Ezekiel 4:11

Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink.

Context

This verse is part of God's instructions to the prophet Ezekiel regarding symbolic actions he was to perform to illustrate the impending siege and destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its inhabitants. Following commands to lie on his side for extended periods (Ezekiel 4:4-8) and prepare food using unclean fuel (Ezekiel 4:12), Ezekiel is also commanded to consume both food and water in extremely limited quantities. Verse 11 specifically details the meager allowance of water, emphasizing the severe deprivation that would characterize the siege.

Key Themes

• Scarcity and Deprivation: The precise, small measure of water highlights the intense lack of resources that would afflict Jerusalem during the siege.
• Divine Judgment: This hardship is portrayed as a direct consequence of God's judgment upon Israel for their sin and rebellion.
• Prophetic Symbolism: Ezekiel's actions are not just personal suffering but a powerful visual prophecy intended to warn the exiles of what was coming upon those still in Jerusalem.
• Obedience: Ezekiel's willingness to obey these difficult and humiliating commands underscores the prophet's submission to God's will.

Linguistic Insights

The unit of measure mentioned, the "hin" (Hebrew: הִין, hîn), was a standard liquid measure in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to about a gallon (or approximately 3.6 to 6 liters, depending on the historical period and standard). A "sixth part of an hin" is therefore an extremely small amount of water for daily consumption, underscoring the severity of the famine and thirst that would accompany the siege, a reality also described in Lamentations 4:4.

Related Scriptures

The theme of scarcity during siege is echoed in other prophetic books, detailing the horrors faced by the besieged city, such as the descriptions found in the book of Lamentations. Ezekiel's entire series of symbolic actions in this chapter serves as a stark warning, similar to other prophets who used physical signs to convey God's message of impending judgment, like Isaiah walking naked and barefoot (Isaiah 20:2-3).

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the severity of God's judgment against sin and the lengths to which He goes to warn His people. It challenges us to consider the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding God's warnings, whether they come through difficult circumstances or direct revelation. It also highlights the sometimes uncomfortable and sacrificial nature of delivering God's message, as exemplified by Ezekiel's obedience.