Ezekiel 12:10

KJV

Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden [concerneth] the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that [are] among them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Say {H559} thou unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; This burden {H4853} concerneth the prince {H5387} in Jerusalem {H3389}, and all the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} that are among {H8432} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tell them that Adonai ELOHIM says this prophecy concerns the prince in Yerushalayim and all the house of Isra'el there.

Berean Standard Bible

Tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘This burden concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the house of Israel who are there.’

American Standard Version

Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel among whom they are.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 12:10 serves as the divine interpretation of the prophet's preceding symbolic actions, explicitly clarifying that the "burden"—a weighty prophetic message of impending judgment and exile—is specifically directed at the unfaithful prince in Jerusalem, King Zedekiah, and the remaining population of the house of Israel who stubbornly reside within the city walls. This verse underscores the certainty and specificity of God's judgment against both the leadership and the people for their rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the direct divine explanation following Ezekiel's dramatic street theater in [Ezekiel 12:1-9](/ezekiel/12 "Ezekiel 12 - The Sign of the Exile"). In that passage, the prophet is commanded by God to act out the preparations for exile: packing his bags, digging through a wall, and departing at dusk like a refugee. This vivid, public performance was a sign to the "rebellious house" of Israel, designed to confront their spiritual blindness and denial regarding the impending Babylonian siege and forced removal from their land. Verse 10 removes any ambiguity, explicitly stating who the subject of this ominous prophecy is, thereby ensuring the audience understands the personal and national implications of Ezekiel's symbolic actions. It functions as the interpretive key, translating the visual prophecy into a clear, verbal declaration of judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy (around 593-592 BC), Jerusalem was under the rule of King Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Babylon after the first deportation of Judah's elite, including Ezekiel himself, in 597 BC. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem stubbornly refused to submit to Babylon, instead seeking alliances with Egypt and engaging in idolatry. The "house of Israel" here refers specifically to the remaining population of Judah in Jerusalem, who believed their city was impregnable due to the presence of the Temple and God's covenant with David. This cultural hubris and political defiance set the stage for the final, devastating siege and destruction of Jerusalem, which would culminate in 586 BC. The prophecy targets the "prince" (Zedekiah) directly, highlighting his accountability as the nation's leader, whose decisions had profound consequences for his people.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 12:10 contributes significantly to several major themes present throughout the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Judgment**, particularly on unfaithful leadership, as seen in the specific targeting of the "prince." Zedekiah's rebellion against God's will, conveyed through Jeremiah's counsel to submit to Babylon ([Jeremiah 27:12-15](/jeremiah/27-12 "Jeremiah 27:12-15 - Jeremiah's counsel to Zedekiah")), directly led to his downfall. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Certainty of Prophecy** and **Inescapable Consequences**. God's word, once declared, will be fulfilled, and no human effort, even an attempt to escape, can thwart divine decree, as Zedekiah's capture and blinding would tragically demonstrate ([2 Kings 25:4-7](/2_kings/25-4 "2 Kings 25:4-7 - Zedekiah's Flight and Capture")). Thirdly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty** over nations and their leaders, even amidst the chaos of war and exile, affirming that He orchestrates historical events according to His righteous purposes. Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **Accountability**, not only for the king but for "all the house of Israel" who shared in the national sin and denial.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ'_):** (H4853) This term, while literally meaning "a load" or "porterage," carries significant theological weight in prophetic literature. It refers to a solemn, weighty, or severe oracle, typically one of judgment. When God declares a "burden," it signifies a heavy, authoritative message that imposes a profound spiritual or physical consequence. In this context, it emphasizes the gravity and inescapable nature of the divine judgment about to fall upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants.
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** (H136, H3069) This compound divine title emphasizes the absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness of God. _ʼĂdônây_ (Lord) signifies God's mastery and authority, often used when addressing Him directly, while _Yᵉhôvih_ (GOD) is a variation of the sacred name YHWH (Yahweh), highlighting His self-existent, unchanging nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. The combination here underscores that the message of judgment comes from the supreme, authoritative, and covenant-keeping God, making the prophecy undeniable and irreversible.
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** (H5387) While Zedekiah was the reigning king, the use of _nâsîyʼ_ (prince, chieftain, ruler) rather than _melek_ (king) is notable. It can subtly indicate Zedekiah's diminished status and lack of true authority in God's eyes due to his unfaithfulness and rebellion against divine counsel. It may also be a more general term for the head of the people, encompassing the idea of leadership that has failed its divine mandate. The term highlights the specific accountability of the one in highest earthly authority for the spiritual and political state of the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. Ezekiel is merely the messenger; the words are God's own, carrying the full weight of His omnipotence and truth. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is a common prophetic formula, serving as a solemn declaration that what follows is not human opinion but divine revelation.
* **"This burden [concerneth] the prince in Jerusalem,":** This specifies the primary target of the prophecy. The "burden" (the weighty message of judgment and exile) is directly aimed at the leader, King Zedekiah, who resided in the capital city. This highlights God's particular focus on the accountability of those in positions of power, whose actions and decisions profoundly impact the people they govern.
* **"and all the house of Israel that [are] among them.":** This expands the scope of the judgment to include the entire populace remaining in Jerusalem. "The house of Israel" here refers to the remnant of Judah, emphasizing that the judgment is not just for the king but for the collective sin and rebellion of the people who shared in his stubbornness and refusal to heed God's warnings. The phrase "that are among them" further clarifies that the prophecy is for those currently residing within the besieged city.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 12:10 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophetic Oracle**, as the verse functions as a direct divine declaration, introduced by the authoritative formula, "Thus saith the Lord GOD." This establishes the message's unquestionable origin and ensures its gravity. The "burden" itself serves as a powerful **Metaphor**, transforming a physical load into a weighty, oppressive message of impending judgment and destruction. This metaphorical use emphasizes the severe spiritual and physical consequences awaiting Jerusalem. Furthermore, the verse acts as an explicit **Interpretation** of the preceding **Symbolic Action** (Ezekiel's dramatic portrayal of exile). By providing a clear verbal explanation of the visual prophecy, God ensures His message is understood, leaving no room for misinterpretation or denial on the part of the rebellious house of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 12:10 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His meticulous attention to the accountability of both leaders and nations. It reveals that divine judgment is not arbitrary but precise, targeting those responsible for spiritual and moral decline. The "burden" signifies the inevitable consequence of persistent rebellion against God's revealed will, demonstrating that God's patience has limits and His warnings are not idle threats. This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's interaction with His people, where blessings follow obedience and curses follow disobedience, underscoring His sovereignty over human affairs and His ultimate control over history. It also highlights the crucial role of prophets in delivering uncomfortable truths, even when those truths are met with resistance and denial.

