They will suffer severe distress under God’s judgment because of their persistent disobedience.
The prophet Ezekiel receives a message from the LORD to declare to the people in Jerusalem that judgment is swiftly coming upon them. He is told, “Then say to the people of the land, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the land of Israel…” (v.19). Here, Ezekiel acts as God’s messenger, delivering a warning to those who have ignored the covenant and turned to idolatry and oppressive deeds. Historically, Ezekiel served as a prophet around the early 6th century BC, during the Babylonian threat against Judah and following the first deportations of Jews into captivity. Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom, was on the brink of disaster.
Ezekiel continues, “They will eat their bread with anxiety and drink their water with horror, because their land will be stripped of its fullness on account of the violence of all who live in it.” (v.19). This graphic imagery underscores that everyday necessities—food and water—would become burdensome reminders of fear and dread. Their homeland, once flowing with richness, would be laid bare as a direct result of their persistent wrongdoing and refusal to heed God’s commands. The violence they committed against one another—through injustice, idolatry, and exploitation—would boomerang in the form of national calamity. The mention of “anxiety” and “horror” conveys how deeply their shattered spiritual state would impact not just their physical survival, but also their hearts and minds.
This warning shows that God’s judgment is never random; it is a response to the moral and spiritual condition of His people. Their long practice of sin and violence finally brings about the stripping away of blessings. In the broader context, Ezekiel underscores that although judgment is coming, God remains righteous and merciful, always calling His people to repentance so they might avoid total destruction and ultimately see restoration (Ezekiel 18:30-32). In later chapters, Ezekiel also describes the hope of renewal that waits on the other side of repentance.
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Ezekiel 12:19 meaning
The prophet Ezekiel receives a message from the LORD to declare to the people in Jerusalem that judgment is swiftly coming upon them. He is told, “Then say to the people of the land, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the land of Israel…” (v.19). Here, Ezekiel acts as God’s messenger, delivering a warning to those who have ignored the covenant and turned to idolatry and oppressive deeds. Historically, Ezekiel served as a prophet around the early 6th century BC, during the Babylonian threat against Judah and following the first deportations of Jews into captivity. Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom, was on the brink of disaster.
Ezekiel continues, “They will eat their bread with anxiety and drink their water with horror, because their land will be stripped of its fullness on account of the violence of all who live in it.” (v.19). This graphic imagery underscores that everyday necessities—food and water—would become burdensome reminders of fear and dread. Their homeland, once flowing with richness, would be laid bare as a direct result of their persistent wrongdoing and refusal to heed God’s commands. The violence they committed against one another—through injustice, idolatry, and exploitation—would boomerang in the form of national calamity. The mention of “anxiety” and “horror” conveys how deeply their shattered spiritual state would impact not just their physical survival, but also their hearts and minds.
This warning shows that God’s judgment is never random; it is a response to the moral and spiritual condition of His people. Their long practice of sin and violence finally brings about the stripping away of blessings. In the broader context, Ezekiel underscores that although judgment is coming, God remains righteous and merciful, always calling His people to repentance so they might avoid total destruction and ultimately see restoration (Ezekiel 18:30-32). In later chapters, Ezekiel also describes the hope of renewal that waits on the other side of repentance.