Eze 24:15-17 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Ezek 24:15-17: 24:15-17 Nowhere is a prophet’s total involvement in his message demonstrated more vividly than when God took the life of Ezekiel’s wife, and Ezekiel was not allowed to mourn his dearest treasure openly. Ezekiel was a priest (1:3 ), and all priests had restrictions placed on their mourning. The public rituals of torn clothes and an unkempt appearance would make one unclean, and priests were not permitted to make themselves unclean for any but the closest blood relatives (Lev 21:1-4 ). Ezekiel’s lack of mourning was also a sign act that showed what was about to happen to Israel (Ezek 24:20-24 ; see thematic note for Prophetic Sign Acts at end of chapter).

a24:15-17►

cLev 21:1-4►

dEzek 24:20-24►

‏ Ezekiel 24:15-17

Summary for Ezek 24:15-17: 24:15-17 ^a Nowhere is a prophet’s total involvement in his message demonstrated more vividly than when God took the life of Ezekiel’s wife, and Ezekiel was not allowed to mourn his dearest treasure openly. Ezekiel was a priest (1:3 ^b), and all priests had restrictions placed on their mourning. The public rituals of torn clothes and an unkempt appearance would make one unclean, and priests were not permitted to make themselves unclean for any but the closest blood relatives (Lev 21:1-4 ^c). Ezekiel’s lack of mourning was also a sign act that showed what was about to happen to Israel (Ezek 24:20-24 ^d; see thematic note for Prophetic Sign Acts at end of chapter).