Ezekiel 12:19

KJV

And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, [and] of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559} unto the people {H5971} of the land {H127}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} of the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and of the land {H776} of Israel {H3478}; They shall eat {H398} their bread {H3899} with carefulness {H1674}, and drink {H8354} their water {H4325} with astonishment {H8078}, that her land {H776} may be desolate {H3456} from all that is therein {H4393}, because of the violence {H2555} of all them that dwell {H3427} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

and say to the people of the land, 'Here is what Adonai ELOHIM says concerning those living in Yerushalayim in the land of Isra'el: "They will eat their bread in anxiety and drink their water in horror; because the land will be desolated from everything that fills it, due to the violence of those living there.

Berean Standard Bible

Then tell the people of the land that this is what the Lord GOD says about those living in Jerusalem and in the land of Israel: ‘They will eat their bread with anxiety and drink their water in dread, for their land will be stripped of everything in it because of the violence of all who dwell in it.

American Standard Version

and say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the land of Israel: They shall eat their bread with fearfulness, and drink their water in dismay, that her land may be desolate, and despoiled of all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 12:19 delivers a potent divine oracle to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the land of Israel, foretelling a period of severe scarcity and desolation as a direct consequence of their pervasive violence and injustice. Through the prophet Ezekiel's symbolic actions, the Lord God declares that the people will consume their most basic necessities—bread and water—with profound anxiety and shock, leading to the utter ruin of their land. This judgment serves as a stark reminder of God's righteous response to the moral corruption and societal breakdown that had become rampant among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 12:19 is a direct divine explanation of the prophet Ezekiel's preceding symbolic actions, particularly his public display of eating and drinking with trembling and anxiety, as described in [Ezekiel 12:18](/ezekiel/12-18 "Ezekiel 12:18 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Meal"). This chapter is part of a larger section (Ezekiel 12-24) where Ezekiel employs vivid parables, signs, and pronouncements to shatter the false hopes of those remaining in Jerusalem and the exiles in Babylon who believed the city would be spared. The chapter opens with Ezekiel commanded to pack an exile's bag and dig through a wall, symbolizing the impending flight and capture of King Zedekiah and the people (see [Ezekiel 12:1-16](/ezekiel/12 "Ezekiel 12 - The Sign of the Exile")). Verse 19 specifically addresses the common people, explaining the hardship and terror they would endure during the Babylonian siege and subsequent desolation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 12:19 is set against the backdrop of the impending final siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Neo-Babylonian Empire (circa 588-586 BC). Ezekiel himself was among the exiles deported to Babylon in 597 BC, serving as God's prophet to this community while Jerusalem still stood. At this time, many in Jerusalem and among the exiles clung to a false sense of security, believing God would never allow His temple and holy city to fall. However, the city was rife with idolatry, social injustice, and moral decay, as frequently condemned by prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The imagery of eating bread with "carefulness" and drinking water with "astonishment" vividly portrays the horrors of siege warfare, where food and water become desperately scarce, leading to famine, disease, and psychological trauma, a common consequence of ancient sieges.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes central to the book of Ezekiel and prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's unwavering justice and His sovereign hand in bringing about the consequences of sin, explicitly stated by the phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD." Secondly, it reveals the **Consequences of Sin**, particularly the pervasive "violence" (Hebrew: *châmâç*) that characterized Jerusalem's society. This violence encompassed not only physical aggression but also systemic injustice, oppression, and moral corruption, echoing the broader prophetic critique of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness as seen in passages like [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires") or [Isaiah 1:15-17](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - A Rebellious Nation"). Finally, the verse vividly portrays **Desolation and Scarcity**, depicting the terrifying reality of famine and the complete ruin of the land, serving as a fulfillment of the covenant curses for disobedience outlined in texts such as [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Curses for Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **carefulness (Hebrew, _dᵉʼâgâh'_):** From the root *dâʼag*, meaning "to be anxious" or "to dread." This term denotes a deep, unsettling anxiety, worry, or concern. In the context of Ezekiel 12:19, it describes the constant, gnawing fear and apprehension experienced by the people as they consume their meager provisions, reflecting the extreme scarcity and uncertainty of life under siege. It's not merely a physical hunger but a psychological torment.
* **astonishment (Hebrew, _shimmâmôwn'_):** Derived from the verb *shâmêm*, meaning "to be desolate" or "to be appalled." This word conveys a sense of stupefaction, horror, or utter consternation. When applied to drinking water, it suggests a profound shock and despair at the dire circumstances, the stark reality of their ruined land, and the desperate measures they must take for survival, a state of utter desolation that leaves one speechless.
* **violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From the root *châmas*, meaning "to treat violently" or "to wrong." This powerful term encompasses not only physical aggression and brutality but also a broader range of injustices, cruelty, oppression, and moral corruption. It signifies a pervasive societal evil where the strong exploit the weak, and righteous standards are abandoned. Its presence here highlights that the judgment is a direct, proportionate response to the deep-seated ethical failures of the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, [and] of the land of Israel;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and scope of the message. Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a direct oracle from "the Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH), emphasizing God's sovereignty and covenant faithfulness even in judgment. The message is specifically directed at both "the inhabitants of Jerusalem" (the urban center and seat of power) and "the land of Israel" (the broader population and territory), indicating a comprehensive and inescapable judgment affecting all.
* **"They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment,":** This vivid imagery describes the dire conditions of the impending siege and famine. "Eating bread with carefulness" signifies extreme scarcity, where every morsel is consumed with anxiety, rationed, and guarded due to its preciousness and uncertainty of future supply. "Drinking water with astonishment" conveys the shock and despair at the lack of this most basic necessity, reflecting the utter desolation and the horrifying reality of their situation. These phrases paint a picture of physical deprivation coupled with profound psychological distress.
* **"that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein.":** This final clause provides the purpose and the explicit reason for the suffering. The extreme scarcity and distress are intended to lead to the land's complete desolation, stripped of its inhabitants and resources ("from all that is therein"). The ultimate cause for this severe judgment is clearly stated: "because of the violence of all them that dwell therein." This highlights that the judgment is not arbitrary but a just recompense for the pervasive and systemic injustice, oppression, and moral corruption that had saturated the society of Jerusalem and Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 12:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. **Symbolism** is central, as the act of eating bread with "carefulness" and drinking water with "astonishment" serves as a symbolic representation of the famine, siege, and psychological terror that the people of Jerusalem will endure. This imagery is not merely descriptive but **Prophetic Action**, as it explains the meaning behind Ezekiel's earlier physical demonstration (eating and drinking with trembling). The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is a classic **Prophetic Formula**, lending divine authority and certainty to the pronouncement. The verse also utilizes **Cause and Effect**, explicitly linking the "violence" of the inhabitants to the resulting "desolation" of the land, underscoring God's righteous judgment. Furthermore, the vivid sensory details of consuming food and water under duress create powerful **Imagery**, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible and emotionally resonant for the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 12:19 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and the severe consequences of persistent sin, particularly societal injustice and violence. It reveals that God does not overlook the moral decay of His people; rather, He actively intervenes in history to bring about righteous judgment when His covenant people stray from His ways. The desolation is not random but a direct, proportional response to their pervasive "violence," a term encompassing all forms of moral corruption and oppression. This serves as a timeless theological principle: actions have consequences, and a holy God will not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely. While the immediate context is one of judgment, it implicitly calls for repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness, emphasizing that true peace and security are found only in obedience to God's righteous standards.

* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - God's Refusal to Hear")
* [Amos 8:11-12](/amos/8-11 "Amos 8:11-12 - Famine of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 12:19 serves as a sobering reminder that God's justice is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible reality that impacts the lives of individuals and nations. The "carefulness" and "astonishment" described in the verse speak to the profound human cost of societal sin and the breakdown of moral order. For us today, this passage calls for deep introspection: Are there areas in our personal lives or in our communities where "violence"—injustice, oppression, or a disregard for human dignity—is allowed to fester? The desolation of the land because of violence underscores the interconnectedness of human actions and their environmental and social repercussions. This verse compels us to consider our stewardship of God's creation and our responsibility to advocate for justice and righteousness in a world often marked by inequity and conflict. It challenges us to live in a way that honors God's character, striving for peace, mercy, and justice, lest we, too, experience a form of spiritual or societal desolation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "violence" (injustice, oppression, moral corruption) manifest in our society today, and how might it lead to collective consequences?**
* **How does the imagery of eating "bread with carefulness" and drinking "water with astonishment" speak to contemporary anxieties about scarcity, security, or societal stability?**
* **What specific actions can I take to promote justice and combat "violence" in my sphere of influence, reflecting God's righteous character?**

### FAQ
**What was the "violence" that Ezekiel 12:19 refers to?**

Answer: The "violence" (Hebrew: *châmâç*) mentioned in Ezekiel 12:19 was not limited to physical aggression, though that was certainly part of it. It encompassed a broader range of moral and social evils prevalent in Jerusalem and Israel during Ezekiel's time. This included systemic injustice, oppression of the poor and vulnerable, corruption in legal and political systems, idolatry, and a general disregard for God's covenant laws. It was a pervasive moral decay that manifested in cruel actions and unrighteous dealings, creating a society marked by inequity and a lack of compassion. This "violence" was a direct affront to God's character and His covenant with Israel, leading to the severe judgment described.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 12:19 vividly portrays the judgment brought upon Israel for its pervasive violence and unfaithfulness, it simultaneously points to the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. The "carefulness" and "astonishment" of a people facing desolation foreshadow the spiritual famine and despair that humanity experiences apart from God, a world alienated by its own sin and "violence" against its Creator. Yet, in Christ, we see the true Lamb of God, who came not to bring desolation but to bear the violence of sin upon Himself (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). Jesus, the Bread of Life (as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offers true sustenance, ensuring that those who come to Him will never hunger. He also provides living water (as promised in [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), quenching the deepest spiritual thirst and replacing astonishment with peace. The judgment for violence that fell upon Jerusalem ultimately points to the cross, where the righteous judgment for all humanity's violence and sin was fully absorbed by Christ, offering reconciliation and a new land—a new creation—where righteousness dwells and there is no more desolation (as described in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")).

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

Zechariah 7:14

But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

Micah 7:13

Notwithstanding the land shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings.

Ezekiel 6:14

So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 6:6

In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.

Ezekiel 6:7

And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 7:23

¶ Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.

1 Corinthians 10:28

But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: