19 Zedekiah Runs Away

This chapter begins a new section in the book of Ezekiel. Whereas chapters 4-11 clearly prophecied the certainty of the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, chapters 12-19 define the reasons for it. The continued flagrant breaking of the moral order of God given to the Israelites is explained to be the cause of their exile. This message is given to the other exiles in Babylon who were just as stiff-necked as their compatriots in Jerusalem. The reoccurring problem with humankind is exemplified in God’s declaration,” that have eyes to see, and see not, that have ears to hear, and hear not.” One would expect that the events in Jerusalem, which were communicated to the exiles in Babylon, would have softened their hearts but this was not the case. They remained rebellious. In the previous chapter Ezekiel said, “25 Then I spake unto them of the captivity all the things that Jehovah had showed me.” This did not move them to repentance. These designations regarding Israel’s hard-heartedness are reoccurring throughout Scripture