Ezekiel 12:13

KJV

My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon [to] the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.

KJV (with Strong's)

My net {H7568} also will I spread {H6566} upon him, and he shall be taken {H8610} in my snare {H4686}: and I will bring {H935} him to Babylon {H894} to the land {H776} of the Chaldeans {H3778}; yet shall he not see {H7200} it, though he shall die {H4191} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will spread my net over him, and he will be caught in my snare. Then I will bring him to Bavel, to the land of the Kasdim. But he will not see it, even though he is going to die there.

Berean Standard Bible

But I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans; yet he will not see it, and there he will die.

American Standard Version

My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare; and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 12:13 is a chilling and meticulously detailed prophecy concerning the inescapable divine judgment upon King Zedekiah, the final monarch of Judah before its destruction and the Babylonian exile. The verse powerfully declares God's direct involvement in Zedekiah's capture, his forced deportation to Babylon, and the paradoxical fulfillment of his fate: he would arrive in the land of his captivity but never physically see it, ultimately dying there in blindness. This pronouncement underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, the severe consequences of disobedience, and the unfailing accuracy of His prophetic word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 12 is a pivotal chapter within Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, renowned for its vivid symbolic actions designed to communicate God's messages with dramatic impact. Prior to this verse, God commands Ezekiel to perform a compelling pantomime of an exile, instructing him to dig through a wall, carry his belongings out at dusk, and cover his face so he cannot see the land, symbolizing the impending flight and capture of Jerusalem's inhabitants and their prince. This acted prophecy was explicitly declared to be "a sign for the house of Israel" in [Ezekiel 12:6](/ezekiel/12-6 "Ezekiel 12:6 - A Sign for Israel"), specifically targeting "the prince" (Zedekiah) and the people of Jerusalem regarding their imminent captivity and desperate flight. Verse 13, therefore, serves as a precise and detailed elaboration on the prince's unique and tragic destiny, confirming the divine precision behind the general prophecy of exile and Jerusalem's fall, a pervasive theme throughout [Ezekiel's early chapters](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel Chapters 1-24 - Prophecies Against Judah and Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 12:13 is situated against the grim backdrop of Judah's final decline and the relentless expansion of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. King Zedekiah, installed as a puppet ruler by Babylon after the first deportation of Judahites in 597 BC, found himself precariously positioned between the formidable Babylonian empire and the lingering, yet ultimately futile, hope of Egyptian military assistance. Despite swearing a solemn oath of allegiance to Babylon in the name of God, Zedekiah defiantly rebelled, seeking an alliance with Egypt, an act of profound covenant-breaking detailed in [Ezekiel 17:15](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15 - Zedekiah's Broken Covenant"). Such a breach of an oath, particularly one made under divine invocation, was considered a grave offense in the ancient Near East and a direct defiance of God's sovereign will, who had ordained Babylonian supremacy as an instrument of His judgment. The original audience would have understood the prophecy of Zedekiah's capture and blindness as a direct and just consequence of his political and spiritual treachery.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, where God unequivocally declares, "My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare," asserting that Zedekiah's capture and exile were not mere political misfortune but the direct execution of God's righteous judgment. God, not simply Babylon, was orchestrating these events, demonstrating His absolute control over nations and kings, as affirmed in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Another prominent theme is **Prophetic Fulfillment and Paradox**: The most striking element, "yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there," highlights a seemingly contradictory statement that was precisely and literally fulfilled. Historical accounts confirm that Zedekiah's eyes were put out by Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah before he was taken to Babylon, as 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 - Jeremiah's Account of Zedekiah's Fate"). This chilling accuracy underscores the theme of **God's Unfailing Word** and the severe **Consequences of Disobedience** for those who defy His ordained path and break sacred covenants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **net (Hebrew, _resheth'_):** (H7568) This term refers to a net used for catching animals, inherently implying an inescapable trap. Its usage here, alongside "snare," emphatically conveys the certainty and divine orchestration of Zedekiah's capture. It signifies that his apprehension is not a matter of chance or human strategy alone, but a deliberate act of God, akin to a hunter securing his prey.
* **snare (Hebrew, _mâtsûwd'_):** (H4686) This word reinforces the imagery of a trap, often a fortified place or a device specifically designed for capture. The pairing of "net" and "snare" creates a powerful double metaphor, stressing the absolute inescapability of God's judgment. Zedekiah is portrayed as utterly helpless against the divine will, caught in a divinely laid trap from which there is no avenue of escape.
* **see (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** (H7200) This is a broad verb encompassing "to see, behold, perceive, discern." Its negation ("shall not see it") is absolutely critical to the prophecy's paradoxical fulfillment. It specifically refers to physical sight, indicating Zedekiah's inability to visually perceive the land of Babylon, despite being brought there. This precise detail highlights God's omniscience and His meticulous control over future events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency and absolute sovereignty. The "net" and "snare" are presented not merely as the military might of Babylon but as direct instruments of God's judgment. The possessive "My" (referring to God) emphasizes that Zedekiah's capture is a direct, intentional act of the Almighty, ensuring his inescapable fate. This vivid imagery portrays Zedekiah as helpless prey, utterly caught by a divine hunter.
* **"and I will bring him to Babylon [to] the land of the Chaldeans;":** This segment precisely specifies the destination of Zedekiah's exile. God Himself declares that He will "bring him" to Babylon, the capital of the Chaldean empire. This reinforces God's active and deliberate role in the deportation, indicating that He is not merely permitting it but orchestrating it as an integral part of His punitive plan for Judah's rebellion and Zedekiah's profound breach of covenant.
* **"yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.":** This is the most striking and seemingly paradoxical part of the prophecy. It foretells that Zedekiah will indeed be brought to Babylon and will ultimately die there, but he will not physically see the land. This seemingly contradictory detail was literally fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar blinded Zedekiah at Riblah before taking him to Babylon, making him a blind captive who would live and die in a land he could never behold. This precise fulfillment serves as a powerful testament to the accuracy and divine origin of Ezekiel's prophecy.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 12:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic impact and underscore the severity of God's judgment. **Symbolism** is prominently featured, with "My net" and "my snare" serving as potent metaphors for God's inescapable judgment and His absolute control over Zedekiah's destiny. These images powerfully evoke the helplessness of prey caught by a hunter, emphasizing the futility of Zedekiah's resistance against the divine will. The verse also employs **Divine Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (spreading a net, bringing someone) to God, thereby stressing His direct and active involvement in the unfolding historical events. Most notably, the prophecy contains a profound **Paradox** in the statement, "yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there." This seemingly contradictory phrase creates immediate intrigue and highlights the supernatural precision of the prophecy, which was later fulfilled through Zedekiah's blinding. The use of this riddle-like statement adds to the awe and terror of God's judgment, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate events down to the most minute and ironic detail, confirming the divine authorship of the prophetic word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 12:13 stands as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, the grave consequences of covenant infidelity, and the unfailing nature of God's prophetic word. It reveals a God who is neither distant nor passive but intimately and actively involved in the affairs of nations and the lives of individuals, even to the point of orchestrating their downfall as a just consequence of their rebellion. The precise fulfillment of this seemingly impossible prophecy, particularly the chilling detail of Zedekiah's blindness, serves as a powerful validation of Ezekiel's prophetic authority and the divine origin of his messages. It unequivocally underscores that God's plans, whether for judgment or restoration, will inevitably come to pass, regardless of human resistance or perception. This passage, therefore, calls for a deep reverence for God's word and an unwavering recognition of His ultimate control over all history.

