Ezekiel 4:3

Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it [for] a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This [shall be] a sign to the house of Israel.

Moreover take {H3947} thou unto thee an iron {H1270} pan {H4227}, and set {H5414} it for a wall {H7023} of iron {H1270} between thee and the city {H5892}: and set {H3559} thy face {H6440} against it, and it shall be besieged {H4692}, and thou shalt lay siege {H6696} against it. This shall be a sign {H226} to the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}.

Then take an iron griddle and put it in place as a wall of iron between yourself and the city, and fix your gaze on it - the city is under siege, and you are the one besieging it. This will be a sign for the house of Isra'el.

Then take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city. Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel.

And take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face toward it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.

Commentary

Ezekiel 4:3 is a pivotal verse in a series of dramatic, symbolic actions God commanded the prophet Ezekiel to perform. These actions were not mere theatrical displays but powerful visual sermons designed to communicate divine judgment to the rebellious house of Israel, both those in Babylonian exile and those still clinging to false hope in Jerusalem.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel was among the exiles taken to Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. God called him to deliver a message of impending doom and ultimate restoration to a people who largely refused to believe their beloved city, Jerusalem, could fall. In Ezekiel chapters 4 and 5, God instructs Ezekiel to act out various scenarios that vividly portray the suffering, siege, and destruction awaiting the city. This particular command in verse 3 sets the stage for the grim reality of the impending siege and destruction of Jerusalem, which historically occurred in 586 BC.

Key Themes

  • Symbolic Prophecy: God frequently used visual aids and prophetic acts through His prophets to convey profound spiritual truths. The iron pan and its placement are a powerful, tangible representation of an unseen spiritual reality.
  • Divine Judgment: The command "set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it" indicates that God Himself, through His prophet, is actively bringing this judgment upon Jerusalem. It's not merely a historical event but an act of divine will against the city's idolatry and unfaithfulness.
  • Impenetrable Barrier: The "iron pan" serving as a "wall of iron" signifies an unyielding, unbreakable barrier. This illustrates the absolute separation God was placing between Himself and the city due to its sin, and the futility of any human resistance or hope for relief during the siege. It communicated that God's determination to execute judgment was as firm and unyielding as iron.
  • A Clear Sign to Israel: The concluding phrase, "This shall be a sign to the house of Israel," underscores the purpose of Ezekiel's actions. It was meant to be an unmistakable message, a stark warning to both the exiles who might be tempted to believe false prophets, and those still in Jerusalem who were living in a state of delusion regarding their safety. It was a call to acknowledge the severity of their sin and the certainty of God's coming wrath.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "iron pan" is machavath, which refers to a flat griddle or baking pan, a common household item. The use of "iron" emphasizes its strength and durability, reinforcing the idea of an unyielding barrier. The phrase "set thy face against it" (Hebrew: nathan panekha al) is a strong idiom indicating determined opposition, resolute intent, and often, judgment, similar to how God "sets His face against" wrongdoers in other Scriptures (see Leviticus 20:3).

Practical Application

Ezekiel's dramatic actions remind us that God's warnings are serious and His word is true. Just as ancient Israel faced the consequences of their persistent rebellion against God's will, so too are there consequences for disobedience today. This passage teaches us:

  • God communicates His truth in various ways, sometimes through challenging and uncomfortable messages, to bring people to repentance.
  • Sin creates an impenetrable barrier between humanity and a holy God, leading to severe consequences if unaddressed.
  • The certainty of God's judgment on sin should lead to humility and a turning back to Him. The signs God gives, whether through His Word or circumstances, are meant to be heeded.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Ezekiel 12:6 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Isaiah 8:18 (5 votes)

    Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me [are] for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

  • Isaiah 20:3 (5 votes)

    And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years [for] a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;

  • Ezekiel 12:11 (4 votes)

    Say, I [am] your sign: like as I have done, so shall it be done unto them: they shall remove [and] go into captivity.

  • Ezekiel 24:24 (3 votes)

    Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 24:27 (3 votes)

    In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Luke 2:34 (2 votes)

    And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;