Ezekiel 4:12

And thou shalt eat it [as] barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it with dung that cometh out of man, in their sight.

And thou shalt eat {H398} it as barley {H8184} cakes {H5692}, and thou shalt bake {H5746} it with dung {H1561} that cometh out {H6627} of man {H120}, in their sight {H5869}.

[The bread] you eat is to be baked like barley cakes; you are to bake it before their eyes, using human dung as fuel."

And you shall eat the food as you would a barley cake, after you bake it over dried human excrement in the sight of the people.”

And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it in their sight with dung that cometh out of man.

Commentary

Ezekiel 4:12 presents a stark and disturbing image, part of a series of symbolic actions God commanded the prophet Ezekiel to perform. These acts were not merely illustrations but were intended to be living parables, demonstrating to the rebellious house of Israel the severity of the impending judgment and siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

Context

This verse is found within a larger passage (Ezekiel 4-5) where Ezekiel is commanded to enact various signs symbolizing the siege, famine, and destruction awaiting Jerusalem. Prior to this, Ezekiel was instructed to lie on his side for a prolonged period, representing the years of Israel's and Judah's iniquity (Ezekiel 4:4-6). He was also to prepare a meager ration of mixed grains, cooked with minimal water, symbolizing the scarcity of food during the siege (Ezekiel 4:9-11). The command to bake this humble "barley cake" using human excrement as fuel was the most shocking and defiling aspect of the prophecy, meant to graphically depict the extreme conditions and ritual impurity the inhabitants of Jerusalem would face.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The act vividly portrays the dire consequences of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience. God's judgment is not abstract but would manifest in physical suffering and humiliation.
  • Extreme Famine and Desperation: Baking with human dung signifies a level of deprivation where conventional fuel sources would be entirely unavailable, forcing people to resort to the most abhorrent means to survive. This foreshadows the extreme scarcity of bread and water during the siege.
  • Ritual Defilement and Impurity: The use of human waste for cooking was a profound violation of Mosaic laws regarding cleanliness and ritual purity (Deuteronomy 23:12-14). This act symbolized the defiled state of the people of Jerusalem, who had polluted themselves with idolatry and sin, and would consequently be forced to eat defiled food among the Gentiles (Ezekiel 4:13).
  • Prophetic Symbolism: Ezekiel's actions were a powerful visual sermon, designed to shock the complacent into understanding the gravity of their situation and the certainty of God's word.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "dung that cometh out of man" emphasizes the specific, highly defiling nature of the fuel. While animal dung was sometimes used as fuel in ancient cultures, human excrement was considered utterly unclean and an abomination for such a purpose. This distinction underscores the depth of the defilement and degradation the people would experience.

Practical Application

While the specific command to Ezekiel was unique to his prophetic ministry, the underlying principles remain relevant. This passage serves as a sobering reminder of:

  • The Seriousness of Sin: God takes sin seriously, and persistent rebellion against His commands has severe consequences.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Word: Both His promises and His warnings come to pass. The fulfillment of these prophecies demonstrated God's sovereignty over history and nations.
  • A Call to Repentance: The shocking nature of Ezekiel's acts was a call for the people to turn from their wicked ways before it was too late. For believers today, it encourages a life of holiness and obedience, recognizing the defiling nature of sin and the importance of cleansing ourselves from all defilement.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 36:12

    But Rabshakeh said, Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee to speak these words? [hath he] not [sent me] to the men that sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?

  • Genesis 18:6

    And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead [it], and make cakes upon the hearth.
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