Ezekiel 4:16 - Understanding the Verse

The verse Ezekiel 4:16 is significant in the context of God's communication to His people regarding sustenance during times of judgment. It stipulates God's authority and provision even in adverse circumstances.

Verse Text

"Moreover he said unto me, Behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment."

Summary and Explanation

This verse highlights the dire conditions that the people of Jerusalem would face as a result of their disobedience. Below is a synopsis combining insights from public domain commentaries:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry emphasizes that this prophecy symbolizes the deprivation that the people would suffer. The "staff of bread" signifies support and sustenance, which would be broken due to God's judgment. People will find it difficult to procure food, leading to anxiety and desperation, aptly described by the phrase "with astonishment".

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes notes that the phrase signifies severe scarcity. The act of eating bread by weight indicates a regulated and insufficient supply. It underscores the immense suffering expected to come upon the people as a consequence of their iniquities.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke elaborates on the measurement of food and drink as an illustration of God's punishment. The commanded meticulousness in eating and drinking reflects the severity of the situation, where even basic sustenance would become a cautionary measure.

Bible Verse Cross-References

This verse relates to several other passages that emphasize themes of judgment, scarcity, and reliance on God's provision:

• Leviticus 26:26: "And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven..." - Similar themes of scarcity and punishment for disobedience.
• Ezekiel 5:16: "When I send upon them the evil arrows of famine..." - Reflects on the consequences of the people's actions leading to hunger.
• Isaiah 3:1: "For behold, the Lord God of hosts is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah support and supply..." - God's removal of provision due to sin.
• Jeremiah 14:3-4: "Their nobles have sent their servants for water; they have come to the cisterns..." - Illustrates desperation for basic resources.
• Matthew 6:11: "Give us this day our daily bread." - Contrasts the need for daily sustenance amidst scarcity.
• Haggai 1:6: "You have sown much, and harvested little..." - Addresses the futility of labor without God’s blessing.
• Revelation 6:6: "A quart of wheat for a denarius..." - A picture of extreme scarcity as part of the judgments.

Thematic Connections

Ezekiel 4:16 establishes a connection with broader themes in Scripture regarding God's expectations of His people and the repercussions of straying from His commandments. It invites a comparative Bible verse analysis by examining how various passages address judgment and provision.

Conclusion

Understanding Ezekiel 4:16 allows for deeper insights into the biblical narrative concerning human frailty and divine response. A careful study can glean parallels and contrasts across scriptures, enhancing one's grasp of scriptural themes and inter-Biblical dialogue.