Introduction to Ezekiel 12-24 —Until the Gentile oracles (chapters 25-32), these chapters can be lumped together as a miscellaneous collection of oracles of judgment upon Israel and Jerusalem. No chronological data is given until 20:1 (August 14, 591 B.C.), eleven months after the last previous date in 8:1 (September 18, 592 B.C.). The prophecies vary widely in form, length, and specific subject matter. Chapter 12 features two action prophecies, unique in that they feature the prophet obeying the divine command, the audience requesting an explanation, and the prophet described as a “portent” for the people.
12:1-2 “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house.” The phrase “rebellious house” was uttered at his commissioning (2:5-8, 3:9), prominent in 3:26-27, and before the action prophecies of 4:1-5:12). The people have become like the idols they worshiped (Pss 115:5; 135:16; Rom 1:23-25). Similar language is found in Moses: “Yet the Lord has not given you a heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear, to this very day” (Deut 29:4; cf. Jer 5:21; Is 6:9-10; 43:9; 44:18). Jesus echoes this language when giving the parables (Mt 13:13-15; Jn 12:37-41).
12:3-5 – Despite being a rebellious house, the possibility remains that the prophetic actions and words will accomplish God’s salvific will, and at least some Israelites will “see the light” (cf. Mt 4:13-16, quoting Is 9:1-2). It seems Ezekiel takes the future role of the Babylonians digging from the outside in, breaching the walls (2 Ki 25:4. 9-11; Jer 52:7, 13-14). Once he “breaks through,” he switches roles again.
12:6-7 – It’s hard to keep track of the knapsack in the narrative, but in any case, at dusk, he came back out through the hole in the wall, carrying the knapsack outside again. Now Ezekiel is to cover his face (Gen 38:15; 2 Sam 15:30). What is being hidden and from whom? Ezekiel is to be a “portent, sign, wonder” to the Israelites. “Portents” described the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron to demonstrate Yahweh’s power (e.g. Ex 4:21; 7:9; 11:10; Acts 7:36), as well as the Exodus plagues (Ex 7:3; 11:9; Deut 4:34; 6:22; 7:19). False prophets with the seduction of apostasy can be false “portents” (Deut 13:2-3; Mt 24:24; 2 Thess 2:9; Rev 13:13-15).
12:8-10 – As with parables, so with action prophecies. Those who have ears to hear are given an explanation. What happens to the king will happen to all, except here he is dishonored with “prince,” a lesser title. Most certainly, the prophecy refers to King Zedekiah, the Babylonian puppet of Jerusalem from 597 B.C. until its fall in 587 B.C. (see 2 Ki 24:17-20). The legitimate king is Jehoaichin, exiled with Ezekiel. Ultimately, for Ezekiel, the true king is the eternal son of David (37:22-25; 45—46).
12:11-16 – Both the exiles and those who remain in Jerusalem will experience the same fate. The prince will bear the “burden” while his face is covered. he will go unrecognized and captured. He will…