to the people of the east. They will get your land. I will also let those people from the east destroy the Ammonites, and people will forget they were ever a nation. <11> So I will punish Moab, and then they will know that I am the Lord.”

Prophecy Against Edom

<12> This is what the Lord my Master says: “The people of Edom turned against the family of Judah and tried to get even. The people of Edom are guilty.” <13> So the Lord my Master says: “I will punish Edom. I will destroy the people and the animals in Edom. I will destroy the whole country of Edom, all the way from Teman to Dedan. The Edomites will be killed in battle. <14> I will use my people Israel and get even against Edom. In this way the people of Israel will show my anger against Edom. Then the people of Edom will know that I punished them.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

Prophecy Against the Philistines

<15> This is what the Lord my Master says: “The Philistines tried to get even. They were very cruel. They let their anger burn inside them too long.” <16> So the Lord my Master said, “I will punish the Philistines. Yes, I will destroy those people from Crete. I will completely destroy those people who live on the seacoast. <17> I will punish them—I will get even. I will let my anger teach them a lesson. Then they will know that I am the Lord!”

The Sad Message About Tyre

26 <1> In the eleventh year [of exile],[143] on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[144] Tyre said bad things about Jerusalem: ‘Hurray! The city gate protecting the people is destroyed! The city gate is open for me. The city of Jerusalem is ruined, so I can get plenty of valuable things out of it!’”

<3> So the Lord my Master says: “I am against you, Tyre! I will bring many nations to fight against you. They will come again and again, like waves on the beach.

<4> “The enemy soldiers will destroy the walls of Tyre and pull down her towers. I will also scrape the topsoil from her land. I will make Tyre a bare rock. <5> Tyre will become a place by the sea for spreading fishing nets. I have spoken!” The Lord my Master says, “Tyre will be like the valuable things soldiers take in war. <6> Her daughters on the mainland will be killed in battle. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

Nebuchadnezzar Will Attack Tyre

<7> This is what the Lord my Master says: “I will bring an enemy from the north against Tyre. That enemy is Nebuchadnezzar, the great king of Babylon! He will bring a very large army. There will be horses, chariots,[145] horse soldiers and many other soldiers. They will be from many different nations. <8> Nebuchadnezzar will kill your daughters on the mainland. He will build towers to attack your city. He will build a dirt road around your city and a dirt road leading up to the walls. <9> He will bring the logs to break down your walls. He will use picks and break down your towers. <10> There will be so many of his horses that the dust from them will cover you. Your walls will shake at the noise of horse soldiers, wagons, and chariots when the king of Babylon enters the city through your city gates. Yes, they will come into you r city because its walls will be pulled down. <11> The king of Babylon will come riding through your city. His horses’ hoofs[146] will come pounding over your streets. He will kill your people with swords. The strong columns in your city will fall to the ground. <12> Nebuchadnezzar’s men will take away your riches. They will take the things you wanted to sell. They will break down your walls and destroy your pleasant houses. They will throw the wood and stones into the sea like garbage. <13> So I will stop the sound of your happy songs. People will not hear your harps anymore. <14> I will make you a bare rock. You will be a place by the sea for spreading fishing nets! You will not be rebuilt, because I, the Lord, have spoken!” This is what the Lord my Master said.

Other Nations Will Cry for Tyre

<15> This is what the Lord my Master says to Tyre: “The countries along the Mediterranean coast will shake at the sound of your fall. That will happen when your people are hurt and killed. <16> Then all the leaders of the countries by the sea will step down from their thrones and show their sadness. They will take off their special robes and their beautiful clothes. Then they will put on their ‘clothes of shaking.’ They will sit on the ground and shake with fear. They will be shocked at how quickly you were destroyed. <17> They will sing this sad song about you:

“‘Tyre, you were a famous city.[147]

People came from across the sea to live in you.[148]

You were famous,

but now you are gone!

You were strong on the sea,

and so were the people who lived in you.

You made all who live on the mainland afraid of you.

<18> Now, on the day you fall,

the countries along the coast will shake with fear.

You started many colonies along the coast.

Now those people will be scared when you are gone!’”

<19> This is what the Lord my Master says: “Tyre, you will become an old, empty city. No one will live there. I will cause the sea to flow over you. The great sea will cover you. <20> I will send you down into that deep hole—to the place of death. You will join those who died long ago. I will send you to the world below, like all the other old, empty cities. You will be with all the others who go down to the grave. No one will live in you then. You will never again be in the land of the living! <21> Other people will be afraid about what happened to you. You will be finished. People will look for you, but they will never find you again.” That is what the Lord my Master says.

Tyre, the Door to the Seas

27 <1> The word of the Lord came to me again. He said, <2> “Son of man,[149] sing this sad song about Tyre. <3> Say this about Tyre:

“‘Tyre, you are the door to the seas.

You are the merchant[150] for many nations.

You travel to many countries along the coast.

This is what the Lord my Master says:

Tyre, you think that you are so beautiful.

You think you are perfectly beautiful!

<4> The Mediterranean Sea is the border

around your city.

Your builders made you perfectly beautiful,

[like the ships that sail from you.]

<5> Your builders used cypress trees

from the Senir mountains to make your planks.

They used cedar trees from Lebanon

to make your mast.

<6> They used oak trees from Bashan

to make your oars.

They used pine trees from Cyprus

to make the cabin on your deck.[151]

They decorated that shelter with ivory.

<7> For your sail,

they used colorful linen made in Egypt.

That sail was your flag.

The coverings over your cabin

were blue and purple.

They came from the coast of Cyprus.[152]

<8> Men from Sidon and Arvad

rowed your boats for you.

Tyre, your wise men were the pilots

on your ships.

<9> The elders and wise men from Byblos[153]

were on board to help put caulking[154] between the boards on your ship.

All the ships of the sea and their sailors

came to trade and do business with you.

<10> “‘Men from Persia, Lud, and Put were in your army. They were your men of war, who hung their shields and helmets on your walls. They brought honor and glory to your city. <11> Men from Arvad and Cilicia were guards standing on the wall around your city. Men from Gammad were in your towers. They hung their shields on the walls around your city and made your beauty complete.

<12> “‘Tarshish[155] was one of your best customers. They traded silver, iron, tin, and lead for all the wonderful things you sold. <13> People in Greece, Turkey, and the area around the Black Sea traded with you. They traded slaves and bronze for the things you sold. <14> People from the nation[156] of Togarmah traded horses, war horses, and mules for the things you sold. <15> The people of Rhodes[157] traded with you. You sold your things in many places. People brought ivory tusks and ebony wood to pay you. <16> Aram traded with you because you had so many good things. They traded emeralds, purple cloth, fine needlework, fine linen, coral,[158] and rubies for the things you sold.

<17> “‘The people in Judah and Israel traded with you. They paid for the things you sold with the wheat, olives, early figs, honey, oil, and balm.[159] <18> Damascus was a good customer. They traded with you for the many wonderful things you had. They traded wine from Helbon and white wool for those things. <19> Damascus traded wine from Uzal for the things you sold. They paid with wrought iron, cassia,[160] and sugar cane. <20> Dedan provided good business and traded with you for saddle blankets and riding horses. <21> Arabia and all the leaders of Kedar[161] traded lambs, rams, and goats for your goods. <22> The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded with you. They traded all the be st spices and every kind of precious stone and gold for your goods. <23> Haran, Canneh, Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Kilmad traded with you. <24> They paid with the best clothes—clothes from blue and fine needlework, carpets of many colors, tightly wound ropes, and things made from cedar wood. These were the things they traded with you. <25> The ships from Tarshish carried the things you sold.

“‘[Tyre, you are like one of those cargo ships.]

You are on the sea, loaded with many riches.

<26> Your oarsmen rowed you far out to sea.

But a powerful east wind

will destroy your ship at sea.

<27> All your wealth will spill into the sea.

Your wealth—the things you buy and sell—will spill into the sea.

Your whole crew—sailors, pilots, and the men who put caulking between the boards on your ship—

will spill into the sea.

The merchants[162] and soldiers in your city,

will all sink into the sea.

That will happen on the day

that you are destroyed!

<28> “‘You send your merchants to faraway places.

Those places will shake with fear when they hear your pilots’ cry!

<29> Your whole crew will jump ship.

The sailors and pilots will jump ship and swim to the shore.

<30> They will be very sad about you.

They will cry, throw dust on their heads, and roll in ashes.

<31> They will shave their heads for you.

They will put on clothes of sadness.

They will cry for you like someone crying

for someone who died.

<32> “‘And in their heavy crying they will sing this sad song about you, and cry about you:

“‘No one is like Tyre!

Tyre is destroyed, in the middle of the sea!

<33> Your merchants[163] sailed across the seas.

You satisfied many people with your great wealth

and the things you sold.

You made the kings of the earth rich!

<34> But now you are broken by the seas,

and by the deep waters.

All the things you sell

and all your people have fallen.

<35> All the people living on the coast

are shocked about you.

Their kings are terrified.

Their faces show their shock.

<36> The merchants in other nations

whistle about you.

What happened to you will scare people,

because you were destroyed.

You are gone forever.’”

Tyre Thinks It Is Like a God

28 <1> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[164] say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says:

“‘You are very proud!

And you say, “I am a god!

I sit on the seat of gods in the middle of the seas.”

“‘But you are a man and not God!

You only think you are a god.

<3> You think you are wiser than Daniel,[165]

and that no secret is hidden from you.

<4> Through your wisdom and understanding

you have gotten riches for yourself.

And you put gold and silver in your treasuries.

<5> Through your great wisdom and trade,

you have made your riches grow.

And now you are proud because of those riches.

<6> “‘So this is what the Lord my Master says:

Tyre, you thought you were like a god.

<7> I will bring strangers to fight against you.

They are most terrible among the nations!

They will pull out their swords

and use them against the beautiful things your wisdom brought you.

They will ruin your glory.

<8> They will bring you down to the grave.

You will be like a sailor who died at sea.

<9> That person will kill you.

Will you still say, “I am a god”?

No! He will have you in his power.

You will see that you are a man, not God!

<10> Strangers will treat you like a foreigner[166] and kill you,

because I gave the command!’”

This is what the Lord my Master said.

<11> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <12> “Son of man, sing this sad song about the king of Tyre. Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says:

“‘You were the perfect man—

so full of wisdom and perfectly handsome.

<13> You were in Eden, the Garden of God.

You had every precious stone—

rubies, topaz, and diamonds;

beryls, onyx, and jasper;

sapphires, turquoise, and emeralds.

And each of these stones was set in gold.

You were given this beauty

on the day you were created.

God made you strong.

<14> You were one of the chosen Cherubs[167]

who spread your wings over my throne.

I put you on the holy mountain of God.

You walked among the jewels that sparkled like fire.

<15> You were good and honest when I created you,

but then you became evil.

<16> Your business brought you many riches.

But they also put cruelty inside you, and you sinned.

So I treated you as if you were some

unclean thing—

I threw you off the mountain of God.

You were one of the chosen Cherubs

who spread your wings over my throne.

But I forced you to leave the jewels

that sparkled like fire.

<17> Your beauty made you proud.

Your glory ruined your wisdom.

So I threw you down to the ground,

and now other kings stare at you.

<18> You did many wrong things.

You were a very crooked merchant.[168]

In this way, you made the holy places unclean.

So I brought fire from inside you.

It burned you!

You burned to ashes on the ground.

Now everyone can see your shame.

<19> “‘All the people in other nations

were shocked about what happened to you.

What happened to you will make people very afraid.

You are finished!’”

The Message Against Sidon

<20> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <21> “Son of man, look toward Sidon and speak for me against that place. <22> Say, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says:

“‘I am against you, Sidon!

Your people will learn to respect me.

I will punish Sidon.

Then people will know that

I am the Lord.

Then they will learn that

I am holy, and they will treat me that way.

<23> I will send disease and death to Sidon,

and many people inside the city will die.

Soldiers outside the city

will kill many people.

Then people will know that I am the Lord!’”

The Nations Will Stop Laughing at Israel

<24> “‘Then the surrounding nations that hate Israel will no longer be like stinging nettles[169] and painful thorns. And they will know that I am the Lord their Master.’”

<25> This is what the Lord my Master said: “I scattered the people of Israel among other nations, but I will gather the family of Israel together again. Then the nations will know that I am holy, and they will treat me that way. At that time, the people of Israel will live in their land—I gave that land to my servant Jacob. <26> They will live safely in the land. They will build houses and plant vineyards. I will punish the nations around them that hated them. Then the people of Israel will live in safety, and they will know that I am the Lord their God.”

The Message Against Egypt

29 <1> On the twelfth day of the tenth month of the tenth year [of exile],[170] the word of the Lord my Master came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[171] look toward Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Speak for me against him and Egypt. <3> Say, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says:

“‘I am against you, Pharaoh, king of Egypt.

You are the great monster[172] lying beside the Nile River.

You say, “This is my river!

I made this river!”

<4-5> “‘But I will put hooks in your jaws.

The fish in the Nile River will stick to your scales.

I will pull you and your fish up

out of your rivers and onto the dry land.

You will fall on the ground,

and no one will pick you up or bury you.

I will give you to the wild animals and birds.

You will be their food.

<6> Then all the people living in Egypt

will know that I am the Lord!

“‘Why will I do these things?

Because the people of Israel leaned on Egypt for support,

but Egypt was only a weak blade of grass.

<7> The people of Israel leaned on Egypt for support,

but Egypt only pierced their hands and shoulder.

They leaned on you for support,

but you broke and twisted their back.’”

<8> So this is what the Lord my Master says:

“I will bring a sword against you.

I will destroy all your people and animals.

<9> Egypt will be empty and destroyed.

Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

God said, “Why will I do these things? Because you said, ‘This is my river. I made this river.’ <10> So I am against you. I am against the many branches of your Nile River. I will destroy Egypt completely. The cities will be empty from Migdol to Aswan and as far as the border of Ethiopia. <11> No person or animal will pass through Egypt. Nothing will pass through or settle there for 40 years. <12> I will destroy Egypt. The cities will be in ruins for 40 years! I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations. I will make them strangers[173] in foreign lands.”

<13> This is what the Lord my Master says: “I will scatter the people of Egypt among many nations. But at the end of 40 years, I will gather those people together again. <14> I will bring back the Egyptian captives. I will bring back the Egyptians to the land of Pathros, to the land where they were born. But their kingdom will not be important. <15> It will be the least important kingdom. It will never again lift itself above the other nations. I will make them so small that they will not rule over the nations. <16> And the family of Israel will never again depend on Egypt. The Israelites will remember their sin—they will remember that they turned to Egypt for help and not to God, and they will know that I am the Lord and Master.”

Babylon Will Get Egypt

<17> On the first day of the first month in the twenty-seventh year [of exile],[174] the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <18> “Son of man, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon made his army fight hard against Tyre. They shaved every soldier’s head. Every shoulder was rubbed bare from carrying heavy loads. Nebuchadnezzar and his army worked hard to defeat Tyre, but they got nothing from all that hard work.” <19> So this is what the Lord my Master says: “I will give Egypt to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and he will carry away the people. He will take the many valuable things in Egypt to pay his army. <20> I will give Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar as a reward for the hard work he did for me.” This is what the Lord my Master said!

<21> “On that day I will make the family of Israel strong. So Ezekiel, I will let you speak to them. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

The Army of Babylon Will Attack Egypt

30 <1> The word of the Lord came to me again. He said, <2> “Son of man,[175] speak for me. Say, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says:

“‘Cry and say,

“A terrible day is coming.”

<3> That day is near!

Yes, the Lord’s day for judging is near.

It will be a cloudy day,

the time for judging the nations.

<4> A sword will come against Egypt!

People in Ethiopia will shake with fear, when Egypt falls.

The army of Babylon will take the Egyptians as prisoners.

Egypt’s foundations will be torn down.

<5> “‘Many people made peace agreements with Egypt. But all those people from Ethiopia, Put, Lud, all Arabia, Libya, and the people of Israel[176] will be destroyed!

<6> “‘This is what the Lord my Master says:

Those who support Egypt will fall!

The pride in her power will end.

The people in Egypt will be killed in battle,

all the way from Migdol to Aswan.

This is what the Lord my Master said!

<7> Egypt will join the other countries

that were destroyed.

Its cities will be among those

that are in ruins.

<8> I will start a fire in Egypt,

and all her helpers will be destroyed.

Then they will know that I am the Lord!

<9> “‘At that time, I will send out messengers. They will go in ships to carry the bad news to Ethiopia. Ethiopia now feels safe, but the people of Ethiopia will shake with fear when Egypt is punished. That time is coming!’”

<10> This is what the Lord my Master says:

“I will use the king of Babylon.

I will use Nebuchadnezzar to destroy

the people of Egypt.

<11> Nebuchadnezzar and his people

are the most terrible of the nations,

and I will bring them to destroy Egypt.

They will pull out their swords against Egypt.

They will fill the land with dead bodies.

<12> I will make the Nile River become dry land.

Then I will sell the dry land to evil people.

I will use strangers to make that land empty.

I, the Lord, have spoken!”

The Idols of Egypt Will Be Destroyed

<13> This is what the Lord my Master says:

“I will also destroy the idols[177] in Egypt.

I will take the statues away from Memphis.

There will not be a leader anymore

in the land of Egypt.

I will put fear there instead.

<14> I will make Pathros empty.

I will start a fire in Zoan.

I will punish No.

<15> I will pour out my anger against Sin,

the fortress[178] of Egypt!

I will destroy the people of No.

<16> I will start a fire in Egypt;

The city named Sin will ache with fear.

The soldiers will break into the city No,

and Memphis will have new troubles every day.

<17> The young men of On and Pi Beseth[179] will die in battle,

and the women will be captured and taken away.

<18> It will be a dark day in Tahpanhes

when I break Egypt’s control.[180]

Egypt’s proud power will be finished!

A cloud will cover Egypt,

and her daughters will be captured and taken away.

<19> So I will punish Egypt.

Then they will know that I am the Lord!’”

Egypt Will Become Weak Forever

<20> On the seventh day of the first month of the eleventh year [of exile],[181] the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <21> “Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. No one will wrap his arm with a bandage. It will not heal, so his arm will not be strong enough to hold a sword.”

<22> This is what the Lord my Master says: “I am against Pharaoh, king of Egypt. I will break both his arms, the strong arm and the arm that is already broken. I will make the sword fall from his hand. <23> I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations. <24> I will make the arms of the king of Babylon strong. I will put my sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh. Then Pharaoh will cry out in pain, the kind of cry that a dying man makes. <25> So I will make the arms of the king of Babylon strong, but the arms of Pharaoh will fall. Then they will know that I am the Lord.

“I will put my sword in the hand of the king of Babylon. Then he will stretch the sword out against the land of Egypt. <26> I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord!”

Assyria Is Like a Cedar Tree

31 <1> On the first day of the third month in the eleventh year [of exile], the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[182] say this to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and to his people:

“‘You are so great!

Who can I compare you to?

<3> Assyria was a cedar tree in Lebanon

with beautiful branches,

with forest shade,

and very tall.

Its top was among the clouds!

<4> The water made the tree grow.

The deep river made the tree tall.

Rivers flowed around the place

where the tree was planted.

Only small streams flowed from that tree

to all the other trees of the field.

<5> So that tree was taller than all the other trees of the field,

and it grew many branches.

There was plenty of water,

so the tree branches spread out.

<6> All the birds of the sky made their nests

in the branches of that tree,

and all the animals of the field gave birth

under the branches of that tree.

All the great nations lived

under the shade of that tree.

<7> The tree was very beautiful.

It was so large!

It had such long branches.

Its roots had plenty of water.

<8> Even the cedar trees in God’s garden

were not as big as this tree.

Cypress trees did not have as many branches.

Plane trees did not have such branches.

No tree in God’s garden

was as beautiful as this tree.

<9> I gave it many branches

and made it beautiful.

And all the trees in Eden, God’s garden,

were jealous!’”

<10> So this is what the Lord my Master says: “That tree grew tall. Its top reached up to the clouds. It grew so big that it became proud! <11> So I let a powerful king have that tree. That ruler punished the tree for the bad things it did. I took that tree out of my garden. <12> Strangers—the most terrible people in the world—cut it down and scattered its branches on the mountains and in the valleys. Its broken limbs drifted down the rivers flowing through that land. There was no more shadow under that tree, so all the people left. <13> Now birds live in that fallen tree. Wild animals walk over its fallen branches.

<14> “Now, none of the trees by that water will be proud. They will not try to reach the clouds. None of the strong trees that drink that water will brag about being tall, because all of them have been appointed to die. They will all go down into the world below—to Sheol, the place of death. They will join the other people who died and went down into that deep hole.”

<15> This is what the Lord my Master says: “I made the people cry on the day that tree went down to Sheol.[183] I covered him with the deep ocean. I stopped its rivers and all the water stopped flowing. I made Lebanon mourn[184] for it. All the trees of the field became sick with sadness for that big tree. <16> I made the tree fall—and the nations shook with fear at the sound of the falling tree. I sent the tree down to the place of death, to join the other people who had gone down into that deep hole. In the past, all the trees of Eden, the best of Lebanon, drank that water. The trees were comforted in the world below. <17> Yes, those trees also went down with the big tree to the place of death. They joined the people who were killed in battle. That big tree made the other trees strong. Th ose trees had lived under the big tree’s shadow among the nations.

<18> “Egypt, there were many big and powerful trees in Eden. Which of those trees should I compare you to? They all went down into the world below! And you, too, will join those foreigners[185] in that place of death. You will lie there among the people killed in battle.

“Yes, that will happen to Pharaoh and to the crowds of people with him!” This is what the Lord my Master said.

Pharaoh: a Lion or a Dragon?

32 <1> On the first day of the twelfth month in the twelfth year [of exile],[186] the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[187] sing this sad song about Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Say to him:

“‘You thought you were like a powerful young lion

walking proud among the nations.

But really, you are like a dragon[188] in the lakes.

You push your way through the streams.

You make the water muddy with your feet

and stir up the rivers of Egypt.’”

<3> This is what the Lord my Master says:

“I have gathered many people together.

Now I will throw my net over you.

Then those people will pull you in.

<4> Then I will drop you on the dry ground.

I will throw you down in the field.

I will let all the birds come and eat you.

I will let wild animals from every place come and eat you until they are full.

<5> I will scatter your body on the mountains.

I will fill the valleys with your dead body.

<6> I will pour your blood on the mountains,

and it will soak down into the ground.

The rivers will be full of you.

<7> I will make you disappear.

I will cover the sky and make the stars dark.

I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not shine.

<8> I will darken the lights in the sky over you.

I will make your whole country dark.”

This is what the Lord my Master said.

<9> “I will make many people sad and upset when I bring an enemy to destroy you. Nations you don’t even know will be upset. <10> I will make many people shocked about you. Their kings will be terrified of you, when I swing my sword before them. They will shake with fear on the day you fall. Each king will be afraid for his own life.”

<11> That will happen because of what the Lord my Master said, “The sword of the king of Babylon will come to fight against you. <12> I will use those soldiers to kill your people in battle. They come from the most terrible of the nations. They will destroy the things Egypt is proud of. The people of Egypt will be destroyed. <13> There are many animals by the rivers in Egypt. I will also destroy all those animals. People will not make the waters muddy with their feet anymore. The hoofs of cows will not make the water muddy anymore. <14> So I will make the water in Egypt calm. I will cause their rivers to run slowly—they will be slick like oil.” This is what the Lord my Master said. <15> “I will make the land of Egypt empty. That land will lose everything. I will punish all the people living in Egypt. Then they will know that I am the Lord and Master!

<16> “This is a sad song that people will sing for Egypt. The daughters in other nations will sing this sad song. They will sing it as a sad song about Egypt and all its people.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

Egypt to Be Destroyed

<17> On the fifteenth day of that month, in the twelfth year [of exile], the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <18> “Son of man, cry for the people of Egypt. Lead Egypt and the daughters from powerful nations to the grave. Lead them to the world below where they will be with the other people who went down into that deep hole.

<19> “Egypt, you are no better than anyone else! Go down to the place of death. Go lie down with those foreigners.[189]

<20> “Egypt will go to be with all the other men who were killed in battle. The enemy has pulled her and all her people away.

<21> “Strong and powerful men were killed in battle. Those foreigners went down to the place of death. And from that place, those who were killed will speak to Egypt and his helpers.

<22-23> “Assyria[190] and all its army are there in the place of death. Their graves are deep down in that deep hole. All the Assyrian soldiers were killed in battle, and their graves are all around his grave. When they were alive, they made people afraid, but they were all killed in battle.

<24> “Elam is there and all its army is around her grave. All of them were killed in battle. Those foreigners went deep down into the ground. When they were alive, they made people afraid. But they carried their shame with them down to that deep hole. <25> They have made a bed for Elam and all its soldiers who were killed in battle. Elam’s army is all around its grave. All those foreigners were killed in battle. When they were alive, they scared people. But they carried their shame with them down into that deep hole. They were put with all the other people who were killed.

<26> “Meshech, Tubal, and all their armies are there. Their graves are around it. All of those foreigners were killed in battle. When they were alive, they made people afraid. <27> But now they are lying down by the powerful men who died long, long ago! They were buried with their weapons of war. Their swords will be laid under their heads. But their sins are on their bones, because when they were alive, they scared people.

<28> “Egypt, you also will be destroyed, and you will lie down by those foreigners. You will lie with the other soldiers who were killed in battle.

<29> “Edom is there also. His kings and other leaders are there with him. They were powerful soldiers, but now they lie with the other men who were killed in battle. They are lying there with those foreigners. They are there with the other people who went down into that deep hole.

<30> “The rulers from the north are there, all of them, and there are all the soldiers from Sidon. Their strength scared people, but they are embarrassed. Those foreigners lie there with the other men who were killed in battle. They carried their shame with them down into that deep hole.

<31> “Yes, Pharaoh and all his army will be killed in battle. Pharaoh will be comforted when he sees his many men and all the others who went down into the place of death.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<32> “People were afraid of Pharaoh when he was alive, but he will lie down next to those foreigners. Pharaoh and his army will lie down with all the other soldiers who were killed in battle.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

God Chooses Ezekiel to Be a Watchman

33 <1> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[191] speak to your people. Say to them, ‘Whenever I bring enemy soldiers to fight against a country, the people choose someone to be a watchman.[192] <3> If this guard sees enemy soldiers coming, he blows the trumpet and warns the people. <4> If people hear the warning but ignore it, the enemy will capture them and take them away as prisoners. They will be responsible for their own death. <5> They heard the trumpet, but they ignored the warning. So they are responsible for their own deaths. If they had paid attention to the warning, they could have saved thei r own lives.

<6> “‘But what if the guard sees the enemy soldiers coming, but does not blow the trumpet? Since he doesn’t warn the people, the enemy will capture them and take them away as prisoners. They will be taken away because they sinned, but the guard will also be responsible for their deaths.’

<7> “Now, son of man, I am choosing you to be a watchman for the family of Israel. If you hear a message from my mouth, you must warn the people for me. <8> I might say to you, ‘These evil people will die.’ Then you must go warn them for me. If you don’t warn them and tell them to change their lives, those evil people will die because they sinned. But I will make you responsible for their deaths. <9> But if you do warn the evil people to change their lives and stop sinning, and if they refuse to stop, they will die because they sinned. But you have saved your life.

God Does Not Want to Destroy People

<10> “So, son of man, speak to the family of Israel for me. They might say, ‘We have sinned and broken the law. Our sins are too heavy to bear. We rot away because of them. What can we do to live?’

<11> “You must say to them, ‘The Lord my Master says: By my life, I swear that I don’t enjoy seeing people die—not even evil people! I don’t want them to die. I want them to come back to me. I want them to change their lives so that they can really live. So come back to me! Stop doing bad things! Why must you die, family of Israel?’

<12> “Son of man, tell your people: ‘The good things people did in the past will not save them if they become bad and begin to sin. In the same way the bad things people did in the past will not destroy them if they turn from their evil. So remember, the good things people did in the past will not save them if they begin to sin.’

<13> “Maybe I will tell good people that they will live. But maybe those good people will begin to think that the good things they did in the past will save them. So they might begin to do bad things, but I will not remember the good things they did in the past! No, they will die because of the bad things they begin to do.

<14> “Or maybe I will tell some evil people that they will die. But they might change their lives, stop sinning, and begin to live right. They might become good and fair. <15> They might give back the things they took when they loaned money. They might pay for the things they stole. They might begin to follow the laws that give life and stop doing bad things. Then they will surely live. They will not die. <16> I will not remember the bad things they did in the past, because now they live right and are fair. So they will live!

<17> “But your people say, ‘That’s not fair! The Lord cannot be like that!’

“But they are the people who are not fair! They are the people who must change! <18> If good people stop doing good and begin to sin, they will die because of their sins. <19> And if evil people stop doing wrong and start living right and being fair, they will live. <20> You still say that I am not fair, but I am telling you the truth. Family of Israel, everyone will be judged for what they do!”

Jerusalem Has Been Taken

<21> On the fifth day of the tenth month in the twelfth year [of exile],[193] a person who had escaped from the battle in Jerusalem came to me and said, “The city has been taken!”

<22> The power of the Lord my Master had come on me the evening before that person came to me, so I could speak. But when that person came to me, the Lord opened my mouth and let me speak again. <23> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <24> “Son of man, there are Israelites who live in the ruined cities in Israel. They are saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, and God gave him all this land. Now, we are many people, so surely this land belongs to us! It is our land!’

<25> “You must tell them that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘You eat meat with the blood still in it. You look to your idols[194] for help. You murder people, so why should I give you this land? <26> You depend on your own sword. Each of you does terrible things. Each of you commits sexual sins with his neighbor’s wife, so you cannot have the land!’

