Ezekiel 12:12

KJV

And the prince that [is] among them shall bear upon [his] shoulder in the twilight, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with [his] eyes.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the prince {H5387} that is among {H8432} them shall bear {H5375} upon his shoulder {H3802} in the twilight {H5939}, and shall go forth {H3318}: they shall dig {H2864} through the wall {H7023} to carry out {H3318} thereby: he shall cover {H3680} his face {H6440}, that {H3282} he see {H7200} not the ground {H776} with his eyes {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The prince who is with them will shoulder his pack and leave in the dark. They will dig holes through the wall to carry out their supplies. He will cover his face, so that he won't be able to see the ground with his eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

And at dusk the prince among them will lift his bags to his shoulder and go out. They will dig through the wall to bring him out. He will cover his face so he cannot see the land.

American Standard Version

And the prince that is among them shall bear upon his shoulder in the dark, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, because he shall not see the land with his eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 12:12 vividly prophesies the desperate and ignominious flight of King Zedekiah of Judah during Jerusalem's final siege by the Babylonians. It describes the "prince" attempting to escape under the cover of twilight, burdened with his belongings, by digging through a breach in the city wall. The prophecy culminates in the poignant detail of him covering his face, a symbolic act that would find a literal and tragic fulfillment in his eventual blinding, ensuring he would never again see the land of Judah from which he fled. This verse underscores God's unwavering judgment against a rebellious leadership and people, demonstrating the absolute certainty of His declared word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 12:12 is the climax of a dramatic prophetic pantomime initiated by God in [Ezekiel 12:1-11](/ezekiel/12-1 "Ezekiel 12:1-11 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Actions"). In this preceding passage, the prophet Ezekiel is commanded to perform a series of symbolic actions: packing an exile's bag, digging through a wall, and carrying his belongings out in the darkness with his face covered. These actions were a "sign" to the house of Israel, specifically illustrating the impending exile of their "prince" and the people of Jerusalem. Verse 12 directly applies this enacted prophecy to King Zedekiah, the reigning king in Jerusalem, making explicit the fate that awaits him. The entire chapter serves as a powerful warning of the imminent and inescapable destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of its inhabitants, directly challenging the false sense of security prevalent among the people and their leaders.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 12:12 is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which culminated in its destruction in 586 BC. Ezekiel himself was already among the exiles in Babylon, having been deported in 597 BC with King Jehoiachin. At the time of this prophecy, Jerusalem was still standing, though under increasing threat from Nebuchadnezzar's forces. King Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Babylon, had rebelled, leading to the final, devastating siege. Culturally, the act of a king fleeing in such a manner was deeply shameful, stripping him of all royal dignity. The practice of covering one's face could signify mourning, shame, or an attempt at concealment. The detail of digging through a wall points to a desperate, clandestine escape, avoiding the formal gates that would likely be heavily guarded. This scenario vividly portrays the utter collapse of Judah's sovereignty and the humiliation of its last king.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and its Inevitability**. Despite Judah's persistent rebellion and refusal to heed prophetic warnings, God's word, as embodied in Ezekiel's symbolic actions and explicit prophecies, would be fulfilled with precise detail. The ignominious flight of the prince highlights the theme of **Futility of Human Resistance against God's Will**. Zedekiah's desperate attempt to escape was ultimately fruitless, leading to his capture and greater humiliation. Furthermore, the prophecy emphasizes the **Accountability of Leadership**, as Zedekiah's choices directly led to his personal downfall and the suffering of his people. The specific detail of covering the face foreshadows the literal blinding of Zedekiah, a poignant illustration of **Symbolic and Literal Blindness/Captivity**, where spiritual blindness to God's warnings results in physical captivity and loss of sight, as recorded in [Jeremiah 52:11](/jeremiah/52-11 "Jeremiah 52:11 - Zedekiah's Blinding and Exile") and [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Capture, Blinding, and Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** From H5387, meaning "an exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik; also a rising mist." In this context, _nâsîyʼ_ specifically refers to King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. The term, while generally denoting a leader or chieftain, here carries a heavy irony. The one who was "exalted" as a ruler would soon be brought low, fleeing in dishonor, a stark contrast to the dignity implied by his title.