* [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "The Blinding of Zedekiah")
* [Jeremiah 52:11](/jeremiah/52-11 "Jeremiah's Account of Zedekiah's Fate")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling accuracy of Ezekiel 12:13 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Firstly, it stands as an undeniable testament to the absolute reliability and power of God's Word. If God's prophecies regarding a specific king in ancient Judah could be fulfilled with such meticulous detail, even down to the manner of his blindness, then we can have absolute, unwavering confidence in all of God's promises and warnings found in Scripture. This should profoundly bolster our faith in His unchanging character and His infallible truth. Secondly, the severe judgment on Zedekiah serves as a stark reminder of the principle of accountability, especially for those entrusted with positions of leadership. Zedekiah's rebellion against God's ordained path and his broken oath had devastating consequences not only for himself but also for the entire nation he led. This underscores the grave responsibility that accompanies influence and the critical necessity of obedience to divine commands, reminding us that God holds leaders to a higher standard of faithfulness. Finally, this prophecy profoundly reveals God's unwavering sovereignty even in the midst of human chaos, suffering, and apparent defeat. Although the fall of Jerusalem and the exile seemed like a catastrophic defeat for God's people, Ezekiel 12:13 clearly demonstrates that God was actively orchestrating these events to fulfill His righteous purposes of judgment and, ultimately, purification. This encourages us to trust implicitly in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances appear bleak, incomprehensible, or overwhelmingly chaotic, knowing that His sovereign purposes will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen your faith in the reliability and authority of God's Word today?**
* **In what specific ways does Zedekiah's tragic fate serve as a warning about the consequences of disobedience, particularly for those in positions of influence or leadership within the church or society?**
* **How can recognizing God's sovereignty in difficult or seemingly chaotic circumstances bring you comfort, and how might it challenge you to trust Him more deeply in your own life?**

