Ezekiel 24:26

KJV

[That] he that escapeth in that day shall come unto thee, to cause [thee] to hear [it] with [thine] ears?

KJV (with Strong's)

That he that escapeth {H6412} in that day {H3117} shall come {H935} unto thee, to cause thee to hear {H2045} it with thine ears {H241}?

Complete Jewish Bible

on that day a fugitive will come and bring you the news;

Berean Standard Bible

on that day a fugitive will come and tell you the news.

American Standard Version

that in that day he that escapeth shall come unto thee, to cause thee to hear it with thine ears?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 24:26 delivers a profound prophetic declaration from God to Ezekiel, foretelling the precise moment when a survivor of Jerusalem's catastrophic fall would arrive in exile to confirm the city's utter destruction. This verse underscores the absolute certainty of divine judgment, the meticulous fulfillment of God's prophetic word, and serves as a tangible validation of Ezekiel's challenging ministry, marking a pivotal turning point in his prophetic commission and the exiles' understanding of their devastating reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to a significant prophetic sequence in Ezekiel. It immediately follows the "Parable of the Boiling Pot" in [Ezekiel 24:1-14](/ezekiel/24-1-14 "Ezekiel 24:1-14 - The Parable of the Boiling Pot"), which graphically portrays Jerusalem as a pot filled with its inhabitants, destined for a consuming fire of divine wrath. Crucially, it also follows God's stark command to Ezekiel concerning the sudden death of his beloved wife in [Ezekiel 24:15-24](/ezekiel/24-15-24 "Ezekiel 24:15-24 - The Sign of Ezekiel's Wife's Death"). Her death, and Ezekiel's inability to mourn publicly, was a profound personal sign to the exiled Israelites, mirroring the sudden and devastating loss of their most cherished possession – the Temple and Jerusalem itself. Verse 26, therefore, provides the specific, divinely ordained mechanism by which the exiles, and particularly Ezekiel, would receive undeniable, eyewitness confirmation of this prophesied tragedy, linking the symbolic actions directly to their historical and painful fulfillment. This confirmation would then open Ezekiel's mouth to speak freely again, as promised in [Ezekiel 24:27](/ezekiel/24-27 "Ezekiel 24:27 - Ezekiel's Mouth Opened").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the impending final siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which culminated in 586 BC. Ezekiel was among the first wave of exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC, serving as a prophet to his fellow captives by the Chebar Canal. While in exile, he received visions and prophecies concerning events unfolding back in Judah, often met with skepticism by those who clung to false hopes of a quick return or Jerusalem's invincibility. For the Israelites, Jerusalem was far more than a capital city; it was the sacred dwelling place of God, the site of the Temple, and the very heart of their national, religious, and covenantal identity. Its destruction was an unimaginable catastrophe, a profound theological crisis that challenged their understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and presence among them. The arrival of a survivor from such a distant and devastating event, confirming the unthinkable, would have been a moment of immense sorrow, yet also a powerful and undeniable testament to the accuracy of Ezekiel's prophetic messages, which had often been dismissed as alarmist.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 24:26](/ezekiel/24-26 "Ezekiel 24:26 - The Confirmation of Jerusalem's Fall") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. First, it underscores the **Certainty and Inevitability of God's Word**. What God declares, He brings to pass, even the most dire warnings of judgment. This is a recurring motif throughout [Ezekiel's prophecies](/ezekiel/chapters "The Book of Ezekiel - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration"). Second, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, demonstrating that Judah's persistent idolatry, rebellion, and rejection of God's covenant would inevitably lead to severe, undeniable consequences. Third, the verse emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Control** over historical events, even those involving immense human suffering and national catastrophe. The fall of Jerusalem, though tragic, was not random but part of God's just and purifying plan for His people. Finally, and perhaps most directly, it speaks to the **Validation of the Prophet's Ministry**. Ezekiel's prophetic pronouncements, often delivered through symbolic acts and challenging parables, would be unequivocally confirmed by an eyewitness, establishing the truthfulness of his divine commission and preparing the way for a new phase of his ministry focused on restoration, as vividly portrayed from [Ezekiel 33](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33 - The Watchman and Jerusalem's Fall") onwards.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **escapeth (Hebrew, _pâlîyṭ'_):** From the root `פָּלַט` (_pālat_), this noun (H6412) refers to "a refugee" or "fugitive," specifically one who has survived or escaped a great disaster. In the context of [Ezekiel 24:26](/ezekiel/24-26 "The Survivor's Report"), it signifies the rare individual who has miraculously made it out of the utterly devastating destruction of Jerusalem, bearing firsthand witness to the horrific events. Their very existence and journey to Ezekiel serve as a living testimony to the severity and finality of the divine judgment.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** While literally meaning "a day" (as the warm hours), this term (H3117) is frequently used figuratively in prophetic literature to denote "a space of time defined by an associated term," often referring to a specific, significant future event. Here, "that day" is a prophetic idiom pointing to the precise, climactic moment of Jerusalem's fall and destruction, a time of unparalleled calamity for Judah. It encapsulates the entirety of the judgment event, emphasizing its divine appointment and inevitability.
* **to hear (Hebrew, _hashmâʻûwth'_):** Derived from `שָׁמַע` (_shāmaʻ_, to hear, listen, obey), this noun (H2045) specifically means "announcement" or "to cause to hear." It highlights the deliberate and undeniable nature of the communication. The survivor's purpose in coming to Ezekiel is not merely to report, but to make a formal, authoritative "announcement" that would ensure Ezekiel, and through him the exiles, would "hear it with [their] ears" – signifying direct, personal, and irrefutable confirmation of the prophesied events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[That] he that escapeth in that day":** This initial clause introduces the central figure of the prophecy: the individual who miraculously survives the calamitous "day" of Jerusalem's destruction. The definite article "that" preceding "day" points to a specific, prophesied future event – the fall of the city – and underscores the divine certainty that such a devastating event will occur, leaving only a remnant. This survivor is a living testament to the severity of the judgment.
* **"shall come unto thee":** This specifies the divinely appointed destination of the survivor: to Ezekiel, who is in exile in Babylon. This direct, personal encounter is crucial for the prophet's ministry, as it will serve as the tangible, undeniable proof of the fulfillment of his prophecies. It highlights God's meticulous plan for confirming His word to His chosen messenger, ensuring that the news reaches the specific individual who needs to hear it for the sake of his prophetic office and the community he serves.
* **"to cause [thee] to hear [it] with [thine] ears?":** This rhetorical question, posed by God, emphasizes the ultimate purpose of the survivor's arrival: to provide clear, audible, and irrefutable confirmation of Jerusalem's fall. The phrase "with thine ears" is a Hebraism stressing the direct, unmediated, and personal reception of the news, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation. It signifies a moment of profound, undeniable validation for Ezekiel and a stark, inescapable reality check for the exiled community, marking a turning point in their spiritual journey.

#### Literary Devices
[Ezekiel 24:26](/ezekiel/24-26 "The Confirmation of Prophecy") employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and certainty. The primary device is **Prophecy**, as the verse is a direct divine foretelling of a future event—the arrival of a messenger confirming Jerusalem's fall. This prophecy is precise in its outcome and specific in its details, demonstrating God's sovereign knowledge and meticulous control over history. There is also a clear element of **Foreshadowing**, as this verse explicitly points forward to its fulfillment in [Ezekiel 33:21-22](/ezekiel/33-21-22 "Ezekiel 33:21-22 - The News Arrives"), where the promised messenger indeed arrives, confirming the word spoken here. The phrase "in that day" functions as a **Prophetic Idiom**, a common biblical device used to refer to a specific, significant future event, often a day of judgment or salvation. In this context, "that day" is a euphemism for the horrific destruction of Jerusalem, imbued with a sense of divine appointment and inevitability. Finally, the rhetorical question at the end, "to cause [thee] to hear [it] with [thine] ears?", serves as a powerful device to heighten the certainty and impact of the message, drawing the listener into the dramatic inevitability of the event and emphasizing the undeniable nature of the coming confirmation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 24:26 stands as a powerful testament to the absolute reliability and efficacy of God's prophetic word. It underscores that divine warnings are not idle threats but declarations of impending reality for those who persist in rebellion. This verse reinforces the profound truth that God is faithful to His word, whether in judgment or in promise, and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. The arrival of the survivor serves as a tangible manifestation of God's meticulous attention to detail in the fulfillment of His plan, validating the prophet's difficult and often ridiculed ministry. It also highlights the concept of divine communication, where God ensures His message is received and understood, even through the most painful of circumstances, to bring about conviction and ultimately, a path to restoration. This divine faithfulness extends beyond judgment, laying the groundwork for future promises of renewal and hope.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Jeremiah 1:9-10](/jeremiah/1-9-10 "Jeremiah 1:9-10 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Commission")
* [Ezekiel 33:21-22](/ezekiel/33-21-22 "Ezekiel 33:21-22 - The Fulfillment of the Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 24:26 offers profound lessons for believers today, serving as a stark reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, whether it be a word of warning or a word of promise. Just as the prophecy of Jerusalem's fall was meticulously fulfilled, so too will all of God's declarations come to pass. This should instill in us a deep reverence for Scripture and a serious commitment to heed its warnings against sin and rebellion. It reminds us that while God is merciful and patient, there are indeed consequences for unrepentant disobedience, and His justice will ultimately be served. Furthermore, the validation of Ezekiel's ministry through the arrival of the survivor encourages us to trust in God's timing and methods, even when His plans seem delayed, difficult to comprehend, or contrary to our expectations. Our faith is strengthened by the historical accuracy of biblical prophecy, reinforcing the truth that the God who spoke to Ezekiel is the same God who sovereignly guides our lives and holds the future. We are called to be attentive listeners to His voice, ready to respond in obedience, knowing that His word is always true, effective, and ultimately for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise fulfillment of this prophecy in Ezekiel's life strengthen your confidence in the reliability and authority of God's Word today?**
* **What warnings or calls to repentance from Scripture might we be tempted to disregard, and what can we learn from Jerusalem's fate about the inevitable consequences of such disregard?**
* **In what ways does God confirm His truth to us in our own lives, and how might we become more attentive and receptive to His voice through His Word and providence?**
* **How does the concept of God's sovereignty, even in devastating events like the fall of Jerusalem, shape your understanding of suffering, divine justice, and His ultimate redemptive purposes?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "day" mentioned in Ezekiel 24:26?**

