Ezekiel 4 … The Plan of Redemption

4 Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile [brick], and lay it before thee, and pourtray (engrave) upon it the city, even Jerusalem:

The earliest form of a written language, cuneiform, was written on soft clay and hardened in the sun.

2 And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against it; set the camp also against it, and set battering rams against it round about.

Siege warfare, a prevalent strategy in ancient times, involved surrounding and isolating a walled city or fortification to compel its surrender. This military tactic aimed to weaken the city’s defenses, disrupt supply lines, and exhaust its inhabitants until surrender became inevitable. The process of laying siege was meticulously planned and executed, requiring extensive preparations to ensure success.

In antiquity, the process of laying siege generally involved several stages. First, the besieging army would encircle the targeted city, erecting defensive fortifications, such as trenches and walls, to prevent the entry or exit of supplies and reinforcements. This blockade was intended to isolate the city and cut off its communication with the outside world. A detailed strategy was essential, considering factors such as the layout of the city, available resources, and potential escape routes.

Effective preparation played a pivotal role in the success of a siege. One critical aspect was the stockpiling of provisions. Besieging forces needed to gather a sufficient amount of food, water, and other essentials to sustain their own troops throughout the potentially lengthy siege. Moreover, they aimed to exhaust the city’s food supplies, forcing its inhabitants into desperation.

Engineering expertise was also paramount. Siege engines, such as battering rams, catapults, and siege towers, were constructed to breach the city walls and overcome its defenses. Skilled engineers and craftsmen were required to design, build, and operate these sophisticated machines effectively.
Psychological tactics formed another dimension of preparation. Besiegers would often employ various methods to demoralize the city’s defenders and residents. This could involve launching psychological warfare through propaganda, intimidation, or even displays of their military might, thereby undermining the city’s resolve and hastening surrender.

Communication with the outside world was crucial for both the besiegers and the besieged. Messengers and scouts were dispatched to gather intelligence, negotiate terms, or call for reinforcements. Disrupting or intercepting these communication channels was a common strategy employed by the besieging forces.
The ancient concept of laying siege against a walled city required meticulous preparation across various domains. Effective provisioning, engineering prowess, strategic planning, and psychological tactics were all crucial elements in achieving a successful siege. Understanding this historical practice offers insights into the complex interplay of military strategy, logistics, and psychology in the context of ancient warfare.

3 Moreover take thou unto thee an (flat) iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.

These pans were used for baking bread, Jesus who is the Bread of Life, is going to invade Jerusalem and reclaim His rightful throne.

4 Lie thou also upon thy left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it: according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon it thou shalt bear their iniquity.

5 For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel.

6 And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.

The event that is most identifiable with a period of 430 years is the time between God’s promise to Abraham and the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. This period is referenced in the Book of Exodus and the Book of Galatians.

In the Book of Exodus, God tells Abraham in Genesis 15:13-16 (KJV): “And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.”

This prophecy refers to the time the Israelites spent as strangers and slaves in Egypt, which eventually led to their liberation through the Exodus under the leadership of Moses. The Apostle Paul also mentions this period in Galatians 3:16-17 (KJV), where he uses it to emphasize the unchanging nature of God’s promises: “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.”

In this context, Paul is referring to the time between God’s promise to Abraham and the giving of the Mosaic Law, highlighting the continuity of God’s plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Christ. It’s important to note that the interpretation of biblical events and their timelines confer the nature of YHVH and His commitment to the Everlasting Covenant through these 430-year periods.

The idiomatic of use of the number 40 (also 400, meaning ten times the trouble) to symbolize a period of tribulation or testing is a recurring motif within the Bible, representing a significant span of time characterized by trials, purification, and transformative experiences. This symbolic usage of the number 40 is seen in various narratives throughout the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the biblical authors’ understanding of the spiritual significance of this numerical value.

In the biblical context, the period of 40 years is often associated with trials and testing that are intended to bring about transformation, growth, and a renewed relationship with the divine. For instance, in the Old Testament, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years as a result of their disobedience and lack of faith. This period of wandering served as a form of purification, testing their loyalty to God and preparing them for the eventual entry into the Promised Land. The forty days and nights that Moses spent on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments further exemplify this concept of intense testing and spiritual revelation.

Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and temptation in the desert before beginning his public ministry emphasize the symbolic significance of the number. During this time, Jesus faced various trials and temptations, demonstrating his commitment to God’s will and highlighting the transformative power of trials.

The biblical idiom of 40 years as a period of tribulation or testing holds deeper theological implications. It signifies a period of refinement and growth through challenges, echoing the idea that trials can lead to spiritual maturation. Additionally, the concept of 40 years as a time of testing underscores the theme of divine redemption and renewal, as the eventual end of these periods of tribulation often leads to a new beginning or a renewed covenant with God.

Here is the pivot point and the fulfilment of the Everlasting Gospel. The other 30 years. There is a huge amount of symbolism in the life of Yeshua. It is widely accepted that Yeshua was born in 3 B.C.E. and was crucified in 30 C.E.

In the Bible, the idiomatic use of the number 3 holds a significant symbolic value, often representing a divine pattern of interaction between God and mankind. This recurring motif underscores the concept of completeness, divine presence, and the unfolding of God’s purposes within human history.

This is evident in various biblical contexts one example is the biblical pattern of events occurring on the third day. In the Old Testament, key occurrences such as the creation of vegetation on the third day (Genesis 1:11-13) and the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day (Matthew 16:21) highlight the number 3 as a symbol of divine intervention and transformative renewal. This pattern further underscores the concept of God’s involvement in the completion of cycles and the initiation of new beginnings.
Moreover, the biblical narrative often employs triple repetition for emphasis, known as triadic structure. For instance, in the book of Isaiah, the seraphim declare the holiness of God with the triple repetition of “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3). This repetition signifies the supreme holiness of God and emphasizes His transcendence in a manner that transcends human comprehension.

The number 3 also signifies resolution and fulfillment. In the Gospels, Jesus foretells His resurrection on the third day (Mark 9:31), emphasizing the completion of God’s redemptive plan. This theme of fulfillment extends to instances like Peter’s threefold denial of Jesus, followed by his threefold affirmation of love after the resurrection (John 21:15-17). The number 3 here symbolizes a complete transformation and restoration.

These two concepts combined provide a prophetic vignette for us. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:11-13,29-30 “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

7 Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege (distress) of Jerusalem, and thine arm shall be uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it.

8 And, behold, I will lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege. (distress)

9 Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentiles, and millet, and fitches, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof, according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side, three hundred and ninety days shalt thou eat thereof.

10 And thy meat which thou shalt eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels (200 gms) a day: from time to time shalt thou eat it.

11 Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin (1.5 pints): from time to time shalt thou drink.

12 And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it with dung that cometh out of man, in their sight.

Not only is this unclean from the bacterial perspective, this is an abomination, or unclean, from the spiritual aspect. Leviticus 7:21 “Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which pertain unto the Lord, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.”

And yes, there is historical evidence to suggest that some ancient civilizations did use human feces, along with other organic materials, as a source of fuel for kindling fires. The practice of using various types of organic matter, including animal dung and human waste, as fuel for fires was not uncommon in societies where alternative sources of fuel were scarce or limited.

In certain regions and periods of history, particularly in areas with arid or resource-poor environments, people resorted to using readily available organic materials to meet their energy needs. These materials were used for heating, cooking, and other purposes. Human waste, due to its organic content, could be dried and used as fuel, as could the waste of animals like cattle, sheep, and camels.

This practice, while effective in some cases, also had its drawbacks. Burning organic materials, especially dung and waste, can produce a significant amount of smoke and unpleasant odors, making it a less desirable option compared to cleaner-burning fuels like wood or coal. As societies advanced and access to other sources of fuel improved, the use of human feces and animal dung as fuel gradually declined.

13 And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them.
This demonstrates the perversion of the children of Israel when they left the truths of God.

14 Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

Ezekiel is screaming (paraphrased) “Hold the phone right there! You have told us over and over in the Torah what is and what is not food. Furthermore, I have held to that instruction with fortitude and fervor!” This event is designed to teach through tribulation and eventually cleansing from YHVH.

Look at Peters vision…. Acts 10:14 “But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” When we continue through the story we see that this concept of cleansing through YHVH when the Spirit reveals the vision.

Acts 10:19-20 “While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.”

15 Then he said unto me, Lo, I have given thee cow’s dung for man’s dung, and thou shalt prepare thy bread therewith.

The dried cow dung burns well, thus Ezekiel would be spared the further disgrace of man’s dung.

16 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, 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:

The idea is curtailing their abuses by making a scarcity of food and peace, for us an allusion to the end times famine of God’s word and a breaking of peace by Satan. This verse conveys a vivid picture of the dire circumstances that Jerusalem is destined to endure. The symbolic language used here is intended to emphasize the severity of the forthcoming scarcity and suffering.

17 That they may want bread and water, and be astonied (shocked) one with another, and consume (dwindle) away for their iniquity. (perversions)

In the context of the larger passage, Ezekiel has been instructed by God to perform specific actions as a visual representation of Jerusalem’s impending siege and exile. Through these actions, God communicates His judgment upon the city due to its persistent disobedience and idolatry.

The phrase “break the staff of bread” is often depicted as the idea that the essential sustenance of bread will be scarce, implying a severe famine. The concept of eating bread by weight and drinking water by measure underscores the scarcity of food and water, suggesting a state of rationing and scarcity.

One should consider the words of Yeshua, where-in, He describes Himself as the “Bread of Life” and the importance of “consuming” this Bread. The description of Yeshua’s role in the redemption of mankind, not just the people of Jerusalem, but all of mankind. Look at the depth of the words again in this perspective.

• Break = H7665 שָׁבַר shabar (shaw-ɓar’) v. bruise, crush, destroy.
• Staff = H4294 מַטֶּה matteh (mat-teh’) n-m. a branch, a rod.
• Bread = H3899 לֶחֶם lechem (lech’-em) n-m. food, sustenance.

Isaiah 53:5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Isaiah 11:1-3 “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:”

John 6:35 “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

Matthew 2:1 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king,”

‘Beth’ means House and ‘lechem’ as we just discovered is Bread. You should have discovered long before now, that nothing, and I nothing in the Bible is by chance. The message of the Everlasting Gospel has never changed.

Likewise, the tribes of the world will stand in awe and shocked amazement at the return of Yeshua to His rightful throne in Jerusalem. Many to the dismay that they have followed false gods and the traditions of men; with the rejoicing of the remnant, they that have “followed the commandments of YHVH and have the testimony of Yeshua” as stated in Revelation 12:17 and 14:12.