Resource > Expository Notes on the Bible (Constable) >  Ezekiel >  Exposition >  II. Oracles of judgment on Judah and Jerusalem for sin chs. 4-24 >  E. The execution of Jerusalem's judgment ch. 24 >  2. Signs to the exiles 24:15-27 > 
The sign of Ezekiel's silence 24:25-27 
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24:25-26 Evidently Ezekiel was not to deliver any more prophetic messages to his fellow exiles after he made the explanation in verses 20-24 until he received word of the destruction of the temple and the capture of the remaining Judahites. This message reached him three years later (33:21). His enforced dumbness must have been limited to prophecies concerning Israel, however, because 25:1-33:20 contains oracles against foreign nations some of which are dated during the siege of Jerusalem.

24:27 When that news arrived, Ezekiel could resume speaking about Israel because the Lord would give him additional prophecies about Israel (cf. 33:21-48:35). His silence concerning Israel's affairs during the siege of Jerusalem would have been further testimony to his sorrow. Ezekiel was to be a model for the exiles about how they should respond to the siege of Jerusalem. They should treat it as an unspeakable tragedy. Ezekiel's example would teach the exilic community that Yahweh really was God.

"This is a pivotal chapter in the development of the book. Till now Ezekiel has variously proclaimed the Lord's coming judgment on Jerusalem and Judah. He has systematically answered each argument against the impending judgment. Nothing remained except for the enactment of that discipline recorded in this chapter. The beginning of Babylonia's siege of Jerusalem was described. Then Ezekiel prophesied against the foreign nations who had abused Judah and mocked her during her judgments (25:1-33:20). These foreign nations would be judged for their wicked attitude and actions toward Judah. However, the hope of future restoration and blessing would be promised to Judah."339



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