Answer: The "day" mentioned in [Ezekiel 24:26](/ezekiel/24-26 "Ezekiel 24:26 - The Day of Judgment") is a crucial prophetic idiom referring to the specific, climactic day of Jerusalem's final destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC. It's not just any day, but "that day"—a divinely appointed time of severe judgment. This phrasing emphasizes the certainty, inevitability, and divine orchestration of the catastrophe, which God had been warning His people about for decades through His prophets. It signifies the culmination of Judah's persistent rebellion and idolatry, leading to the devastating loss of their city and the sacred Temple.

**How does this verse connect to Ezekiel's prophetic ministry?**

Answer: [Ezekiel 24:26](/ezekiel/24-26 "Validation of the Prophet") is profoundly crucial for validating Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. For years, Ezekiel had been delivering difficult messages of impending judgment to the exiles, often through symbolic actions and parables, and at times, God had even made him mute regarding the fate of Jerusalem (cf. [Ezekiel 3:26](/ezekiel/3-26 "Ezekiel 3:26 - Ezekiel's Muteness")). This verse promises that a survivor would personally come to Ezekiel to confirm the city's fall, thereby proving the truthfulness of his prophecies and the divine origin of his message. The fulfillment of this promise, recorded in [Ezekiel 33:21-22](/ezekiel/33-21-22 "Ezekiel 33:21-22 - The Messenger Arrives"), marks a pivotal turning point where Ezekiel's mouth is opened, allowing him to speak freely again, shifting his focus from messages of judgment to those of hope and restoration for the exiles.

**Why was it important for Ezekiel to hear the news directly "with thine ears"?**

Answer: The phrase "to cause [thee] to hear [it] with [thine] ears" emphasizes the direct, undeniable, and personal nature of the confirmation. In ancient times, rumors and indirect reports were common and often unreliable. By having a survivor come directly to Ezekiel, God ensured that the prophet received irrefutable, firsthand testimony of Jerusalem's fall. This direct auditory confirmation was essential not only for Ezekiel's personal understanding and validation of his difficult ministry but also for his credibility among the skeptical exiles. It left no room for doubt about the fulfillment of God's word, ensuring that the message of judgment was received with its full weight and impact, preparing the way for a new phase of prophetic engagement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Ezekiel 24:26](/ezekiel/24-26 "The Certainty of God's Word") speaks directly to the fulfillment of judgment on ancient Jerusalem, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The verse highlights the absolute certainty of God's word and the meticulous fulfillment of prophecy. In Christ, we see the ultimate embodiment and fulfillment of God's word. As [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, Jesus is the "Word" made flesh, the perfect expression of God's truth and character, through whom all things were made. All the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), confirming the divine faithfulness that undergirds Ezekiel's prophecy. Just as a messenger confirmed the word of judgment to Ezekiel, so too does the resurrection of Jesus confirm the truth of all His words—His warnings about judgment for sin ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")) and His glorious promises of salvation and new life ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). He is the ultimate "refugee" who escaped death, not by fleeing its power, but by conquering it through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, returning to His disciples to confirm the victory over sin and death ([Luke 24:36-43](/luke/24-36-43 "Luke 24:36-43 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples")), thereby validating His entire mission and message. Through Christ, the terrifying judgment foreshadowed in Ezekiel is transformed into a call for repentance and an offer of eternal life, providing the ultimate escape from the consequences of sin, a salvation secured by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([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

Job 1:15

And the Sabeans fell [upon them], and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Job 1:19

And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Ezekiel 33:21

¶ And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, [that] one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.

Ezekiel 33:22

Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb.

1 Samuel 4:12

¶ And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.

1 Samuel 4:18

And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.