* **dig (Hebrew, _châthar'_):** From H2864, a primitive root meaning "to force a passage, as by burglary; figuratively, with oars; dig (through), row." The use of _châthar_ emphasizes the desperate, clandestine, and violent nature of the escape. It implies a forced entry or exit, not through a legitimate gate, but through a breach in the city's defenses, highlighting the urgency and illegality of the prince's flight.
* **cover (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** From H3680, a primitive root meaning "properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)." The act of _kâçâh_ (covering) the face is multi-layered. It signifies an attempt at secrecy or concealment during the escape, but it also carries connotations of shame, mourning, or humiliation. Most profoundly, it foreshadows the literal blinding of Zedekiah, where his eyes would be covered permanently, preventing him from seeing the land or his captors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the prince that [is] among them shall bear upon [his] shoulder in the twilight, and shall go forth":** This clause introduces the central figure, the "prince" (Zedekiah), and describes his desperate attempt to escape. "Among them" indicates he is still with his people, but his actions set him apart as he prepares to flee. "Bear upon his shoulder" suggests he is carrying his most essential belongings, not as a king on a journey, but as a fugitive burdened by his few possessions. The escape occurs "in the twilight," emphasizing the need for secrecy and the cover of darkness, highlighting the ignominious nature of his flight. "Shall go forth" (Hebrew _yâtsâʼ_) implies an exit from the city, but one driven by desperation rather than a planned departure.
* **"they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby":** This clause reveals the specific method of escape. The use of "they" (referring to the prince and his retinue) indicates a coordinated effort to create a breach in the city's defenses. "Dig through the wall" (Hebrew _châthar baqqîr_) signifies a desperate, clandestine act, avoiding the main gates which would be heavily guarded. This action underscores the futility of their resistance and the desperate measures taken to evade capture, ultimately highlighting the certainty of God's judgment.
* **"he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with [his] eyes":** This is the most poignant and prophetic detail. "He shall cover his face" (Hebrew _kâçâh pânîym_) initially suggests an act of concealment to avoid recognition or perhaps an expression of shame or mourning. However, the subsequent phrase, "that he see not the ground with his eyes," points to a deeper, literal fulfillment. As recorded in [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah is Blinded") and [Jeremiah 52:11](/jeremiah/52-11 "Jeremiah 52:11 - Zedekiah's Eyes Put Out"), King Zedekiah was indeed captured, and his eyes were put out by the Babylonians, ensuring he would literally never again see the land of Judah or Jerusalem. This detail serves as a powerful testament to the precise and absolute fulfillment of God's prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 12:12 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the entire scene functions as a living parable. The "prince" himself symbolizes the doomed monarchy of Judah, while his actions—bearing belongings, fleeing in twilight, digging through a wall, and covering his face—are all symbolic of the nation's fall, its desperate attempts to escape judgment, and its ultimate humiliation. The "twilight" itself is symbolic of the fading light of Judah's kingdom and the encroaching darkness of judgment. The act of covering the face, while initially a symbol of shame or concealment, becomes a powerful **foreshadowing** of Zedekiah's literal blinding, demonstrating the precise nature of God's fulfilled prophecy. The passage employs **Vivid Imagery**, painting a clear and desperate picture of the king's flight, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible and immediate. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as the "prince," an "exalted one," is reduced to a desperate, undignified fugitive, highlighting the reversal of fortune brought about by divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 12:12 stands as a profound testament to the unyielding sovereignty of God and the absolute certainty of His prophetic word. It underscores the principle that divine judgment, when declared, will be executed with meticulous precision, regardless of human attempts to evade it. The ignominious fall of King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, serves as a stark warning against rebellion and disobedience to God's commands. His desperate flight and subsequent blinding vividly illustrate that no human power or cunning can thwart the divine will. This passage reinforces the theme of accountability, particularly for those in leadership, whose spiritual and moral choices have profound consequences for the people they govern. It also highlights the tragic consequences of spiritual blindness—a refusal to see and heed God's warnings—which ultimately leads to literal captivity and a loss of the very land they clung to.

* [Jeremiah 39:4-7](/jeremiah/39-4 "Jeremiah 39:4-7 - Zedekiah's Escape and Capture")
* [2 Kings 25:4-7](/2_kings/25-4 "2 Kings 25:4-7 - The Capture and Blinding of Zedekiah")
* [Lamentations 4:20](/lamentations/4-20 "Lamentations 4:20 - The Capture of Judah's King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 12:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's word is not merely historical narrative but a living and active truth that applies to all generations. Just as Zedekiah's attempts to escape judgment were futile, so too are our efforts to outrun the consequences of our sin or to resist God's sovereign will. This passage calls us to a posture of humility and obedience, recognizing that true security lies not in our own strength or cunning, but in submission to the Lord. For leaders, it serves as a powerful reminder of the immense responsibility they bear and the divine accountability they face for their decisions. Ultimately, the precise fulfillment of this prophecy should bolster our faith in the trustworthiness of God's promises and warnings, encouraging us to live in light of His revealed truth, trusting in His ultimate justice and mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be attempting to "dig through a wall" to escape consequences rather than facing them in humility before God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's prophetic fulfillment, as seen in Zedekiah's fate, strengthen my trust in His word concerning both judgment and salvation?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Zedekiah's leadership regarding accountability and the impact of personal choices on others?**

### FAQ
**Was Zedekiah literally "blinded" by this prophecy, or was it purely symbolic?**

Answer: The prophecy in Ezekiel 12:12, particularly the phrase "he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with his eyes," had a remarkable and precise literal fulfillment. While initially it could symbolize shame or an attempt at concealment during his escape, historical accounts confirm that King Zedekiah was indeed captured by the Babylonians, and his eyes were put out by order of Nebuchadnezzar. This is explicitly recorded in [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Blinding") and [Jeremiah 52:11](/jeremiah/52-11 "Jeremiah 52:11 - Zedekiah's Eyes Put Out"), which state that after his sons were executed before his eyes, Zedekiah's eyes were put out, and he was bound in bronze chains and taken to Babylon. Thus, he literally never saw the land of Judah again. This dual layer of meaning—symbolic and literal—underscores the incredible accuracy and power of God's prophetic word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 12:12 vividly portrays the judgment upon a rebellious king and nation, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in a direct parallel of judgment but in the stark contrast and ultimate triumph of God's true King. Zedekiah's ignominious flight underscores the futility of human kingship and self-preservation in the face of divine judgment. In contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel, did not flee from His destiny but willingly embraced it. He "bore" the weight of the world's sin, not on His shoulder in desperate flight, but on the cross, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While Zedekiah sought to cover his face in shame and ultimately lost his sight, Jesus, in His suffering, allowed His face to be [spit upon and struck](/mark/14-65 "Mark 14:65 - Jesus is Mocked"), yet through His voluntary sacrifice, He opened the eyes of the spiritually blind, bringing light to those who sat in darkness ([John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Heals the Blind Man and Speaks of Spiritual Blindness")). Zedekiah's attempt to "dig through the wall" was a desperate act of a condemned man; Jesus, however, "dug" through the barrier of sin and death, breaking its power through His resurrection, providing a true and eternal way out for all who believe ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Thus, Zedekiah's humiliation points to the profound need for a King who would not fail, a King whose "going forth" would be a triumphant, saving act for His people, fulfilling God's covenant promises and establishing an everlasting kingdom ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy of Jesus' Kingship")).

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 25:4

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which [is] by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees [were] against the city round about:) and [the king] went the way toward the plain.

Jeremiah 39:4

And it came to pass, [that] when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he went out the way of the plain.

Ezekiel 12:6

In their sight shalt thou bear [it] upon [thy] shoulders, [and] carry [it] forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: for I have set thee [for] a sign unto the house of Israel.

Jeremiah 42:7

¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 52:7

Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which [was] by the king's garden; (now the Chaldeans [were] by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain.