Ezekiel's Wife

by I. Lithgow, Innerleithen | Category: General | Jun 1979

We read about her in the book that bears his name (24:18). This is the only place in the whole prophecy where she is directly mentioned. The house Ezekiel speaks of in 3:24 and 8:1 was the one they shared together. As far as we know, they did not have any children. She meant much to the prophet of God, who was also a priest (1:3). As a prophet he served God from the age ofperhaps30 (1:1) to at least his 52nd year. (See chapter 1:2 regarding the commencing date; 29:17 shows the last recorded date of his prophetic office).

God describes Ezekiel's wife as - "the desire of thine eyes". The word desire is translated as lovely (Song of Songs 5:16), "Yea, He is altogether lovely", describing both the moral and physical beauty found in a person. She was the ideal helpmeet and we can picture the home they shared and their deep love for God's things.

God was going to test his servant's faith by taking away what was very precious and dear to him, namely, his wife. He was not elderly when this occurred (24:1, where the year is the ninth year of captivity). It is suggested that, in 1:1, the thirtieth year is that of the prophet's age. The prophet states in 1:2 that he had been in captivity 5 years. By a comparison of these scriptures we conclude that Ezekiel was thirty-four when the word of the Lord came to him - "Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down". Many times the word of God had come to him and the Lord's message was faithfully proclaimed, whether of blessing, instruction, or judgement. Never had such a personal word as this been communicated to him. This would touch the innermost parts of his being. Where some may question the working of God, this noble servant said, "So I spake unto the people in the morning; and at even my wife died: and I did in the morning as I was commanded". Here was a test of faith. Ezekiel passed through with full marks and stands beside the other great men and women of faith.

Behind it all was the purpose of God in speaking to His people concerning the desire of their eyes. A far different context this was from the Lord's description of the prophet's desire. The Lord's message is delivered by Ezekiel in 24:21 following their enquiry concerning the death of his wife and its meaning to them. The word to them was, "Thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I will profane My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth". Although they were captives in Babylon, their affection and trust were centred on the city of Jerusalem, believing that they would soon return. Instead of turning to God for forgiveness and strength they trusted in the fortifications of Jerusalem. Now they were going to hear of the destruction that would come upon the city. Ezekiel was a sign to them. As his wife was taken away and he did not mourn for her, so they would be silent when the news came concerning the city. Then they would know that the Lord God alone was their ruler and He alone should be their trust.

God spoke through a faithful man. The cost was great and we are not told of the prophet's sadness, but God knew. He would not allow His servant to pass through what He Himself was not willing to accept. The day came when the One who was all the Father's delight - our Lord Jesus Christ - went to Golgotha's cross and there had all our iniquity laid upon Him.

If in our experience we are called to pass through the waters of tribulation or the fire of testing, what will be our reaction? Will it be a complaining spirit, turning back, or the quiet confidence of the Psalmist, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me". May what was true of faithful Ezekiel characterize us. "At even my wife died: and I did in the morning as I was commanded".

I. Lithgow, Innerleithen | Jun 1979
General