### FAQ

**Who was "him" in Ezekiel 12:13, and why was he singled out for such a severe prophecy?**

Answer: "Him" refers to King Zedekiah, the last reigning king of Judah before the Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem. He was singled out for such a severe and specific prophecy because, as the reigning monarch, he bore significant responsibility for the spiritual and political state of Judah. Zedekiah had sworn a solemn oath of allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, an oath made in the name of God. However, he later rebelled against Babylon and sought an alliance with Egypt, an act of profound covenant-breaking detailed in [Ezekiel 17:15](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15 - Zedekiah's Broken Covenant"). This act was considered a grave sin in God's eyes, compounding the widespread idolatry and disobedience prevalent in Judah. His punishment was severe because his actions directly defied God's revealed will for Judah to submit to Babylon as a form of divine judgment, and his treachery led directly to the final destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

**How was the paradoxical prophecy "yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there" literally fulfilled?**

Answer: The prophecy was fulfilled with chilling and precise accuracy. After Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians, King Zedekiah attempted to flee the city but was captured in the plains of Jericho, as recorded in [2 Kings 25:5](/2_kings/25-5 "2 Kings 25:5 - Zedekiah's Capture"). He was then brought before Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah. There, in a brutal act of retribution, Nebuchadnezzar executed Zedekiah's sons before his very eyes. Immediately after this horrific sight, Nebuchadnezzar put out Zedekiah's eyes, blinding him, a detail confirmed 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 - Jeremiah's Account of Zedekiah's Fate"). Zedekiah was then bound in bronze chains and taken as a blind prisoner to Babylon, where he remained incarcerated until his death. Thus, he was indeed brought to Babylon, lived there, and ultimately died there, but never saw the land with his own eyes, exactly as Ezekiel had prophesied.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 12:13 vividly portrays God's inescapable judgment on a rebellious king, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the profound contrast and ultimate triumph of God's perfect King, Jesus Christ. Zedekiah was a king caught in a snare of his own making, blinded by his disobedience and dying in a foreign land he could not see—a tragic symbol of humanity's spiritual blindness and the inevitable consequences of sin. In profound contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel and the Son of God, willingly entered the "snare" of human suffering and death, not for His own sin, but as the sinless sacrifice for ours, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). Unlike Zedekiah, who was led away blind and unwillingly, Jesus "saw" the suffering and death that awaited Him in Jerusalem, resolutely setting His face toward it [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Set His Face Towards Jerusalem"). He willingly embraced the cup of suffering, even praying for it to pass, yet submitting perfectly to His Father's will [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"). His death was not a defeat but the ultimate victory over sin and death, for He was raised on the third day, conquering the grave and securing eternal life for all who believe [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message"). Furthermore, while Zedekiah died in a foreign land, Christ's death and resurrection secured for His followers a heavenly homeland, a "better country" that we, unlike Zedekiah, will truly see and inherit through faith [Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - Longing for a Heavenly Country"). Thus, Ezekiel 12:13, in its depiction of a king's tragic end due to rebellion and broken covenant, ultimately points to the King who perfectly obeyed, suffered, died, and rose again, opening the eyes of the spiritually blind and leading His people to an eternal inheritance in His glorious kingdom.

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

Hosea 7:12

When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them, as their congregation hath heard.

Ezekiel 17:20

And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me.

Jeremiah 39:7

Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.

Isaiah 24:17

Fear, and the pit, and the snare, [are] upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.

Isaiah 24:18

And it shall come to pass, [that] he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

Ezekiel 32:3

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will therefore spread out my net over thee with a company of many people; and they shall bring thee up in my net.

Ezekiel 17:16

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place [where] the king [dwelleth] that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, [even] with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.