Ezekiel 4:1

Translations

Modern

“Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem.

Traditional

Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and pourtray upon it the city, even Jerusalem:

Literal

“ And You, son of man, take for yourself a clay tablet, and place it before your face; and engrave upon it a city, Jerusalem.

Latin

Et tu, fili hominis, sume tibi laterem, et pones eum coram te, et describes in eo civitatem Jerusalem.

Original

Hebrew

English

“Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem.

Notes

Ezekiel 4:1–2

The first of Ezekiel’s sign acts was a visual message. A sign act is a symbolic action that teaches a lesson (see “Prophetic Sign Acts” Theme Note).

God told Ezekiel to build a small model of Jerusalem. He then showed the city surrounded by enemy forces. This model picture showed that Jerusalem would soon be under siege (surrounded and attacked by an army).

Ezekiel 4:1–24:27

The prophet Ezekiel used words and actions to show that judgment on Jerusalem was certain. God's people broke the covenant made at Mount Sinai. Now, they faced the promised curses of death and destruction. Only after these curses happened could there be hope for the future.

Ezekiel 4:1–7:27

These chapters discuss words and actions that warned of disaster for Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4–5) and the land of Judah (Ezekiel 6–7).

Theme notes and profiles

Prophetic Sign Acts The Gift of Prophecy The Son of Man

Events

Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC

Related verses

Hosea 1:2–9
When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, He told him, “Go, take a prostitute as your wife and have children of adultery, because this land is flagrantly prostituting itself by departing from the LORD.”
1 Kings 11:30–31
And Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces,
Jeremiah 19:1–15
This is what the LORD says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests,
Jeremiah 25:15–38
This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from My hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink from it.
Hosea 3:1–5
Then the LORD said to me, “Go show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love to offer raisin cakes to idols.”
Ezekiel 12:3–16
Therefore, son of man, pack your bags for exile. In broad daylight, set out from your place and go to another as they watch. Perhaps they will understand, though they are a rebellious house.
Amos 3:2
“Only you have I known from all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.”
Jeremiah 13:1–14
This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and buy yourself a linen loincloth and put it around your waist, but do not let it touch water.”
1 Samuel 15:27–28
As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore.
Jeremiah 32:31
For this city has aroused My wrath and fury from the day it was built until now. Therefore I will remove it from My presence
Hosea 12:10
I spoke through the prophets and multiplied their visions; I gave parables through the prophets.
Jeremiah 6:6
For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Cut down the trees and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; there is nothing but oppression in her midst.

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of Prophet, Prophetess Son of Man Warfare

Topics

Drawing of Pictures on Tile Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Symbolizes the Siege of Jerusalem by Drawings on a Tile Instruction by Object Lessons: Illustrations on a Tile Pantomime by Ezekiel Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of War and Other Judgments Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Exemplified in Pantomime Prophets: Frequently in Their Actions Were Made Signs to the People Symbols and Similitudes: A Siege Tile: Brick

Ezekiel 4:1

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?