* [Jeremiah 28:16](/jeremiah/28-16 "Jeremiah 28:16 - Prophecy against Hananiah") - This verse illustrates the contrast between a true "burden" (prophecy) from God and a false one, where the false prophet Hananiah is judged for speaking lies in the Lord's name.
* [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - Burden against Babylon") - An example of another prophetic "burden" against a nation, demonstrating the common use of the term for weighty oracles of judgment against foreign powers.
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God reveals His plan to prophets") - This passage affirms that "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets," reinforcing the divine source and necessity of prophecies like Ezekiel's.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 12:10 serves as a timeless reminder that God’s word is living and active, always accomplishing its intended purpose, whether for judgment or for salvation. For us today, it underscores the profound importance of heeding divine warnings and recognizing the accountability that comes with leadership, whether in the home, community, church, or nation. Just as Zedekiah and Jerusalem faced the consequences of their stubbornness, we too are called to respond to God's truth with humility and repentance. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we dismissive of God's warnings, or do we diligently seek to align our lives with His will? It also calls us to pray for and hold accountable those in authority, recognizing the weight of their influence and the divine standard to which they are held. Ultimately, it affirms that God is sovereign, and His justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's word (through Scripture or faithful teaching) challenges my comfortable assumptions or calls me to a difficult path?**
* **In what ways might I, like the "house of Israel," be stubbornly resisting a truth or warning that God is trying to communicate to me?**
* **What responsibilities do I have as a leader (in any sphere), and how can I ensure I am stewarding that influence with integrity and accountability before God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on sin in this passage deepen my appreciation for His grace and mercy in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What was the "burden" that concerned the prince and the house of Israel?**

Answer: The "burden" (Hebrew: _massâʼ_) was a weighty prophetic oracle of judgment and impending exile. It specifically referred to the devastating Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, the capture and blinding of King Zedekiah, and the forced deportation of the remaining Jewish population. Ezekiel's preceding symbolic actions—packing for exile, digging through a wall, and departing at dusk—were a visual representation of this very "burden," which verse 10 then explicitly interprets for the people. It was a message of inescapable doom for those who refused to repent and submit to God's will.

**Who was the "prince in Jerusalem" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "prince in Jerusalem" refers to King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. Although he held the title of king, the use of the Hebrew term _nâsîyʼ_ (prince or chieftain) instead of _melek_ (king) might subtly convey his diminished authority in God's eyes due to his unfaithfulness and rebellion against divine counsel. Zedekiah's attempt to flee Jerusalem during the siege, as foretold by Ezekiel's symbolic act, would ultimately fail, leading to his capture, the execution of his sons, and his own blinding before being taken to Babylon ([Jeremiah 52:7-11](/jeremiah/52-7 "Jeremiah 52:7-11 - Zedekiah's Capture and Fate")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 12:10, with its stark portrayal of judgment upon unfaithful leadership and a rebellious people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Zedekiah was an earthly prince who failed his people and faced divine judgment, Jesus is the true, eternal [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Jesus, Prince of Peace") and the [King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. The "burden" of judgment that fell upon Jerusalem for its sin foreshadows the infinitely greater burden of humanity's sin that Christ willingly bore. He became the ultimate "burden-bearer," taking upon Himself the full weight of God's righteous wrath against sin, so that those who believe might be delivered from judgment ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - Christ bears our griefs and sorrows")). Furthermore, Jerusalem, which rejected its true King and crucified Him ([Matthew 23:37-39](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus laments over Jerusalem")), ultimately faced a similar judgment in AD 70, echoing the pattern of divine consequence for persistent rebellion. Yet, in Christ, there is a new "house of Israel"—the church, comprised of all believers, Jew and Gentile—who are under the faithful leadership of their Shepherd King, Jesus, who will never abandon His flock but leads them to eternal life ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). He is the one who truly takes away the sin of the world, offering salvation where there was only judgment ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 9:25

Then said [Jehu] to Bidkar his captain, Take up, [and] cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the LORD laid this burden upon him;

Isaiah 13:1

¶ The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

Isaiah 14:28

In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

Malachi 1:1

¶ The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

Jeremiah 21:7

And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.

Jeremiah 24:8

And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:

Ezekiel 17:13

And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land: