Ezekiel 24: The Death of Ezekiel’s Wife

Click to read Ezekiel chapter 24

Introduction: Ezekiel 24 is about the prophecy of the siege of Jerusalem and the death of Ezekiel’s wife as a sign for the people of Israel. The chapter serves as a turning point in the book of Ezekiel, marking the beginning of the judgment of God upon His people. In the outline, we will evaluate the power of Ezekiel 24 by examining its doctrinal significance, its impact on the people of Israel, as well as what we can glean from it’s words to help us today in our lives.

I. The Prophecy of the Siege of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 24:1-14)
Ezekiel 24:1-14 describes the siege of Jerusalem as a boiling pot, with the people of Israel as the meat that will be cooked. This description is a representation of the judgment that is to come upon the city. The verses also emphasizes the inevitability of the judgment, as the fire is already lit and the pot is already boiling (Ezekiel 24:9-10).
Cross reference verses:

• Jeremiah 1:13-14, where the boiling pot symbolizes the coming judgment from the north.
• Revelation 16:19, which describes the judgment of Babylon as a cup of the wine of the wrath of God.
• Isaiah 1:22, which speaks of the dross in the silver as a representation of the impurity of the people.

II. The Death of Ezekiel’s Wife as a Sign (Ezekiel 24:15-27)
Ezekiel 24:15-27 records the death of Ezekiel’s wife and the prophet’s response to it. The death of his wife is a sign to the people of Israel, as Ezekiel is commanded not to mourn or weep for her (Ezekiel 24:16-17). This symbolizes the  the coming judgment, where the people will not have time to mourn for their losses.
Cross reference verses:

• 1 Samuel 4:21, where the death of a wife is mourned as a sign of the loss of the glory of Israel.
• Isaiah 20:3, where the prophet Isaiah walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign to the people.
• John 11:35, where Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus, showing the importance of mourning for the dead.

III. Theological Significance of Ezekiel 24
Ezekiel 24 can be seen as a warning to the people of Israel about the consequences of their sin and disobedience. It also sheds light on the sovereignty of God, as He is the one who brings the judgment upon the city. The chapter shows us the importance of repentance, as the people are given the opportunity to turn back to God before the judgment comes.
Cross reference verses:

• 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God promises to heal the land if the people repent and turn back to Him.
• Romans 2:4, which speaks of the kindness of God leading us to repentance.
• Matthew 3:2, where John the Baptist calls the people to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Conclusion: Ezekiel 24 is a very powerful chapter that should remind the believer of the consequences of sin and disobedience. It also highlights the sovereignty of God and the importance of repentance. The chapter’s description of the boiling pot and the death of Ezekiel’s wife as a sign are representations of the judgment that is to come upon the people of Israel. As we assess Ezekiel 24, we are reminded of the importance of turning back to God and seeking His forgiveness, good news for people who are trying to live righteous in a wicked world.