<27> “‘You must tell them that this is what the Lord and Master says: “On my life I promise, the people living in the ruined cities will be killed with a sword! If any people are out in the country, I will let animals kill and eat them. If people are hiding in the fortresses[195] and the caves, they will die from disease. <28> I will make the land empty and a waste. That country will lose all the things it was proud of. The mountains of Israel will become empty. No one will pass through that place. <29> The people have done many terrible things, so I will make the land an empty wasteland. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

<30> “‘And now, about you, son of man. Your people lean against the walls and stand in their doorways talking about you. They tell each other, “Come on, let’s go hear what the Lord says.” <31> So they come to you as if they were my people. They sit in front of you as if they were my people. They hear your words, but they will not do the things you say. They only want to do what feels good. They only want to cheat people and make more money.

<32> “‘You are nothing to these people but a singer singing love songs. You have a good voice. You play your instrument well. They listen to your words, but they will not do what you say. <33> But the things you sing about really will happen, and then the people will know that there really was a prophet living among them.’”

Israel Is Like a Flock of Sheep

34 <1> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[196] speak against the shepherds of Israel for me. Speak to them for me. Tell them that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘You shepherds of Israel have only been feeding yourselves. It will be very bad for you! Why don’t you shepherds feed the flock? <3> You eat the fat sheep and use their wool to make clothes for yourselves. You kill the fat sheep, but you don’t feed the flock. <4> You have not made the weak strong. You have not cared for the sick sheep. You have not put bandages on the sheep that were hurt. Some of the sheep wandered away, and you did not go get them and bring them back. You did not go to look fo r the lost sheep. No, you were cruel and severe—that’s the way you tried to lead the sheep!

<5> “‘And now the sheep are scattered because there was no shepherd. They became food for every wild animal, so they were scattered. <6> My flock wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My flock was scattered over all the face of the earth. There was no one to search or to look for them.’”

<7> So, you shepherds, listen to the word of the Lord. The Lord my Master says, <8> “I swear that wild animals will catch my sheep and my people will become food for all those animals, because they did not have any real shepherds. My shepherds did not look out for my flock. They did not feed my flock. No, they only killed the sheep and fed themselves!”

<9> So, you shepherds, listen to the word of the Lord! <10> The Lord says, “I am against the shepherds. I will demand my sheep from them. I will fire them. They will not be my shepherds anymore. Then the shepherds will not be able to feed themselves, and I will save my flock from their mouths. Then my sheep will not be food for them.”

<11> The Lord my Master says, “I, myself, will be their Shepherd. I will search for my sheep and take care of them. <12> If a shepherd is with his sheep when they begin to wander away, he will go searching for them. In the same way I will search for my sheep. I will save them and bring them back from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day. <13> I will bring them back from those nations. I will gather them from those countries and bring them back to their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the places where people live. <14> I will lead them to grassy fields. They will go to the place high on the mountains of Israel and lie down on good ground and eat the grass. They will eat in rich grassland on the mountains of Israel. <15> Yes, I will feed my flock, and I will lead them to a place of rest .” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<16> “I will search for the lost sheep. I will bring back the sheep that were scattered and put bandages on the sheep that were hurt. I will make the weak sheep strong, but I will destroy the fat and powerful shepherds. I will feed them the punishment they deserve.”

<17> This is what the Lord my Master says: “And you, my flock, I will judge between one sheep and another. I will judge between the male sheep and the male goats. <18> You can eat the grass growing on the good land. So why do you also crush the grass that other sheep want to eat? You can drink plenty of clear water. So why do you also stir the water that other sheep want to drink? <19> My flock must eat the grass you crushed with your feet, and they must drink the water you stir with your feet!”

<20> So the Lord my Master says to them: “I, myself, will judge between the fat sheep and the thin sheep! <21> You push with your side and shoulder. You knock down all the weak sheep with your horns. You push until you have forced them away, <22> so I will save my flock. They will not be caught by wild animals anymore. I will judge between one sheep and another. <23> Then I will put one shepherd over them, my servant David. He will feed them and be their shepherd. <24> Then I, the Lord and Master, will be their God, and my servant David will be the ruler living among them. I, the Lord, have spoken.

<25> “And I will make a peace agreement with my sheep. I will take harmful animals away from the land. Then the sheep can be safe in the desert and sleep in the woods. <26> I will bless the sheep and the places around my hill. I will cause the rains to fall at the right time and shower them with blessings. <27> And the trees growing in the field will produce their fruit. The earth will give its harvest, so the sheep will be safe on their land. I will break the yokes[197] on them and save them from the power of the people who made them slaves. Then they will know that I am the Lord. <28> They will not be caught like an animal by the nations anymore. Those animals will not eat them anymore. No, they will live safely. No one will make them afraid. <29> I will give them some land that will make a good garden . Then they will not suffer from hunger in that land or suffer the insults from the nations anymore. <30> Then they will know that I am the Lord their God. The family of Israel will know that I am with them and that they are my people.” This is what the Lord my Master said!

<31> “You are my sheep, the sheep of my grassland. You are only human beings, and I am your God.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

The Message Against Edom

35 <1> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[198] look toward Mount Seir, and speak against it for me. <3> Say to it, ‘This is what the Lord my Master says:

“‘I am against you, Mount Seir!

I will punish you.

I will make you an empty wasteland.

<4> I will destroy your cities,

and you will become empty.

Then you will know that I am the Lord.

<5> Why? Because you have always been

against my people.

You used your sword against Israel at the time of their trouble,

at the time of their final punishment.’”

<6> So the Lord my Master says, “By my life I promise that I will let death have you. Death will chase you. You did not hate killing people, so death will chase you. <7> I will make Mount Seir an empty ruin. I will kill everyone who enters or leaves that city. <8> I will cover its mountains with corpses. There will be dead bodies all over your hills, in your valleys, and in all your ravines. <9> I will make you empty forever. No one will live in your cities. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

<10> You said, “These two nations and countries, Israel and Judah, will be mine. We will take them for our own.”

But the Lord is there! <11> And the Lord my Master says, “You were jealous of my people. You were angry and hateful to them. So by my life, I swear that I will punish you the same way you hurt them! I will punish you and let my people know that I am with them. <12> And then you, too, will know that I have heard all your insults. You said many bad things against the mountain of Israel. You said, ‘Israel has been destroyed! We will chew them up like food!’ <13> And you were proud and said things against me. You spoke too many times and I have heard every word you said. Yes, I heard you.”

<14> This is what the Lord my Master says: “All the earth will be happy when I destroy you. <15> You were happy when the country of Israel was destroyed. I will treat you the same way. Mount Seir and the whole country of Edom will be destroyed. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

The Land of Israel Will Be Rebuilt

36 <1> “Son of man,[199] speak to the mountains of Israel for me. Tell them to listen to the word of the Lord! <2> Tell them that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘The enemy said bad things against you. They said: Hurray! Now the ancient mountains[200] will be ours!’

<3> “So speak to the mountains of Israel for me. Tell them that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘The enemy destroyed your cities and attacked you from every direction. They did this so that you would belong to the other nations. Then people talked and whispered about you.’”

<4> So, mountains of Israel, listen to the word of the Lord my Master! This is what the Lord my Master says to the mountains, hills, streams, valleys, empty ruins, and abandoned cities that have been looted and laughed at by the other nations around them. <5> The Lord my Master says, “I swear, I will let my strong feelings speak for me! I will let Edom and the other nations feel my anger. They took my land for themselves. They really had a good time when they showed how much they hated this land. They took the land for themselves, just so they could destroy it.”

<6> “So say these things about the land of Israel. Speak to the mountains and to the hills, to the streams, and to the valleys. Tell them that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘I will let my strong feelings and anger speak for me, because you had to suffer the insults from those nations.’”

<7> So this is what the Lord my Master says: “I am the one making this promise! I swear that the nations around you will have to suffer for those insults.

<8> “But mountains of Israel, you will grow new trees and produce fruit for my people Israel. My people will soon come back. <9> I am with you, and I will help you. People will till your soil and plant seeds in you. <10> There will be many people living on you. The whole family of Israel—all of them—will live there. The cities will have people living in them. The destroyed places will be rebuilt. <11> I will give you many people and animals, and they will grow and have many children. I will bring people to live on you as in the past. I will make it better for you than before. Then you will know that I am the Lord. <12> Yes, I will lead many people—my people, Israel—to your land. You will be their property, and you will not take away their children again.”

<13> This is what the Lord my Master says: “Land of Israel, people say bad things to you. They say you destroyed your people. They say you took the children away from your people. <14> But you will not destroy people anymore or take away their children again.” This is what the Lord my Master said. <15> “I will not let those other nations insult you anymore. You will not be hurt by them anymore. You will not take the children away from your people again.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

The Lord Will Protect His Name

<16> Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, <17> “Son of man, the family of Israel lived in their own country, but they made that land filthy by the bad things they did. To me, they were like a woman who becomes unclean[201] because of her monthly time of bleeding. <18> They spilled blood on the ground when they murdered people in the land. They made the land filthy with their idols,[202] so I showed them how angry I was. <19> I scattered them among the nations and spread them through all the lands. I gave them the punishment they deserved for the bad things they did. <20> But even in those other nations they ruined my good name. How? Those nations said, ‘These are the Lord’s people, but they left his land.’

<21> “The people of Israel ruined my holy name wherever they went, and I felt sorry for my name. <22> So tell the family of Israel that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘Family of Israel, you ruined my holy name in the places where you went. I am going to do something to stop this. I will not do it for your sake, Israel. I will do it for my holy name. <23> I will show the nations how holy my great name really is. You ruined my good name in those nations! But I will show you that I am holy. I will make you respect my name, and then those nations will know that I am the Lord.’” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<24> [God said,] “I will take you out of those nations, gather you together, and bring you back to your own land. <25> Then I will sprinkle pure water on you and make you pure. I will wash away all your filth, the filth from those nasty idols, and I will make you pure. <26> I will also put a new spirit in you to change your way of thinking. I will take out the heart of stone from your body and give you a tender, human heart. <27> I will put my Spirit inside you[203] and change you so that you will obey my laws. You will carefully obey my commands. <28> Then you will live in the land that I gave to your ancestors.[204] You will be my people, and I will be your God. <29> Also, I will save you and keep you from becoming unclean. I will command th e grain to grow. I will not bring a famine[205] against you. <30> I will give you large crops of fruit from your trees and the harvest from your fields so that you will never again feel the shame of being hungry in a foreign country. <31> You will remember the bad things you did. You will remember that those things were not good. Then you will hate yourselves because of your sins and the terrible things you did.”

<32> The Lord my Master says, “I want you to remember this: I am not doing these things for your good! [I am doing them for my good name.] Family of Israel, you should be ashamed and embarrassed about the way you lived!”

<33> This is what the Lord my Master says: “On the day that I wash away your sins, I will bring people back to your cities. The ruined cities will be rebuilt. <34> People will begin again to work the land so when other people pass by they will not see ruins anymore. <35> They will say, ‘In the past, this land was ruined, but now it is like the garden of Eden. The cities were destroyed. They were ruined and empty, but now they are protected, and there are people living in them.’

<36> “Then the nations that are still around you will know I am the Lord and that I rebuilt those places. I planted things in this land that was empty. I am the Lord. I said this, and I will make them happen!”

<37> This is what the Lord my Master says: “I will also let the family of Israel come to me and ask me to do these things for them. I will make them grow and become many people. They will be like flocks of sheep. <38> During the special festivals, Jerusalem was filled with flocks of sheep and goats that have been made holy. In the same way the cities and ruined places will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

The Vision of the Dry Bones

37 <1> The Lord’s power came on me. The Spirit[206] of the Lord carried me out of the city and put me down in the middle of the valley.[207] The valley was full of dead men’s bones. <2> There were many bones lying on the ground in the valley. The Lord made me walk all around among the bones. I saw the bones were very dry.

<3> Then the Lord my Master said to me, “Son of man,[208] can these bones come to life?”

I answered, “Lord my Master, only you know the answer to that question.”

<4> The Lord my Master said to me. “Speak to these bones for me. Tell them, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! <5> This is what the Lord my Master says to you: I will cause breath[209] to come into you, and you will come to life! <6> I will put sinews and muscles on you, and I will cover you with skin. Then I will put breath in you, and you will come back to life! Then you will know that I am the Lord and Master.’”

<7> So I spoke to the bones for the Lord, as he said. I was still speaking, when I heard the loud noise. The bones began to rattle, and bone joined together with bone! <8> There before my eyes, I saw sinew and muscles begin to cover the bones. Skin began to cover them, but there was no breath in them.

<9> Then the Lord my Master said to me, “Speak to the wind[210] for me. Son of man, speak to the wind for me. Tell the wind that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘Wind, come from every direction and breathe air into these dead bodies! Breathe into them and they will come to life again!’”

<10> So I spoke to the wind for the Lord, as he said, and the breath came into the dead bodies. They came to life and stood up. There were many men—a very large army!

<11> Then the Lord my Master said to me, “Son of man, these bones are like the whole family of Israel. The people of Israel say, ‘Our bones have dried up;[211] our hope is gone. We have been completely destroyed!’ <12> So speak to them for me. Tell them this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘My people, I will open your graves and bring you up out of your graves! Then I will bring you to the land of Israel. <13> My people, I will open your graves and bring you up out of your graves, and then you will know that I am the Lord. <14> I will put my Spirit[212] in you, and you will come to life again. Then I will lead you back to your own land. Then you will know that I am the Lord. You will know that I said this and that I made it happen.’” This is what the Lord said.

Judah and Israel to Become One Again

<15> The word of the Lord came to me again. He said, <16> “Son of man, get one stick and write this message on it: ‘This stick belongs to Judah and his friends,[213] the people of Israel.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘This stick of Ephraim belongs to Joseph and his friends, the people of Israel.’ <17> Then join the two sticks together. In your hand, they will be one stick.

<18> “Your people will ask you to explain what that means. <19> Tell them that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim and his friends, the people of Israel. Then I will put that stick with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick. In my hand, they will become one stick!’

<20> “Take the sticks that you wrote on and hold them in front of you. <21> Tell the people that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘I will gather the people of Israel from among the nations. I will gather them from all around and bring them back to their own land. <22> I will make them one nation in their land among the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over them all. They will no longer be two nations. They will not be split into two kingdoms anymore. <23> And they will no longer continue to make themselves filthy with their idols[214] and horrible statues or with any of their other crimes. Instead, I will save them from all the places where they have sinned, and I will wash them and make them pure. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

<24> “‘And my servant David will be the king over them. There will be only one shepherd over all of them. They will live by my rules and obey my laws. They will do the things I tell them. <25> They will live on the land that I gave to my servant Jacob. Your ancestors[215] lived in that place, and my people will live there. They and their children, and their grandchildren will live there forever. My servant David will be their leader forever. <26> And I will make a peace agreement with them. This agreement will continue forever. I agree to give them their land. I agree to make them numerous and to put my holy place among them forever. <27> My Holy Tent will be with them. Yes, I will be their God and they will be my people. <28> The other nations will know that I am the Lord, and they will know that I make Israel my special people by putting my holy place there among them forever.’”

The Message Against Gog

38 <1> The word of the Lord came to me. He said, <2> “Son of man,[216] look toward Gog in the land of Magog. He is the most important leader of the nations of Meshech and Tubal. Speak for me against Gog. <3> Tell him that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘Gog, you are the most important leader of the nations of Meshech and Tubal, but I am against you. <4> I will capture you and bring you back. I will bring back all the men in your army, all the horses, and horse soldiers. I will put hooks in your mouths, and I will bring all of you back. All of the soldiers will be wearing their uniforms with all their shields and swords. <5> Soldiers from Persia, Ethiopi a, and Put will be with them. They will all be wearing their shields and helmets. <6> There will also be Gomer with all its groups of soldiers, and there will be the nation of Togarmah[217] from the far north with all its groups of soldiers. There will be many people in that parade of prisoners.

<7> “‘Be prepared. Yes, prepare yourself and the armies that have joined with you. You must watch and be ready. <8> After a long time you will be called for duty. In the later years you will come into the land that has been healed from war. The people in that land were gathered from many nations and brought back to the mountains of Israel. In the past, the mountains of Israel had been destroyed again and again. But these people will have come back from those other nations. They all will have lived in safety. <9> But you will come to attack them. You will come like a storm. You will come like a thundercloud covering the land. You and all your groups of soldiers from many nations will come to attack them.’”

<10> This is what the Lord my Master says: “At that time, an idea will come into your mind. You will begin to make an evil plan. <11> You will say, ‘I will go attack the country that has towns without walls (Israel). The people there live in peace and think they are safe. There are no walls around the cities to protect them. They don’t have any locks on their gates—they don’t even have gates! <12> I will defeat them and take all their valuable things away from them. I will fight against the places that were destroyed but now have people living in them. I will fight against the people who were gathered from the nations. Now they have cattle and property. They live at the crossroads of the world.[218]’

<13> “Sheba, Dedan, and merchants[219] of Tarshish, and all the cities they trade with will ask you, ‘Did you come to capture valuable things? Did you bring your groups of soldiers together to grab the good things and to carry away silver, gold, cattle, and property. Did you come to take all those valuable things?’

<14> “Son of man, speak to Gog for me. Tell him that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘You will come to attack my people while they are living in peace and safety. <15> You will come from your place out of the far north, and you will bring many people with you. All of them will ride on horses. You will be a large and a powerful army. <16> You will come to fight against my people Israel. You will be like a thundercloud covering the land. When that time comes, I will bring you to fight against my land. Then, Gog, the nations will learn how powerful I am! They will learn to respect me and know that I am holy. They will see what I will do to you!’”

<17> This is what the Lord my Master says: “At that time, people will remember that I spoke about you in the past. They will remember that I used my servants, the prophets of Israel. They will remember that the prophets of Israel spoke for me in the past and said that I would bring you to fight against them.”

<18> The Lord my Master said, “At that time, Gog will come to fight against the land of Israel. I will show my anger. <19> In my anger and strong emotions I make this promise: I promise that there will be a strong earthquake in the land of Israel. <20> At that time, all living things will shake with fear. The fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the wild animals in the fields, and all the little creatures crawling on the ground will shake with fear. The mountains will fall down and the cliffs will collapse. Every wall will fall to the ground!”

<21> The Lord my Master says, “On the mountains of Israel, I will call for every kind of terror against[220] Gog. His soldiers will be so scared that they will attack each other and kill each other with their swords. <22> I will punish Gog with diseases and death. I will cause hailstones, fire, and sulfur to rain down on Gog and his groups of soldiers from many nations. <23> Then I will show how great I am. I will prove that I am holy. Many nations will see me do these things, and they will learn who I am. Then they will know that I am the Lord.

The Death of Gog and His Army

39 <1> “Son of man,[221] speak against Gog for me. Tell him that this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘Gog, you are the most important leader of the countries Meshech and Tubal, but I am against you. <2> I will capture you and bring you back. I will bring you from the far north. I will bring you to fight against the mountains of Israel. <3> But I will knock your bow from your left hand and your arrows from your right hand. <4> You will be killed on the mountains of Israel. You, your groups of soldiers, and all the other nations with you will be killed in the battle. I will give you as food to every kind of bird that eats meat and to all the wild animals. <5> You will not enter the c ity. You will be killed out in the open fields. I have spoken!’” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<6> “I will send fire against Magog and those people living along the coast. They think they are safe, but they will know that I am the Lord. <7> And I will make my holy name known among my people Israel. I will not let people ruin my holy name anymore. The nations will know that I am the Lord. They will know that I am the Holy One in Israel. <8> That time is coming! It will happen!” This is what the Lord said. “That is the day I am talking about.

<9> “At that time, people living in the cities of Israel will go out to the fields. They will collect the enemy’s weapons and burn them. They will burn all the shields, bows and arrows, clubs and spears. They will use the weapons as firewood for seven years. <10> They will not have to gather wood from the fields or chop firewood from the forests because they will use the weapons as firewood. They will take the valuable things from the soldiers who wanted to steal from them. They will take the good things from the soldiers who took good things from them.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<11> “At that time, I will choose a place in Israel to bury Gog. He will be buried in the Valley of the Travelers,[222] east of the Dead Sea. It will block the road for travelers, because Gog and all his army will be buried in that place. People will call it ‘The Valley of Gog’s Army.’ <12> It will take seven months for the family of Israel to bury them. They must do this to make the land pure. <13> The common people will bury the enemy soldiers, and the people will become famous on the day that I bring honor to myself.” The Lord my Master said those things.

<14> “Workers will be given a full-time job burying the dead soldiers to make the land pure. The workers will work for seven months. They will go around looking for dead bodies. <15> They will go around looking, and if anyone sees a bone, a marker will be put up by it. The sign will stay there until the gravediggers come and bury the bone in the Valley of Gog’s Army. <16> The city of the dead will be named Hamonah.[223] In this way they will make the country pure.”

<17> This is what the Lord my Master said: “Son of man, speak to all the birds and wild animals for me. Tell them, ‘Come here! Come here! Gather around. Come eat this sacrifice I am preparing for you. There will be a very big sacrifice on the mountains of Israel. Come, eat the meat and drink the blood. <18> You will eat the meat from the bodies of powerful soldiers and drink the blood from world leaders. They will be like rams, lambs, goats, and fat bulls from Bashan. <19> You can eat all the fat you want and drink blood until you are full. You will eat and drink from my sacrifice, which I will kill for you. <20> You will have plenty of meat to eat at my table. There will be horses and chariot drivers, powerful soldiers, and all the other fighting men.’” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<21> “I will let the other nations see what I have done, and they will begin to respect me! They will see my power that I used against the enemy. <22> Then from that day on, the family of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God. <23> And the nations will know why the family of Israel was carried away as prisoners to other countries. They will learn that my people turned against me, so I turned away from them. I let their enemies defeat them, so my people were killed in battle. <24> They sinned and made themselves filthy, so I punished them for the things they did. I turned away from them and refused to help them.”

<25> So this is what the Lord my Master says: “Now I will bring the family of Jacob back from captivity. I will have mercy on the whole family of Israel. I will show my strong feelings for my holy name. <26> The people will forget their shame and all the times they turned against me. They will live in safety on their own land. No one will make them afraid. <27> I will bring my people back from other countries. I will gather them from the lands of their enemies. Then many nations will see how holy I am. <28> They will know that I am the Lord their God. That is because I made them leave their homes and go as prisoners to other countries. But then I gathered them together again and brought them back to their own land. <29> I will pour out my Spirit on the family of Israel, and I will never turn away from my people again.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

The New Temple

40 <1> In the twenty-fifth year after we were taken away into captivity, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month,[224] the Lord’s power came on me. This was fourteen years after the Babylonians took Jerusalem. On that day, the Lord took me there in a vision.[225]

<2> In a vision, God carried me to the land of Israel. He put me down near a very high mountain. On the mountain in front of me was a building that looked like a city.[226] <3> The Lord took me to that place. There was a man there who looked like polished bronze. He had a cloth tape measure and a measuring rod in his hand. He was standing by the gate. <4> The man said to me, “Son of man,[227] use your eyes and ears. Look at these things and listen to me. Pay attention to everything that I show you, because you have been brought here so that I can show you these things. You must tell the family of Israel all that you see.”

<5> I saw a wall that went all the way around the outside of the Temple.[228] In the man’s hand there was a ruler for measuring things. It was 6 cubits[229] long using the long measurement,[230] so the man measured the thickness of the wall. It was one ruler[231] thick. He measured the height of the wall. It was one ruler tall.

<6> Then the man went to the east gate. He walked up its steps and measured the opening for the gate. It was one ruler wide. <7> The guardrooms were one ruler long and one ruler wide. The walls between the rooms were 5 cubits[232] thick. The opening by the porch at the end of the gateway that faced the Temple was also one ruler wide. <8> Then he measured the porch. <9> It was 8 cubits[233] long. He measured the walls on either side of the gate. Each side wall was 2 cubits[234] wide. The porch was at the end of the gateway that faced the Temple. <10> There were three little guardrooms on each side of the gateway. All of these rooms and their side walls measured the same. <11> The man measured the entrance to the gateway. It was 10 cubits[235] wide and 13 cubits[236] long. <12> There was a low wall in front of each room. That wall was 1 cubit[237] tall and 1 cubit thick. The rooms were square. Each wall was 6 cubits long.

<13> The man measured the gateway from the outside edge of the roof of one room to the outside edge of the roof of the opposite room. It was 25 cubits.[238] Each door was directly opposite the other door. <14>[239] He measured the faces of all the side walls, including the side walls on either side of the porch at the courtyard. The total was 60 cubits.[240] <15> From the inside edge of the outer gate to the far end of the porch was 50 cubits.[241] <16> There were small windows[242] above all the guardrooms, the side walls, and the porch. The wide part of the windows faced into the gateway. There were carvin gs of palm trees on the walls that were on either side of the gateway.

The Outer Courtyard

<17> Then the man led me into the outer courtyard. I saw thirty rooms and a pavement that went all the way around the courtyard. The rooms were along the wall and faced in toward the pavement. <18> The pavement was as wide as the gates were long. The pavement reached to the inside end of the gateway. This was the lower pavement. <19> The man measured the distance from the inside of the lower gateway to the outside of the [inner] courtyard. It was 100 cubits[243] on the east side as well as on the north side.

<20> Then the man measured the length and width of the north gate that was in the wall surrounding the outer courtyard. <21> This gateway, its three rooms on each side, and its porch all measured the same as the first gate. The gateway was 50 cubits long and 25 cubits wide. <22> Its windows, its porch, and its carvings of palm trees measured the same as the east gate. [On the outside,] there were seven steps leading up to the gate. Its porch was at the inside end of the gateway. <23> Across the courtyard from the north gate, there was a gate to the inner courtyard. It was like the gate on the east. The man measured from the gate [on the inner wall] to the gate [on the outer wall]. It was 100 cubits from gate to gate.

<24> Then the man led me to the south wall. I saw a gate in the south wall. He measured its side walls and its porch. They measured the same as the other gates. <25> The gateway and its porch had windows all around like the other gates. The gateway was 50 cubits long and 25 cubits wide. <26> There were seven steps going up to this gate. Its porch was at the inside end of the gateway. It had carvings of palm trees on the walls that were on either side of the gateway. <27> A gate was on the south side of the inner courtyard. The man measured from the gate [on the inner wall] to the gate [on the outer wall]. It was 100 cubits from gate to gate.

The Inner Courtyard

<28> Then the man led me through the south gate into the inner courtyard. He measured this gate. This gateway measured the same as the other gates to the inner courtyard. <29> Its rooms, side walls, and porch also measured the same as the other gates. There were windows all around the gateway and its porch. The gateway was 50 cubits long and 25 cubits wide. <30> The porch was 25 cubits wide and 5 cubits long. <31> And its porch was at the end of the gateway next to the outer courtyard. Carvings of palm trees were on the walls [on either side of the gateway]. There were eight steps leading up to the gate.

<32> Then the man led me into the inner courtyard on the east side. He measured the gate. It measured the same as the other gates. <33> Its rooms, side walls, and porch also measured the same as the other gates. There were windows all around the gateway and its porch. The gateway was 50 cubits long and 25 cubits wide. <34> And its porch was at the end of the gateway next to the outer courtyard. Carvings of palm trees were on the walls on either side of the gateway. There were eight steps leading up to the gate.

<35> Then the man led me to the north gate. He measured it, and it measured the same as the other gates. <36> Its rooms, side walls, and porch also measured the same as the other gates. There were windows all around the gateway and its porch. The gateway was 50 cubits long and 25 cubits wide. <37> And its porch[244] was at the end of the gateway next to the outer courtyard. Carvings of palm trees were on the walls on either side of the gateway. There were eight steps leading up to the gate.

The Rooms for Preparing Sacrifices

<38> There was also a doorway in the side walls of the gates. That doorway led into a room where the priests washed the sacrifices. <39> There were two tables on each side of the door of this porch. The animals for the burnt offerings,[245] the sin offerings,[246] and the guilt offerings were killed on these tables. <40> There were also two tables on each side of the door on the outside wall of this porch. <41> So there were four tables on the inside wall and four tables on the outside wall—eight tables that the priests used when they killed the animals for sacrifices. <42> There were also four tables made from cut stone for the burnt offerings. These tables were 1 1/2 cubits[247] long, 1 1/2 cubits wide, and 1 cubit high. On these tables, the priests put their tools that they used to kill the animals for the burnt offerings and other sacrifices. <43> There were meat hooks three inches long[248] on all the walls in this area. The meat of the offerings was put on the tables.

The Priests’ Rooms

<44> There were two rooms[249] in the inner courtyard. One was by the north gate facing south. The other room was by the south[250] gate facing north. <45> The man said to me, “The room that looks to the south is for the priests who are on duty and serving in the Temple area. <46> But the room that looks to the north is for the priests who are on duty and serving at the altar.[251] The priests are from the tribe of Levi. But the priests in this second group are the descendants of Zadok. They are the only people who can carry the sacrifices to the altar to serve the Lord.[252]”

<47> The man measured the [inner] courtyard. The courtyard was a perfect square. It was 100 cubits long and 100 cubits wide. The altar was in front of the Temple.

The Porch of the Temple

<48> Then the man led me to the porch of the Temple and measured the walls on either side of the porch. Each side wall was 5 cubits thick and 3 cubits[253] wide. The opening between them was 14 cubits.[254] <49> The porch was 20 cubits[255] wide and 12 cubits[256] long.[257] Ten steps went up to the porch. There were two columns for the walls on either side of the porch—one at each wall.

The Holy Place of the Temple

41 <1> Then the man led me into the Holy Place. He measured the walls on either side of the room. The side walls were 6 cubits[258] thick on each side. <2> The door was 10 cubits[259] wide. The sides of the doorway were 5 cubits[260] on each side. He measured that room. It was 40 cubits[261] long and 20 cubits wide.

The Most Holy Place in the Temple

<3> Then the man went into the last room. He measured the walls on either side of the doorway. Each side wall was 2 cubits[262] thick and 7 cubits[263] wide. The doorway was 6 cubits wide. <4> Then he measured the length of the room. It was 20 cubits long and 20 cubits wide. He said to me, “This is the Most Holy Place.”

Other Rooms Around the Temple

<5> Then the man measured the wall of the Temple. It was 6 cubits thick. There were side rooms all around the Temple. They were 4 cubits[264] wide. <6> The side rooms were on three different floors, one above the other. There were 30 rooms on each floor. The wall of the Temple was built with ledges. The side rooms rested on these ledges but were not attached to the Temple wall itself. <7> Each floor of the side rooms around the Temple was wider than the floor below. The walls of the rooms around the Temple became narrower the higher they went so that the rooms on the top floors were wider. A stairway went up from the lowest floor to the highest floor through the middle floor.

<8> I also saw that the Temple had a raised base all the way around it. It was the foundation for the side rooms, and it was a full ruler[265] high. <9> The outer wall of the side rooms was 5 cubits thick. There was an open area between the side rooms of the Temple <10> and the priests’ rooms. It was 20 cubits[266] wide and went all the way around the Temple. <11> The doors of the side rooms opened onto the raised base. There was one entrance on the north side and one entrance on the south side. The raised base was 5 cubits wide all around.

<12> There was a building in this restricted area west of the Temple. The building was 70 cubits[267] wide and 90 cubits[268] long. The wall of the building was 5 cubits thick all around. <13> Then the man measured the Temple. The Temple was 100 cubits[269] long. The restricted area, including the building and its walls, was also 100 cubits long. <14> The restricted area on the east side, in front of the Temple, was 100 cubits long.

<15> The man measured the length of the building in the restricted area at the rear of the Temple. It was 100 cubits from one wall to the other wall.

The Most Holy Place, the Holy Place, and the Porch [that looked out onto the inner] courtyard <16> had wood paneling on all the walls. All the windows and doors had wood trim around them. By the doorway, the Temple had wood paneling from the floor up to the windows, up to the part of the wall <17> over the doorway.

On all the walls in the inner room and the outer room of the Temple were carvings <18> of Cherub angels and palm trees. A palm tree was between Cherub angels. Every Cherub angel had two faces. <19> One face was a man’s face looking toward the palm tree on one side. The other face was a lion’s face looking toward the palm tree on the other side. They were carved all around on the Temple. <20> From the floor to the area above the door, Cherub angels and palm trees were carved on all walls of the Holy Place.

<21> The walls on either side of the Holy Place were square. In front of the Most Holy Place, there was something that looked like <22> an altar[270] made from wood. It was 3 cubits[271] high and 2 cubits long. Its corners, its base, and its sides were wood. The man said to me, “This is the table that is before the Lord.”

<23> Both the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place had a double door. <24> Each of the doors was made from two smaller doors. Each door was really two swinging doors. <25> Also Cherub angels and palm trees were carved on the doors of the Holy Place. They were like those carved on the walls. There was a wood roof over the front of the porch. <26> There were windows with frames around them and palm trees on the walls on both sides of the porch, on the roof over the porch, and on the rooms around the Temple.

The Priests’ Room

42 <1> Then the man led me through the north gate out into the outer courtyard. He led me to a building with many rooms that was west of the restricted area and the building on the north side. <2> This building was 100 cubits[272] long and 50 cubits[273] wide. People entered it from the courtyard on the north side. <3> The building was three stories tall and had balconies. The 20-cubit[274] inner courtyard was between the building and the Temple. On the other side, the rooms faced the pavement of the outer courtyard. <4> There was a path 10 cubits[275]< /a> wide and 100 cubits long running along the south side of the building, even though the entrance was on the north side. <5-6> Since this building was three stories tall and did not have columns like those columns of the outer courtyards, the top rooms were farther back than the rooms on the middle and bottom floors. The top floor was narrower than the middle floor, which was narrower than the bottom floor because the balconies used this space. <7> There was a wall outside that was parallel to the rooms and ran along the outer courtyard. It ran in front of the rooms for 50 cubits. <8> The row of rooms that ran along the outer courtyard was 50 cubits long, although the total length of the building, as on the Temple side, was 100 cubits long. <9> The entrance was below these rooms at the east end of the building so people could enter from the outer courtyard. <10> The entrance was at the sta rt of the wall beside the courtyard.

<13> The man said to me, “The north rooms and south rooms across from the restricted area are holy. These rooms are for the priests who offer the sacrifices to the Lord. That is where the priests will put the most holy offerings and eat them. That is because that place is holy. The most holy offerings are: the grain offerings, the sin offerings,[276] and the guilt offerings. <14> The priests who enter the holy area must leave their serving clothes in that holy place before they go out into the outer courtyard, because these clothes are holy. If a priest wants to go to the part of the Temple where the other people are, he must go to those rooms and put on other clothes.”

The Outer Courtyard

<15> The man had finished measuring inside the Temple area. Then he brought me out through the east gate and measured all around that area. <16> He measured the east side with the ruler. It was 500 cubits[277] long. <17> He measured the north side. It was 500 cubits long. <18> He measured the south side. It was 500 cubits long. <19> He went around to the west side and measured it. It was 500 cubits long. <20> He measured the four walls that went all the way around the Temple. The wall was 500 cubits long and 500 cubits wide. It separated the holy area from the area that is not holy.[278]

The Lord Will Live Among His People

43 <1> The man led me to the east gate. <2> There the Glory of the God of Israel came from the east. God’s voice was loud like the sound of the sea. The ground was bright with the light from the Glory of God. <3> The vision[279] that I saw was like the vision I saw by the Kebar Canal. I bowed with my face to the ground. <4> The Glory of the Lord[280] came into the Temple through the east gate.

<5> Then the Spirit[281] picked me up and brought me into the inner courtyard. The Glory of the Lord filled the Temple. <6> I heard someone speaking to me from inside the Temple. The man was still standing beside me. <7> The voice from the Temple said to me, “Son of man,[282] this is the place with my throne and footstool. I will live in this place among the people of Israel forever. The family of Israel will not ruin my holy name again. The kings and their people will not bring shame to my name by committing sexual sins[283] or by burying the dead bodies of their kings in this place. <8> They will not bring shame to my name by putting their threshold next to my threshold, and their door post next to my do or post. In the past, only a wall separated them from me. So they brought shame to my name every time they sinned and did those terrible things. That is why I became angry and destroyed them. <9> Now let them take their sexual sins and the dead bodies of their kings far away from me. Then I will live among them forever.

<10> “Now, son of man, tell the family of Israel about the Temple. Then, when they learn about the plans for the Temple, they will be ashamed of their sins. <11> And they will be ashamed of all the bad things they have done. Let them know the design of the Temple. Let them know how it should be built, where the entrances and exits are, and all the designs on it. Teach them about all its rules and all its laws. Write these things for everyone to see, so they can obey all the laws and rules for the Temple. <12> This is the law of the Temple: The whole area on the top of the mountain within these boundaries is most holy. This is the law of the Temple.

The Altar

<13> “And these are the measurements of the altar[284] in cubits using the long measurement.[285] There was a gutter all the way around the base of the altar. It was 1 cubit[286] deep, and each side was 1 cubit wide. There was a rim around the edge 1 span[287] high. This is how tall the altar was: <14> From the ground to the lower ledge, the base measured 2 cubits.[288] It was 1 cubit wide. It measured 4 cubits[289] from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge. It was 2 cubits wide. <15> The place for the fire on the altar was 4 cubits high. The four corners were shaped li ke horns. <16> The place for the fire on the altar was 12 cubits[290] long by 12 cubits wide. It was perfectly square. <17> The ledge was also square, 14 cubits[291] long by 14 cubits wide. The border around it was 1/2 cubit[292] wide. (The gutter around the base was 1 cubits wide.) The steps going up to the altar were on the east side.”

<18> Then the man said to me, “Son of man, this is what the Lord and Master says: ‘These are the rules for the altar: At the time you build the altar, use these rules to offer burnt offerings[293] and to sprinkle blood on it. <19> You will give a young bull as a sin offering[294] to the men from Zadok’s family. These men are the priests from the tribe of Levi. They are the men who serve me by bringing the offerings to me.’” This is what the Lord my Master said. <20> “You will take some of the bull’s blood and put it on the altar’s four horns, on the four corners of the ledge, and on the rim around it. In this way you will make the altar pure. <21> Then take the bull for the sin offering and burn it in the proper place in the Temple area, outsi de the Temple building.

<22> “On the second day you will offer a male goat that has nothing wrong with it. It will be for a sin offering. The priests will make the altar pure the same way they made it pure with the bull. <23> When you have finished making the altar pure you will offer a young bull that has nothing wrong with it and a ram from the flock that has nothing wrong with it. <24> Then you will offer them before the Lord. The priests will sprinkle salt on them. Then they will offer the bull and ram up as a burnt offering to the Lord. <25> You will prepare a goat every day for seven days for a sin offering. Also, you will prepare a young bull and a ram from the flock. These animals must have nothing wrong with them. <26> For seven days the priests will make the altar pure and ready for use in worshiping God. <27> On the eighth day, an d every day after that, the priests must offer your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings[295] on the altar. Then I will accept you.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

The Outer Gate

44 <1> Then the man brought me back to the east gate of the Temple area. We were outside the gate and the gate was shut. <2> The Lord said to me, “This gate will stay shut. It will not be opened. No one will enter through it, because the Lord of Israel has entered through it. So it must stay shut. <3> Only the ruler of the people may sit at this gate when he eats a meal with the Lord. He must enter through the porch of the gateway and go out the same way.”

The Holiness of the Temple

<4> Then the man led me through the north gate to the front of the Temple. I looked and saw the Glory of the Lord[296] filling the Lord’s Temple. I bowed with my face touching the ground. <5> The Lord said to me, “Son of man,[297] look very carefully! Use your eyes and ears. Look at these things, and listen very carefully to everything that I tell you about all the rules and laws about the Lord’s Temple. Look carefully at the entrances to the Temple and at all the exits from the holy place. <6> Then give this message to all the people of Israel who refused to obey me. Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord my Master said: Family of Israel, I have had enough of the terrible things you have done! <7> You brought foreigners into my Temple—and they were not really circumcised[298]—they did not give themselves completely to me. In this way you made my Temple unclean. You broke our agreement and did terrible things, and then you gave me the offerings of bread, the fat, and the blood. But this only made my Temple unclean. <8> You did not take care of my holy things. No, you let foreigners have responsibility of my holy place!’”

<9> This is what the Lord my Master says: “A foreigner who is not really circumcised must not come into my Temple—not even a foreigner living permanently among the people of Israel. He must be circumcised, and he must give himself completely to me before he can come into my Temple. <10> In the past, the Levites left me when Israel turned away from me. Israel left me to follow their idols.[299] The Levites will be punished for their sin. <11> The Levites were chosen to serve in my holy place. They guarded the gates of the Temple. They served in the Temple. They killed the animals for the sacrifices and burnt offerings for the people. They were chosen to help the people and to serve them. <12> But the Levites helped the people sin against me! They helped the people worship their idols! So I am making this promise against them: ‘T hey will be punished for their sin.’” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<13> “So the Levites will not bring offerings to me like the priests. They will not come near any of my holy things or the things that are most holy. They must carry their shame because of the terrible things that they did. <14> But I will let them take care of the Temple. They will work in the Temple and do the things that must be done in it.

<15> “The priests are all from the tribe of Levi. But only priests from Zadok’s family took care of my holy place when the people of Israel turned away from me. So only Zadok’s descendants will bring offerings to me. They will stand before me to offer me the fat and the blood from the animals they sacrifice.” This is what the Lord my Master said! <16> “They will enter my holy place and come near my table to serve me. They will take care of the things I gave them. <17> When they enter the gates of the inner courtyard, they will wear linen clothes. They will not wear wool while they serve at the gates of the inner courtyard and in the Temple. <18> They will wear linen turbans[300] on their heads, and they will wear linen underwear. They will not wear anything that makes them sweat. <19> Before they go out into the outer courtyard to the people, they will take off the clothes they wear while serving me. They will put these clothes away in the holy rooms. Then they will put on other clothes. In this way they will not let people touch those holy clothes.

<20> “These priests will not shave their heads or let their hair grow long.[301] The priests may only trim the hair of their heads. <21> None of the priests may drink wine when they go into the inner courtyard. <22> The priests must not marry a widow or a divorced woman. No, they must only marry a virgin[302] from the family of Israel or a woman whose dead husband was a priest.

<23> “Also, the priests must teach my people the difference between things that are holy[303] and things that are not holy. They must help my people know what is clean and what is unclean. <24> The priests will be the judges in court. They will follow my laws when they judge people. They will obey my laws and my rules at all my special feasts. They will respect my special days of rest and keep them holy. <25> They will not go near a dead person to make themselves unclean. But they may make themselves unclean if the dead person is their father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or a sister who is not married. <26> After the priest has been made clean, he must wait seven days. <27> Then he can go back into the holy place. But on the day he goes into the inner courtyard to serve in the holy place, he must offer a sin offering for hi mself.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<28> “About the land that will belong to the Levites: I am their property. You will not give the Levites any land in Israel. I am their share in Israel. <29> They will get to eat the grain offerings, the sin offerings, and the guilt offerings. Everything the people in Israel give to the Lord will be theirs. <30> And the first part of the harvest from every kind of crop will be for the priests. You will also give the priests the first part of your flour. This will bring blessings to your house. <31> The priests must not eat any bird or animal that had died a natural death or had been torn to pieces by a wild animal.

The Division of the Land for Holy Use

45 <1> “You will divide the land for the Israelite tribes by throwing lots.[304] At that time, you will separate a part of the land. It will be a holy part for the Lord. The land will be 25,000 cubits[305] long and 20,000 cubits[306] wide. All of this land will be holy. <2> A square area that is 500 cubits[307] long on each side will be for the Temple. There will be an open space around the Temple that is 50 cubits[308] wide. <3> In the holy area you will measure 25,000 cubits long and 10 ,000 cubits[309] wide. The Temple will be in this area. The Temple area will be the Most Holy Place.

<4> “This holy part of the land will be for the priests, the servants of the Temple. This is where they approach the Lord to serve him. It will be a place for the priests’ houses and a place for the Temple. <5> Another area, 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide, will be for the Levites who serve in the Temple. This land will also belong to the Levites for their cities to live in.

<6> “And you will give the city an area that is 5000 cubits[310] wide and 25,000 cubits long. It will be along the side of the holy area. It will be for all the family of Israel. <7> The ruler will have land on both sides of the holy area and of the land belonging to the city. It will be in the area between the holy area and the area belonging to the city. It will be the same width as the land that belongs to a tribe. It will go all the way from the west border to the east border. <8> This land will be the ruler’s property in Israel. So he will not need to make life hard for my people anymore. But they will give the land to the Israelites for their tribes.”

<9> This is what the Lord my Master said: “Enough, you rulers of Israel! Stop being cruel and stealing things from people! Be fair and do what is right! Stop forcing my people out from their homes!” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<10> “Stop cheating people. Use accurate scales and measures! <11> The ephah and the bath must be the same size: A bath and an ephah must both equal 1/10 homer.[311] Those measures will be based on the homer. <12> A shekel[312] must equal 20 gerahs. A mina must equal 60 shekels. It must be equal to 20 shekels plus 25 shekels plus 15 shekels.

<13> “This is a special offering that you must give:

1/6 ephah[313] of wheat for every homer of wheat;

1/6 ephah of barley for every homer of barley;

<14> 1/10 bath[314] of olive oil for every cor[315] of olive oil;

Remember:

Ten baths make a homer.

Ten baths make a cor.

<15> And one sheep for every 200 sheep

from every watering hole in Israel.

“Those special offerings are for the grain offerings, for the burnt offerings,[316] and for the fellowship offerings.[317] These offerings are to make the people pure.” This is what the Lord my Master said.

<16> “Everyone in the country will give to this offering for the ruler of Israel. <17> But the ruler must give the things needed for the special holy days. The ruler must provide the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the drink offerings for the feast days, for the New Moon,[318] for the Sabbaths, and for all the other special meeting days of the family of Israel. He must give all the sin offerings,[319] grain offerings, burnt offerings, and fellowship offerings that are used to make the family of Israel pure.”

<18> This is what the Lord my Master says: “In the first month, on the first day of the month, you will take a young bull that has nothing wrong with it. You must use that bull to make the Temple pure. <19> The priest will take some of the blood from the sin offering and put it on the doorposts of the Temple and on the four corners of the ledge of the altar,[320] and on the posts of the gate to the inner courtyard. <20> You will do the same thing on the seventh day of that month for anyone who has sinned by mistake or without knowing it. So you will make the Temple pure.

Offerings During the Passover

<21> “On the 14th day of the first month you must celebrate the Passover. The Festival of Unleavened Bread[321] begins at this time. It continues for seven days. <22> At that time, the ruler will offer a bull for himself and for all the people of Israel. The bull will be for a sin offering.[322] <23> During the seven days of the festival the ruler will offer seven bulls and seven rams that have nothing wrong with them. They will be burnt offerings[323] to the Lord. The ruler will offer one bull on every day of the seven days of the festival, and he will offer a male goat every day for a sin offering. <24> The ruler will give an ephah[324] of bar ley as a grain offering with each bull, and an ephah of barley with each ram. He must give a hin[325] of oil for each ephah of grain. <25> He must do the same thing for the seven days of the Festival [of Shelters]. This festival begins on the 15th day of the seventh month. These offerings will be the sin offering, the burnt offering, the grain offering and the oil offering.”

The Ruler and the Festivals

46 <1> This is what the Lord my Master says: “The east gate of the inner courtyard will be closed on the six working days. But it will be opened on the Sabbath[326] day and on the day of the New Moon.[327] <2> The ruler will go into the porch of that gate and stand by the gatepost. Then the priests will offer the ruler’s burnt offering[328] and fellowship offerings.[329] The ruler will worship at the opening of that gate and then go out. But the gate will not be shut until evening. <3> On the Sabbath day and on the day of the New Moon, the common pe ople will also worship the Lord at that gate.

<4> “The ruler will offer burnt offerings to the Lord on the Sabbath. He must provide six lambs that have nothing wrong with them, and a ram that has nothing wrong with it. <5> He must give an ephah of grain offering with the ram. As for the grain offering with the lambs, the ruler can give as much as he wants. But he must give 1 hin of olive oil for each ephah of grain.

<6> “On the day of the New Moon he must offer a young bull that has nothing wrong with it. He will also offer six lambs and a ram that have nothing wrong with them. <7> The ruler must give an ephah of grain offering with the bull and an ephah of grain offering with the ram. As for the grain offering with the lambs, he can give as much as he wants. But he must give 1 hin of olive oil for each ephah of grain.

<8> “When the ruler goes in, he must enter at the porch of the east gate—and he must leave that same way.

<9> “When the common people come to meet with the Lord at the special festivals, whoever enters through the north gate to worship will go out through the south gate, and whoever enters through the south gate will go out through the north gate. People must not return the same way they entered. Each person must go out straight ahead. <10> The ruler should be there among the people. When the people go in, the ruler will go in with them, and when they go out, the ruler will too.

<11> “At the festivals and other special meetings, an ephah of grain offering must be offered with each young bull, and an ephah of grain offering must be offered with each ram. As for the grain offering with the lambs, the ruler can give as much as he wants. But he must give 1 hin of olive oil for each ephah of grain.

<12> “When the ruler gives a freewill offering to the Lord—it might be a burnt offering, a fellowship offering, or a freewill offering—the east gate will be opened for him. Then he will offer his burnt offering and his fellowship offerings like he does on the Sabbath day. After he leaves, the gate will be shut.

The Daily Offering

<13> “Every day you will provide a year-old lamb that has nothing wrong with it. It will be for a burnt offering[330] to the Lord. You will provide it every morning. <14> Also, you will offer a grain offering with the lamb every morning. You will give 1/6 ephah[331] of flour and 1/3 hin[332] of oil to make the fine flour moist. It will be the daily grain offering to the Lord. <15> So they will give the lamb, the grain offering and the oil every morning, for a burnt offering forever.”

Laws of Inheritance for the Ruler

<16> This is what the Lord my Master says: “If the ruler gives a gift from part of his land to any of his sons, it will belong to his sons. It is their property. <17> But if the ruler gives a gift from part of his land to one of his slaves, the gift will belong to the slave only until the year of freedom.[333] Then the gift will go back to the ruler. Only the ruler’s sons will keep a gift of land from the ruler. <18> And the ruler will not take any of the people’s land or force them to leave their land. He must give some of his own land to his sons. In that way my people will not be forced to lose their land.”

The Special Kitchens

<19> The man led me through the entrance at the side of the gate. He led me to the holy rooms for the priests on the north side. There I saw a place at the west end of the path. <20> The man said to me, “This is where the priests will boil the guilt offering and the sin offering[334] and will bake the grain offering. Why? So they will not need to bring these offerings out into the outer courtyard. So they will not bring those holy things out where the common people are.”

<21> Then the man led me out to the outer courtyard. He led me to the four corners of the courtyard. I saw smaller courtyards in each corner of the large courtyard. <22> There was a small, enclosed area in each of the four corners of the courtyard. Each small courtyard was 40 cubits[335] long and 30 cubits[336] wide. The four areas measured the same. <23> There was a brick wall around each of the four small courtyards, and there were places built into the brick walls for cooking. <24> The man said to me, “These are the kitchens where those who serve at the Temple cook the sacrifices for the people.”

The Water Flowing From the Temple

47 <1> The man led me back to the entrance of the Temple. I saw water coming out from under the east gate of the Temple. (The front of the Temple is on the east side.) The water flowed down from under the south end of the Temple and ran south of the altar.[337] <2> The man led me out through the north gate and then around the outside to the outer gate on the east side. The water was flowing out on the south side of the gate.

<3> The man walked east with a tape measure in his hand. He measured 1000 cubits.[338] Then he told me to walk through the water at that place. The water was only ankle deep. <4> He measured another 1000 cubits. Then he told me to walk through the water at that place. There the water came up to my knees. Then he measured another 1000 cubits and told me to walk through the water at that place. There the water was waist deep. <5> He measured another 1000 cubits, but there the water was too deep to cross. It had become a river. The water was deep enough to swim in. It was a river that was too deep to cross. <6> Then the man said to me, “Son of man,[339] did you pay close attention to the things you saw?”

Then the man led me back along the side of the river. <7> As I walked back along the side of the river, I saw many trees on both sides of the water. <8> He said to me, “This water flows east, down to the Arabah Valley. <9> This water flows into the Dead Sea so that the water in that sea becomes fresh and clean. There are many fish in this water, and all kinds of animals live where this river goes. <10> You can see fishermen standing by the river all the way from En Gedi to En Eglaim. You can see them throwing their fishing nets and catching many kinds of fish. There are as many kinds of fish in the Dead Sea as there are in the Mediterranean Sea. <11> But the swamps and small marshes will not become fresh. They will be left for salt. <12> All kinds of fruit trees will grow on both sides of the river. Their leaves never will become dry and fall. The fruit will never stop growing on those trees. The trees will produce fruit every month, because the water for the trees comes from the Temple. The fruit from the trees will be for food, and their leaves will be for healing.”

Division of the Land for the Tribes

<13> This is what the Lord my Master says: “These are the borders for dividing the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph will have two parts. <14> You will divide the land equally. I promised to give this land to your ancestors,[340] so I am giving this land to you.

<15> “Here are the borders of the land: On the north side, it goes from the Mediterranean Sea by the way of Hethlon where the road turns toward Hamath, and on to Zedad, <16> Berothah, Sibraim (which is on the border between Damascus and Hamath) and Hazer Hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran. <17> So the border will go from the sea to Hazar Enan on the northern border of Damascus, and Hamath. This will be on the north side.

<18> “On the east side, the border will go from Hazar Enan between Hauran and Damascus and continue along the Jordan River between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the eastern sea and all the way to Tamar. This will be the eastern border.

<19> “On the south side, the border will go from Tamar all the way to the oasis at Meribah-kadesh. Then it will go along the Brook of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. This will be the southern border.

<20> “On the west side, the Mediterranean Sea will be the border all the way to the area in front of Lebo Hamath. This will be your western border.

<21> “So you will divide this land among you for the tribes of Israel. <22> You will divide it as a property for yourselves and for the foreigners who live among you and who have had children among you. These foreigners will be residents—they will be like natural born Israelites. You will divide some land for them among the tribes of Israel. <23> The tribe where that resident lives must give him some land.” This is what the Lord my Master said!

The Land for the Tribes of Israel

48 <1-7> “The northern border goes east from the Mediterranean Sea, to Hethlon to Hamath Pass, and then all the way to Hazar Enan. This is on the border between Damascus and Hamath. The land for the tribes in this group will go from the east of these borders to the west. From north to south, the tribes in this area are: Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah.

The Special Section of Land

<8> “The next area of land will be for a special use. This land is south of Judah’s land. This area is 25,000 cubits[341] long from north to south. From east to west, it will be as wide as the land that belongs to the other tribes. The Temple will be in the middle of this section of land. <9> You will dedicate[342] this land to the Lord. It will be 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits[343] wide. <10> This special area of land will be divided among the priest and Levites.

“The priests will get one part of this area. The land will be 25,000 cubits long on the north side, 10,000 cubits[344] wide on the west side, 10,000 cubits wide on the east side, and 25,000 cubits long on the south side. The Lord’s Temple will be in the middle of this area of land. <11> This land is for Zadok’s descendants. These men were chosen to be my holy priests, because they continued to serve me when the other people of Israel left me. Zadok’s family did not leave me like the other people from the tribe of Levi. <12> This special share from this holy part of the land will be especially for these priests. It will be next to the land of the Levites.

<13> “Next to the land for the priests, the Levites will have a share of the land. It will be 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide. They will get the full length and width of this land—25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits[345] wide. <14> The Levites will not sell or trade any of this land. They will not be able to sell any of it. They must not cut up this part of the country, because this land belongs to the Lord—it is very special. It is the best part of the land.

The Shares for the City Property

<15> “There will be an area of land 5000 cubits[346] wide by 25,000 cubits long that is left over from the land given to the priests and Levites. This land can be for the city, for grasslands for animals, and for building houses. The common people may use this land. The city will be in the middle of it. <16> These are the city’s measurements: The north side will be 4500 cubits.[347] The south side will be 4500 cubits. The east side will be 4500 cubits. The west side will be 4500 cubits. <17> The city will have grasslands. These grasslands will be 250 cubits[348] on the north and 250 cubits on the south. They will be 250 cubits on the east and 250 cubits on the west. <18> What is left of the length along the side of the holy area will be 10,000 cubits on the east and 10,000 cubits on the west. This land will be along the side of the holy area. This land will grow food for the city workers. <19> The city workers from all the tribes of Israel will farm this land.

<20> “This special area of land will be square. It will be 25,000 cubits long by 25,000 cubits wide. You must set apart this area for its special purposes. One part is for the priests, one part is for the Levites, and one part is for the city.

<21-22> “Part of that special land will be for the ruler of the country. That special area of land is square. It is 25,000 cubits long by 25,000 cubits wide. Part of this special land is for the priests, and part of it is for the Levites, and part of it is for the Temple. The Temple is in the middle of this area of land. The rest of the land belongs to the ruler of the country. The ruler will get the area between the land of Benjamin and the land of Judah.

<23-27> “South of this special area will be the land for the tribes that lived east of the Jordan River. Each tribe will get a section of land that goes from the eastern border to the Mediterranean Sea. From north to south, these tribes are Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad.

<28> “The southern border of Gad’s land will go from Tamar to the Oasis of Meribah-kadesh, then along the Brook of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. <29> This is the land that you will divide among the tribes of Israel. This is what each group will get.” This is what the Lord my Master said!

The Gates of the City

<30> “These are the gates of the city. The gates will be named for the tribes of Israel.

“The north side of the city will be 4500 cubits long. <31> There will be three gates: Reuben’s Gate, Judah’s Gate, and Levi’s Gate.

<32> “The east side of the city will be 4500 cubits long. There will be three gates: Joseph’s Gate, Benjamin’s Gate, and Dan’s Gate.

<33> “The south side of the city will be 4500 cubits long. There will be three gates: Simeon’s Gate, Issachar’s Gate, and Zebulun’s Gate.

<34> “The west side of the city will be 4500 cubits long. There will be three gates: Gad’s Gate, Asher’s Gate, and Naphtali’s Gate.

<35> “The distance around the city will be 18,000 cubits.[349] From now on, the name of the city will be The Lord Is There.[350]”

[1] 1:1-3 exile Living away from one’s home country, usually by force.

[2] 1:1-3 vision Something like a dream used by God to speak to people.

[3] 1:1-3 fifth day … thirtieth year If the year refers to Ezekiel’s age, this is the same as the fifth year of exile, that is, July 31, 593 b.c.

[4] 1:4 hot metal The Hebrew word might mean “melted copper,” “an alloy of gold and silver,” or “amber.” Also in verse 27.

[5] 1:12 spirit Or, “wind.” Also in verse 20.

[6] 1:14 Or, “And there was something like lighting shooting back and forth among the living beings.”

[7] 1:17 The wheels … moved Or, “The wheels could move in any four directions, but they did not turn when they moved.”

[8] 1:22 bowl This Hebrew word is the same word used in Gen. 1:6-7 to describe the dome of the sky.

[9] 1:28 Glory of the Lord One of the forms God used when he appeared to people. It was like a bright, shining light. In the book of Numbers it might have been a bright light or a tall cloud.

[10] 2:1 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 3, 6, 8.

[11] 2:2 the Spirit came into me Or “a wind came.”

[12] 2:5 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by “the prophets,” who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[13] 2:9 scroll A long roll of paper or leather used for writing on.

[14] 3:1 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 3, 4, 10, 16, 25.

[15] 3:11 exile Living away from one’s home country, usually by force.

[16] 3:12 spirit Or, “wind.” Also in verse 24.

[17] 3:15 Tel Aviv This was a place outside of Israel. The name means “Spring Hill.”

[18] 3:17 watchman A guard who stood on the city wall, looked for enemy soldiers, and warned the people of the city if he saw trouble coming.

[19] 3:22 the valley Possibly, Jezreel Valley, a fertile area where many battles were fought. It is often called simply “The Valley.”

[20] 3:23 Glory of the Lord One of the forms God used when he appeared to people. It was like a bright, shining light. In the book of Numbers it might have been a bright light or a tall cloud.

[21] 4:1 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verse 16.

[22] 4:2 battering rams Heavy logs that soldiers used to break holes into the gates or walls around a city.

[23] 4:5 390 days The ancient Greek version has “190 days.”

[24] 4:8 your attack against the city This is a wordplay. The Hebrew word can mean “famine,” “time of trouble,” or “attack against a city.”

[25] 4:9 spelt A kind of grain like wheat.

[26] 4:10 1 cup Literally, “20 shekels” (230g).

[27] 4:11 3 cups Literally, “1/6 hin” (.5 l).

[28] 4:13 unclean bread Bread that touched something unclean. If a person ate this bread, that person could not join in worshiping God. See Lev. 11-15 for rules about clean and unclean things.

[29] 5:1-2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[30] 5:1-2 your famine Or, “your attack on the city.” See Ezek. 4:8.

[31] 5:4 house of Israel This probably means the people of the northern ten tribes of Israel.

[32] 5:13 strong love The Hebrew word means strong feelings like love, hate, anger, zeal, or jealousy.

[33] 6:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in 7:2.

[34] 6:3 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[35] 6:4 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also “golden altar.”

[36] 6:4 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[37] 6:9 survivors People who escaped some disaster. Here, this means the Jewish people who survived the destruction of Judah and Israel by its enemy armies.

[38] 6:9 spirit Literally, “heart.”

[39] 6:13 places for worship Or, “high places.” Places for worshiping God or false gods. These places were often on the hills and mountains.

[40] 6:14 Diblah Desert This is probably “Riblah Desert.”

[41] 7:13 sold their property In ancient Israel property did not belong to a person, it belonged to a family. People might sell their property, but at the time of Jubilee their family would get the land back. Here, Ezekiel says the people will never get their property again.

[42] 7:13 vision Something like a dream used by God to speak to people.

[43] 7:26 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[44] 8:1 sixth year [of exile] This is the fall of 592 b.c.

[45] 8:2 hot metal The Hebrew word might mean “melted copper,” “an alloy of gold and silver,” or “amber.”

[46] 8:3 spirit Or, “wind.”

[47] 8:5 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 6, 7, 12, 15, 17.

[48] 8:10 reptiles The Hebrew word can mean “lizards,” “snakes,” and “all kinds of bugs and insects.”

[49] 8:11 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[50] 8:14 Tammuz People thought this false god died and his wife Ishtar asked everyone to be sad and cry with her. Ishtar hoped this would bring him back to life. This ceremony was on the 2nd day of the fourth month (June/July). This month was named Tammuz because of this ceremony.

[51] 8:17 Look … god Or, “Look at them putting that cut branch in their noses.”

[52] 9:1 Each … hand In Hebrew this is like Ezek. 8:11.

[53] 9:2 linen clothes Priests usually wore these clothes.

[54] 9:2 scribe’s pen and ink set A scribe was a person who copied official documents and counted supplies and things. Scribes often carried a small board with dry ink in it and a pen. They could put water on the ink and then write with it. Also in verse 11.

[55] 9:3 Cherub angels Winged beings like angels that serve God, usually as guards around his throne or other holy places. Two statues of these beings were on the cover of the Box of the Agreement that represented God’s presence. See Ex. 25:10-22.

[56] 9:5-6 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[57] 9:7 unclean Or “unacceptable.” Not pure or not fit to be eaten or used in worshiping God. See Lev. 11-15 for the Old Testament rules about clean and unclean things.

[58] 10:1 bowl This Hebrew word is the same word used in Gen. 1:6-7 to describe the dome of the sky.

[59] 10:2 linen clothes Priests usually wore these clothes.

[60] 10:2 area between the wheels The Hebrew word can mean “chariot wheel,” “whirling (spinning) wheel,” or “tumbleweed.” See chapter 1 for Ezekiel’s full description. Also in verse 6.

[61] 10:3 south Literally, “right.”

[62] 10:14-15 face of a Cherub This is the bull’s face mentioned in Ezek. 1:10. See Ezek. 10:22.

[63] 10:14-15 vision by the Kebar Canal See Ezek. 1.

[64] 10:17 spirit Or, “wind.”

[65] 11:1 spirit Or, “wind.”

[66] 11:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 4, 15.

[67] 11:15 They were forced … bring them back This is a wordplay. The word meaning “redeemed” sounds like the word meaning “exiled.”

[68] 11:19 spirit Or, “Spirit.”

[69] 11:23 hill east of Jerusalem This is the Mount of Olives.

[70] 11:24 spirit Or, “wind.”

[71] 11:25 exile Living away from one’s home country, usually by force.

[72] 12:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 3, 9, 18, 22, 27.

[73] 12:13 But he … is going The enemy will poke out his eyes and make him blind.

[74] 13:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verse 17.

[75] 13:6 false prophet A person who claims to speak for God but does not really speak God’s truth.

[76] 13:10 false prophet A person who claims to speak for God but does not really speak God’s truth.

[77] 13:10 plaster A type of mud or cement that people used to cover a wall and make it smooth. This is also a wordplay. The Hebrew word is like the word meaning “It will fall.” Also in verse 14.

[78] 14:1 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[79] 14:3 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verse 13.

[80] 14:13 famine A time when there is not enough rain for crops to grow, causing people and animals to die without enough food or water.

[81] 14:14 Noah, Daniel, and Job Three men from ancient times. They were famous for being very good and wise men. Here, Daniel might be the Danel in the writings from Ras Shamra. Also in verses 16, 18, 20.

[82] 15:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[83] 15:2 grapevine Many times the prophets said Israel was God’s vineyard or grapevine. Also in 16:2, 3, 6.

[84] 16:8 spread my clothes over you This showed that he was agreeing to protect her and care for her. See Ruth 3:1-15.

[85] 16:8 agreement Here, this means the marriage agreement. But it also refers to the Agreement God made with the people of Israel.

[86] 16:10 Verses 10-13 All the materials in this list are the things used in building the Holy Tent. See Ex. 25-40.

[87] 16:16 places for worship Or, “high places.” Places for worshiping God or false gods. These places were often on the hills and mountains. Also in verses 31, 39.

[88] 16:21 slaughter Usually, this means to kill an animal and cut it into pieces for meat, but it often means to kill people as if they were animals.

[89] 16:28 Assyria A powerful nation northeast of Israel.

[90] 16:36 spent your money Literally, “poured out your copper.” This might also mean “you have done the things that stain you with sin.”

[91] 16:37 let them see you naked The Hebrew words are like the words meaning “to be carried away as a prisoner to a foreign country.”

[92] 16:46 Samaria … Sodom Ezekiel is saying the people in Judah are just as evil as the people who lived in Samaria and Sodom—and those people were so evil that God completely destroyed those cities.

[93] 16:57 Edom Or, “Aram.”

[94] 17:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[95] 17:4 merchant A person who earns a living by buying and selling things.

[96] 18:12 When a debt is paid See Deut. 24:12-13 for the rules about making loans to the poor.

[97] 18:15 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[98] 19:11 scepter A special stick carried by kings to show their authority.

[99] 20:1 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[100] 20:1 seventh year [of exile] This was the summer of 591 b.c.

[101] 20:3 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 4, 27, 46.

[102] 20:6 land filled … good things Literally, “land flowing with milk and honey.” Also in verse 15.

[103] 20:28 anger offerings The people called these meals “fellowship offerings,” but Ezekiel is making fun of them and saying that those meals only made God angry.

[104] 20:29 But that … today Literally, “And its name is still called Bamah (high place) to this day.”

[105] 20:30 ancestors Literally, “fathers,” meaning a person’s parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[106] 20:46 Negev Forest God is probably making fun of the people. The Negev is a desert area. There are no forests in the Negev.

[107] 21:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 6, 9, 12, 14, 19, 28.

[108] 21:3 sheath A leather or metal case for carrying a sword or knife.

[109] 21:21 arrows, idols, liver People who believed in false gods used these things to try to learn the future.

[110] 21:22 battering rams Heavy logs that soldiers used to break holes into the gates or walls around a city.

[111] 21:26 turban A head covering made by wrapping a long piece of cloth around the top part of the head or around a cap worn on the head.

[112] 21:28 sheath A leather or metal case for carrying a sword or knife.

[113] 21:29 vision Something like a dream used by God to speak to people.

[114] 21:30 sheath A leather or metal case for carrying a sword or knife.

[115] 21:31 cruel men This is a wordplay. The Hebrew word is like the word meaning “to burn.”

[116] 22:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 18, 24.

[117] 22:11 unclean Or “unacceptable.” Not pure or not fit to be eaten or used in worshiping God. See Lev. 11-15 for the Old Testament rules about clean and unclean things.

[118] 22:24 not pure This is a wordplay. The Hebrew word also means “not rained on.”

[119] 22:26 holy Set apart or chosen for a special use; especially, belonging to God or used only for him. Also, pure or perfect, worthy of God and fit for his service. In the New Testament God’s people are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, keep themselves from sin and live only for God.

[120] 22:26 clean Pure or acceptable. When used of animals, it means fit to be eaten. When used of people, it means fit to participate in the worship of God at the Tabernacle or Temple. See Lev. 11-15 for the Old Testament rules about clean and unclean things.

[121] 23:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verse 36.

[122] 23:4 Oholah This name means “Tent.” It probably refers to the Holy Tent where the people of Israel went to worship God.

[123] 23:4 Oholibah This name means “My Tent is in her [country].” Also in verses 18, 21.

[124] 23:10 raped Literally, “revealed her nakedness.” The Hebrew word meaning “revealed” is like the word meaning “carried away as a prisoner to a faraway country.”

[125] 23:14 Chaldeans An important tribe in Babylon. Sometimes this name means simply “people from Babylonia.” King Nebuchadnezzar was from this tribe, as were other kings of Babylon. Well educated people, they studied science, history, languages, and astronomy, but they also believed they could do magic and look at the stars to learn what would happen in the future.

[126] 23:15 turban A head covering made by wrapping a long piece of cloth around the top part of the head or around a cap worn on the head.

[127] 23:15 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[128] 23:31 You, yourself … your hands Or, “I put her cup in your hands.”

[129] 23:37 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[130] 23:39 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[131] 23:39 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable “Holy Tent” that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isa. 56:7).

[132] 23:41 my incense A special blend of spices that were burned as a gift to God. This special incense was to be burned only in the Temple. See Ex. 30:34-38.

[133] 23:41 my oil The special oil that was used for anointing priests and things in the Temple to make them holy (special). See Ex. 30:22-33.

[134] 23:42 party The Hebrew word is like the word for a fellowship offering, a time when people came to share a meal and enjoy themselves together with the Lord. Here, it seems this time of worship turned into a wild party. See Deut 14:22-29; 26:1-15.

[135] 24:1 ninth year [of exile] This was 15 Jan 588 b.c.., the date that Nebuchadnezzar began his attack on Jerusalem.

[136] 24:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 16, 25.

[137] 24:7 blood … dirt The Law of Moses teaches that whoever killed an animal for food must pour the blood on the ground and cover it with dirt. This showed that they were giving the life of that animal back to God. See Lev. 17:1-16 and Deut. 12:1-25. If the blood was not covered with dirt, it was a witness against the killer. See Gen. 4:10, Job 15:18, and Isa. 26:21.

[138] 24:10 Mix in the spices We are not sure of the meaning of this sentence.

[139] 24:11 stains Or, “bronze.”

[140] 24:17 turban A head covering made by wrapping a long piece of cloth around the top part of the head or around a cap worn on the head.

[141] 25:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[142] 25:8 Seir Or, “Edom.”

[143] 26:1 eleventh year [of exile] This was probably the summer of 587 b.c. See 2 Kings 25:3.

[144] 26:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[145] 26:7 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[146] 26:11 hoofs The hard part of a horse’s foot.

[147] 26:17 you were a famous city This can also mean “People have cried for you.”

[148] 26:17 People … you This can also mean “People have lived in you for a long time.”

[149] 27:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[150] 27:3 merchant A person who earns a living by buying and selling things.

[151] 27:6 deck The floor of a ship.

[152] 27:7 Cyprus Literally, “Elishah.” This might be the area near Enkomi, Cyprus, or it might be the Greek islands.

[153] 27:9 Byblos Literally, “Gebal.”

[154] 27:9 caulking Often a mixture of tar and rope that was put between the boards to make a ship watertight so that it would not leak. Also in verse 27.

[155] 27:12 Tarshish A city far away from Israel, probably in Spain, famous for its large ships that sailed the Mediterranean Sea.

[156] 27:14 nation Literally, “house.” This might mean the royal family of that country.

[157] 27:15 Rhodes Or, “Dedan.” See verse 20.

[158] 27:16 coral A hard, stone-like substance, usually pink, red, or black, that is formed from the skeletons of tiny sea animals and covers the ocean floor in certain areas.

[159] 27:17 balm An ointment from some kinds of trees and plants. It is used as medicine.

[160] 27:19 cassia The fragrant dried flowers of the ancient cinnamon tree that were used in anointing oil and as perfume.

[161] 27:21 Kedar An Arabian tribe that lived in the desert southeast of the land of Judah.

[162] 27:27 merchant A person who earns a living by buying and selling things.

[163] 27:33 merchant A person who earns a living by buying and selling things.

[164] 28:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 12, 21.

[165] 28:3 Daniel A wise man from ancient times. This might be Daniel from the Bible, or the Danel mentioned in the writings from Ras Shamra.

[166] 28:10 foreigner Literally, “uncircumcised.” See “circumcise” in the Word List.

[167] 28:14 Cherub See Cherub angels.

[168] 28:18 merchant A person who earns a living by buying and selling things.

[169] 28:24 nettles Plants covered with stinging hairs.

[170] 29:1 tenth year [of exile] This was the winter of 587 b.c.

[171] 29:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verse 18.

[172] 29:3 great monster There were ancient stories about a sea monster that fought against God. The prophets called Egypt that sea monster many times. But here, this might mean the crocodiles that rest on the banks of the Nile River.

[173] 29:12 I will … strangers Or, “I will scatter them ….”

[174] 29:17 twenty-seventh year [of exile] This was in the spring of 571 b.c.

[175] 30:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verse 21.

[176] 30:5 people of Israel Literally, “sons of the Agreement.” This might mean “all the people who made peace agreements with Egypt,” or it might mean “Israel, the people who made the Agreement with God.”

[177] 30:13 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[178] 30:15 fortress A building or city with tall, strong walls for protection.

[179] 30:17 On and Pi Beseth Heliopolis and Bubastis, cities in Egypt.

[180] 30:18 control Literally, “yoke.”

[181] 30:20 eleventh year [of exile] This was the summer of 587 b.c. Also in 31:1.

[182] 31:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[183] 31:15 Sheol The place where people go when they die. Usually, this means the grave, but it can mean the place where spirits go.

[184] 31:15 mourn To express sorrow for someone who has died or for something lost. In ancient Israel people often put on special clothes, cried very loudly, and put ashes on their head to show their sadness.

[185] 31:18 foreigners Literally, “uncircumcised.” This showed that these people did not share in the Agreement God made with Israel.

[186] 32:1 twelfth year [of exile] This was early spring, 585 b.c. Also in verse 17.

[187] 32:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verse 18.

[188] 32:2 dragon This might be a crocodile or a giant sea creature. The giant sea creature represented the power of the sea, and the Nile River made Egypt a powerful nation.

[189] 32:19 foreigners Literally, “uncircumcised.” This showed that these people did not share in the Agreement God made with Israel.

[190] 32:22-23 Assyria A powerful nation northeast of Israel.

[191] 33:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 7, 10, 12, 24, 30.

[192] 33:2 watchman A guard who stood on the city wall, looked for enemy soldiers, and warned the people of the city if he saw trouble coming.

[193] 33:21 twelfth year [of exile] This was the winter of 586 b.c.

[194] 33:25 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[195] 33:27 fortress A building or city with tall, strong walls for protection.

[196] 34:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[197] 34:27 yoke A pole that was put across the shoulders of men, usually slaves, or animals and used in pulling or carrying heavy loads.

[198] 35:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[199] 36:1 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verse 17.

[200] 36:2 mountains Literally, “high places,” usually a reference to places of worship.

[201] 36:17 unclean Or “unacceptable.” Not pure or not fit to be eaten or used in worshiping God. See Lev. 11-15 for the Old Testament rules about clean and unclean things.

[202] 36:18 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[203] 36:27 I will put my Spirit inside you Or, “I will make my Spirit live among you.”

[204] 36:28 ancestors Literally, “fathers,” meaning a person’s parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[205] 36:29 famine A time when there is not enough rain for crops to grow, causing people and animals to die without enough food or water.

[206] 37:1 Spirit Or, “wind.”

[207] 37:1 the valley Possibly, Jezreel Valley, a fertile area where many battles were fought. It is often called simply “The Valley.”

[208] 37:3 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 9, 11, 16.

[209] 37:5 breath Or, “wind” or “a spirit.”

[210] 37:9 wind Or, “breath” or “spirit.” Also in verse 10.

[211] 37:11 bones … dried up This is a way of saying, “We have lost our strength.”

[212] 37:14 Spirit Or, “spirit” or “wind.”

[213] 37:16 friends This is a wordplay. The Hebrew word is like the word meaning “joined together.”

[214] 37:23 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[215] 37:25 ancestors Literally, “fathers,” meaning a person’s parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[216] 38:2 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verse 14.

[217] 38:6 nation of Togarmah Or, “Beth Togarmah.”

[218] 38:12 They live … the world The powerful countries must travel through there to get to all the other powerful countries.

[219] 38:13 merchant A person who earns a living by buying and selling things.

[220] 38:21 every kind of terror against This is from the ancient Greek version. The Hebrew has “a sword against.”

[221] 39:1 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verse 17.

[222] 39:11 Valley of the Travelers This is a wordplay on the name Arabah Valley.

[223] 39:16 Hamonah This Hebrew word means “crowd.”

[224] 40:1 tenth day of the month This was the Day of Atonement, 573 b.c. See Lev. 23:26; 25:9.

[225] 40:1 vision Something like a dream used by God to speak to people.

[226] 40:2 On the mountain … city Or, “On the mountain, there was a building that looked like a city with a city south of it.”

[227] 40:4 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[228] 40:5 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable “Holy Tent” that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isa. 56:7).

[229] 40:5 6 cubits 10' 2 7/16" (3.11 m). Also in verse 12.

[230] 40:5 long measurement Literally, “a cubit and a handbreadth.” This cubit equals 20 5/8" (51.83 cm).

[231] 40:5 one ruler That is, 6 cubits (10' 2 7/16" or 3.11 m). Also in verses 6, 7.

[232] 40:7 5 cubits 8' 6" (2.6 m). Also in verses 30, 48.

[233] 40:9 8 cubits 13' 7 1/4" (4.2 m).

[234] 40:9 2 cubits 3' 4 13/16" (104 cm).

[235] 40:11 10 cubits 17' 1/16" (5.18 m).

[236] 40:11 13 cubits 22' 1 1/4" (6.74 m).

[237] 40:12 1 cubit 20 3/8" (51.83 cm). Also in verse 42.

[238] 40:13 25 cubits 42' 6 1/8" (12.96 m). Also in verses 21, 25, 29, 33, 36.

[239] 40:14 Verse 14 The meaning of this verse is very uncertain.

[240] 40:14 60 cubits 102' 3/8" (31.1 m).

[241] 40:15 50 cubits 85' 5/16" (25.92 m). Also in verses 21, 25, 29. 33, 36.

[242] 40:16 small windows These let the soldiers defending the city shoot arrows out at the enemy. The narrow part of the window was on the enemy’s side of the wall to give the smallest target.

[243] 40:19 100 cubits 170' 5/8" (51.83 m). Also in verse 23, 27, 47.

[244] 40:37 porch Hebrew has “side walls.”

[245] 40:39 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[246] 40:39 sin offering Or “purification offering,” a sacrifice that was offered to God to remove impurities from sin and make a person fit to worship God.

[247] 40:42 1 1/2 cubits 30 5/8" (77.75 cm).

[248] 40:43 meat hooks … long Or, “Double shelves three inches wide ….”

[249] 40:44 two rooms Or, “rooms for the singers.”

[250] 40:44 south This is from the ancient Greek version. The Hebrew has “east.”

[251] 40:46 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also “golden altar.”

[252] 40:46 carry the sacrifices … the Lord Literally, “approach the Lord to serve him.”

[253] 40:48 3 cubits 5' 1 3/16" (1.55 m).

[254] 40:48 14 cubits 23' 9 11/16" (7.26 m).

[255] 40:49 20 cubits 34' 1/8" (10.37 m). Also in 41:2, 4.

[256] 40:49 12 cubits 20' 4 7/8" (6.22 m).

[257] 40:49 20 … long Literally, “20 cubits long … 12 cubits wide.”

[258] 41:1 6 cubits 10' 2 7/16" (3.11 m). Also in verses 3, 5.

[259] 41:2 10 cubits 17' 1/16" (5.18 m).

[260] 41:2 5 cubits 8' 6" (2.6 m). Also in verses 9, 12.

[261] 41:2 40 cubits 68' 1/4" (20.73 m).

[262] 41:3 2 cubits 3' 4 13/16" (104 cm). Also in verse 22.

[263] 41:3 7 cubits 11' 10 13/16" (3.63 m).

[264] 41:5 4 cubits 6' 9 5/8" (2.1 m).

[265] 41:8 full ruler That is, 6 cubits (10' 2 7/16" or 3.11 m).

[266] 41:10 20 cubits 34' 1/8" (10.37 m).

[267] 41:12 70 cubits 119' 7/16" (36.28 m).

[268] 41:12 90 cubits 153' 9/16" (46.65 m).

[269] 41:13 100 cubits 170' 5/8" (51.83 m). Also in verse 15.

[270] 41:22 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also “golden altar.”

[271] 41:22 3 cubits 5' 1 3/16" (1.55 m).

[272] 42:2 100 cubits 170' 5/8" (51.83 m).

[273] 42:2 50 cubits 85' 5/16" (25.92 m).

[274] 42:3 20-cubits 34' 1/8" (10.37 m).

[275] 42:4 10 cubits 17' 1/16" (5.18 m).

[276] 42:13 sin offering Or “purification offering,” a sacrifice that was offered to God to remove impurities from sin and make a person fit to worship God.

[277] 42:16 500 cubits 850' 3 1/16" (259.16 m).

[278] 42:20 holy Set apart or chosen for a special use; especially, belonging to God or used only for him. Also, pure or perfect, worthy of God and fit for his service. In the New Testament God’s people are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, keep themselves from sin and live only for God.

[279] 43:3 vision Something like a dream used by God to speak to people.

[280] 43:4 Glory of the Lord One of the forms God used when he appeared to people. It was like a bright, shining light. In the book of Numbers it might have been a bright light or a tall cloud.

[281] 43:5 Spirit Or, “spirit” or “wind.”

[282] 43:7 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel. Also in verses 10, 18.

[283] 43:7 sexual sins This might also mean “turning away from God and being unfaithful to him.”

[284] 43:13 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also “golden altar.”

[285] 43:13 long measurement Literally, “a cubit and a handbreadth.” This cubit equals 20 5/8" (51.83 cm).

[286] 43:13 1 cubit 20 3/8" (51.83 cm).

[287] 43:13 1 span The distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger, about 9" or 22 cm.

[288] 43:14 2 cubits 3' 4 13/16" (104 cm). Also in verse 17.

[289] 43:14 4 cubits 6' 9 5/8" (2.1 m).

[290] 43:16 12 cubits 20' 4 7/8" (6.22 m).

[291] 43:17 14 cubits 23' 9 11/16" (7.26 m).

[292] 43:17 1/2 cubit 10 3/16" (25.92 cm).

[293] 43:18 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[294] 43:19 sin offering Or “purification offering,” a sacrifice that was offered to God to remove impurities from sin and make a person fit to worship God.

[295] 43:27 fellowship offering An offering to God that was also eaten by the person giving the sacrifice and shared with others, especially during New Moon celebrations.

[296] 44:4 Glory of the Lord One of the forms God used when he appeared to people. It was like a bright, shining light. In the book of Numbers it might have been a bright light or a tall cloud.

[297] 44:5 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[298] 44:7 really circumcised Literally, “they were not circumcised in their heart or in their body.” See “circumcise” in the Word List. Also in verse 9.

[299] 44:10 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[300] 44:18 turban A head covering made by wrapping a long piece of cloth around the top part of the head or around a cap worn on the head.

[301] 44:20 These priests … grow long This would show that they are sad, and the priests must be happy about serving the Lord.

[302] 44:22 virgin A woman, especially a young woman, who is not married and has never had sexual relations.

[303] 44:23 holy Set apart or chosen for a special use; especially, belonging to God or used only for him. Also, pure or perfect, worthy of God and fit for his service. In the New Testament God’s people are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, keep themselves from sin and live only for God.

[304] 45:1 lots Stones, sticks, or bones used like dice for making decisions. See Prov. 16:33.

[305] 45:1 25,000 cubits 8.05 miles (12.96 km). Also in verses 4, 6.

[306] 45:1 20,000 cubits 6.44 miles (10.37 km). This is from the ancient Greek version. The Hebrew has 10,000 cubits (3.22 miles or 5.18 km).

[307] 45:2 500 cubits 850' 3 1/16" (259.16 m).

[308] 45:2 50 cubits 85' 5/16" (25.92 m).

[309] 45:3 10,000 cubits 3.22 miles (5.18 km). Also in verse 5.

[310] 45:6 5000 cubits 1.61 miles (2.6 km).

[311] 45:11 homer A measure equal to about 7 bushels or about 60 gallons (220 l). Also in verse 13.

[312] 45:12 shekel A weight equal to 2/5 of an ounce or 11.5 grams. This also became an amount of money.

[313] 45:13 1/6 ephah 14 cups (3.67 l).

[314] 45:14 1/10 bath 1/2 gallon (2.2 l).

[315] 45:14 cor 55 gallons (220 l).

[316] 45:15 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[317] 45:15 fellowship offering An offering to God that was also eaten by the person giving the sacrifice and shared with others, especially during New Moon celebrations.

[318] 45:17 New Moon The first day of the month for Israelites or Jews, which they celebrated as a special day of rest and worship. The people met together and shared in the fellowship offerings like those described in Lev. 7:16-21.

[319] 45:17 sin offering Or “purification offering,” a sacrifice that was offered to God to remove impurities from sin and make a person fit to worship God.

[320] 45:19 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also “golden altar.”

[321] 45:21 Festival of Unleavened Bread An important and holy week for the people of Israel and their descendants. In the time of the Old Testament it began the day after Passover, but by New Testament times the two festivals had become one. To prepare for it, the people threw out all their yeast and ate only bread without yeast for seven days.”

[322] 45:22 sin offering Or “purification offering,” a sacrifice that was offered to God to remove impurities from sin and make a person fit to worship God.

[323] 45:23 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[324] 45:24 ephah A dry measure (3/5 bushel or 22 l). Also in 46:5, 7, 11.

[325] 45:24 hin A liquid measure (1 gallon or 3.2 l). Also in 46:5, 7, 11.

[326] 46:1 Sabbath Saturday, the seventh day of the week and a special day for Israelites or Jews. By God’s command it was set aside as a time for the people to rest and honor God.

[327] 46:1 New Moon The first day of the month for Israelites or Jews, which they celebrated as a special day of rest and worship. The people met together and shared in the fellowship offerings like those described in Lev. 7:16-21.

[328] 46:2 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[329] 46:2 fellowship offering An offering to God that was also eaten by the person giving the sacrifice and shared with others, especially during New Moon celebrations.

[330] 46:13 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[331] 46:14 1/6 ephah 14 cups (3.67 l).

[332] 46:14 1/3 hin A liquid measure (1/3 gallon or 1 l).

[333] 46:17 year of freedom Also called “Jubilee.” Every 50 years the Israelites were to set their slaves free if they were Israelites. Also the people gave all the land back to the Israelite family that originally owned the land.

[334] 46:20 sin offering Or “purification offering,” a sacrifice that was offered to God to remove impurities from sin and make a person fit to worship God.

[335] 46:22 40 cubits 68' 1/4" (20.73 m).

[336] 46:22 30 cubits 51' 3/16" (15.55 m).

[337] 47:1 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also “golden altar.”

[338] 47:3 1000 cubits 1/3 mile (518.32 m).

[339] 47:6 Son of man This was usually just a way of saying “a person” or “a human being.” Here, it is a way of addressing Ezekiel.

[340] 47:14 ancestors Literally, “fathers,” meaning a person’s parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[341] 48:8 25,000 cubits 8.05 miles (12.96 km). Also in verses 9, 13, 15, 20, 21-22.

[342] 48:9 dedicate To set apart something for God or for a special purpose, which means it can then be used only for that purpose.

[343] 48:9 20,000 cubits 6.44 miles (10.37 km). Most Greek copies have 25,000 cubits, and Hebrew has 10,000 cubits, but see Ezek. 45:1.

[344] 48:10 10,000 cubits 3.22 miles (5.18 km). Also in verses 13, 18.

[345] 48:13 20,000 cubits 6.44 miles (10.37 km). Most Greek copies have 25,000 cubits, and Hebrew has 10,000 cubits, but see Ezek. 45:1.

[346] 48:15 5000 cubits 1.61 miles (2.6 km).

[347] 48:16 4500 cubits 1.45 miles (2.33 km). Also in verses 30, 32-34.

[348] 48:17 250 cubits 425' 1 1/2" (129.58 m).

[349] 48:35 18,000 cubits 5.8 miles (9.33 km).

[350] 48:35 The Lord Is There In Hebrew this name sounds like Jerusalem.