The Cooking Pot and the Death of Ezekiel’s Wife – This is the central and pivotal chapter in the book, summarizing everything Ezekiel has been preaching in the last twelve chapters. The people’s illusions are that Jerusalem is secure, but the time of reckoning has come. First, the beginning of the siege of the city and the anticipation of its fall, which would take place two and half years later (33:21). The date is recorded (vv.1–2) in an unusual way, but comparable to 2 Ki 25:1 and Jer 52:4. On our calendar, this date is probably around January 15, 588. The beginning of the siege of Jerusalem was the beginning of the end for the political-theological system begun by David and Solomon. Time is running out, not only in the general sense that no one knows the day or the hour (Mt 24:36; 25:13) of future events but in this pivotal moment in the history of God’s people. vv. 3–5 The Parable of the Cooking Pot – The parable is addressed to the “house of rebellion” (17:12; 2:3, 5-8). The cooking pot metaphor was used previously in 11:3-11 for the deluded men of Jerusalem. The “choice cuts of meat” refer to the illusion of safety and security. The impression is that it is not an ordinary meal being prepared. Perhaps Ezekiel has a cultic meal in mind, as in the peace o ering or “communion sacri ce” (Lev 3:1, 3). vv. 6–8 The First Interpretation – The guilt of the city is so great that Yahweh gives two complementary interpretations. The rst speaks of the imminent judgment on the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The second is the judgment of the city itself. Since the city is still full of “ lth,” impurity and godlessness, the city’s inhabitants will be removed individually. This is shown metaphorically by her disregard of Levitical laws regarding blood and food (Lev 17:10-16; Deut 12:16, 23-24; 15:23). But it could also be referring to the shedding of innocent blood, perhaps with the sacri cial slaughter of children to Molech again. Blood poured out but uncovered cries out for vengeance (Gen 4:10; Job 16:18). vv. 9-14 The Second Interpretation and the Conclusion of the Prophecy – Yahweh is the cook, intervening directly. God directs the process, step by step, until all the lthy contents of the pot (and the pot itself) have been consumed with re. Israel had…