The Death of Ezekiel’s Wife: A Sign

¹⁵ Then the word of the Lord came to me: ¹⁶ “Son of man, I am about to take the delight of your eyes^(A) away from you with a fatal blow. But you must not lament or weep or let your tears flow.^{(B) 17} Groan quietly; do not observe mourning rites for the dead.^(C) Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache or eat the bread of mourners.”^[a](D)

¹⁸ I spoke to the people in the morning, and my wife died in the evening. The next morning I did just as I was commanded. ¹⁹ Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean for us?”

²⁰ So I answered them, “The word of the Lord came to me: ²¹ Say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: I am about to desecrate my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the delight of your eyes, and the desire of your heart. Also, the sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.^{(E) 22} Then you will do just as I have done: You will not cover your mustache or eat the bread of mourners. ²³ Your turbans will remain on your heads and your sandals on your feet. You will not lament or weep^(F) but will waste away^(G) because of your iniquities and will groan to one another. ²⁴ Now Ezekiel will be a sign for you.^(H) You will do everything that he has done. When this happens, you will know that I am the Lord God.’

²⁵ “As for you, son of man, know that on that day I will take from them their stronghold—their pride and joy, the delight of their eyes, and the longing of their hearts—as well as their sons and daughters. ²⁶ On that day a fugitive will come to you and report the news.^{(I) 27} On that day your mouth will be opened to talk with him; you will speak and no longer be mute.^(J) So you will be a sign for them, and they will know that I am the Lord.”