Reading for January 5th

Read Ezekiel1-20. In 12.1-20: Symbolic actions concerning the Exile. In verses 1-7: The first represents the exile of the house of Israel. God calls Israel a rebellious house, but adds who have eyes to see, but do not see, who have ears to hear, but do not hear, apparently in reference to Isa 6.9-10. Ezekiel is to prepare his baggage, dig through the wall, and depart with his face covered so that all may see that the exile of Israel is taking place. I have made you a sign for the house of Israel (compare Isa 7.14; 8.18). In verses 8-16: Ezekiel's action provokes questions. He relates the symbolic action to the exile of the Davidic king, which strikes at the foundation of Judean identity and the promise of God's protection of Jerusalem and the house of David (2 Sam 7; Ps 89; 132). Some understand prince as a reference to Zedekiah, who served as the Babylonian-appointed regent while Jehoiachin was in exile. Ezekiel's scenario of the prince's escape and capture reflects Zedekiah's capture near Jericho and blinding at Riblah prior to imprisonment in Babylon (2 Kings 25.1-7; Jer 52.4-11). In verses 17-20: Eating meals in fear dramatizes the realities of exile. Comments or Questions..