MPV Commentary

1. The tile used in this vision was a sun-dried brick, similar to those found in Babylon, often two feet long and one foot broad.

2. The fort referred to here is best understood as a watchtower where besiegers could observe the movements of the besieged. This structure would have been part of a wall of circumvallation surrounding the city.

A mount was also built to provide defense against missiles from the Chaldeans. Battering-rams, or "through-borers," were used by the Chaldeans to breach the walls.

3. The iron pan represents the divine decree for the Chaldean army to besiege the city. Ezekiel, in this vision, portrays himself as a wall of separation between God and his people, made of iron that cannot be breached.

He sets his face against the city, indicating an inexorable judgment. This contrasts with the envy felt by exiles towards their brethren remaining in Jerusalem; exile is preferable to the hardships of a siege.

4. Another symbolic act was performed simultaneously with the first, not as an external action but as a vivid impression in vision. This second action supplements the first to further convey the prophetic idea.

The left side refers to the position of the ten tribes, the northern kingdom, which is less honorable than Judah, the southern kingdom. Iniquity is regarded as a burden; therefore, bearing it means bearing its punishment (Nu 14:34). This act foreshadows Him who bore sin in reality.

5. The period of three hundred ninety days represents the years of punishment appointed for Israel and forty for Judah. However, this cannot refer to the siege of Jerusalem, which is mentioned in Eze 4:1-3 and encompasses the whole train of punishment inflicted for their sin.

The sum of three hundred ninety and forty years equals four hundred thirty, a period significant in the history of God's covenant people, referring to their sojourn in Egypt (Ex 12:40, 41; Ga 3:17). The forty alludes to the forty years spent in the wilderness. This shortened period implies that Israel can return to life by ceasing from idolatry and seeking restoration through God's covenant.

6. Each day represents a year, emphasizing the reference to Nu 14:34. This imagery is used to convey the idea that God's dealings in the past are a key to understanding the future, as He operates on eternal principles with transitory forms.

7. Ezekiel's arm remains uncovered, indicating readiness for action, which would be hindered by his long garment (Isa 52:10). This gesture serves as a tacit prophecy against the city.

8. The bands refer to the impossibility of shaking off the punishment (Eze 3:25).

9. Instead of fine flour used for delicate cakes, the Jews should have a coarse mixture of six different grains, such as the poorest would eat. Fitches are another term for spelt or dhourra.

The three hundred ninety days refer to Israel's forced residence among Gentiles who were polluted with idolatry (Eze 4:13). This is said primarily of Israel, which had spiritually sunk to a level with the heathen. Judah and Jerusalem fare less severely due to their lesser guilt.

10. A twenty-shekel measure was used for sustenance during the siege, equivalent to little more than ten ounces; a meager amount to sustain life (Jer 52:6). This applies not only to the siege but also to their subsequent state.

11. The sixth part of a hin is approximately a pint and a half.

12. Human dung was used as fuel in this vision, implying cruel necessity. This act would have been in violation of the law (De 14:3; 23:12-14).

13. Israel's distinctive status is to be abolished, and they are to be outwardly blended with idolatrous heathen (De 28:68; Ho 9:3).

14. As a priest, Ezekiel was accustomed to strict abstinence from everything legally impure. Positive precepts can be set aside at the will of the divine ruler, but moral precepts are everlasting due to God's unchanging nature.

15. The order is mitigated by using cow's dung instead of human dung; still, the bread remains defiled, implying that the main decree of God regarding Israel's pollution through exile among Gentiles is unalterable.

16. Bread serves as a staff for life support (Le 26:26; Ps 105:16; Isa 3:1). It must be eaten by weight and with care in scant measure (Eze 4:10).

17. The people will stare at one another in stunned despair, mutually regarding each other's desperate situation.