Chapter 24: The Boiling Pot and the Death of Yechezkel’s Wife

1. The Day Jerusalem Is Besieged (Verses 1–2)

G‑d speaks to Yechezkel in the ninth year, tenth month, on the tenth day, commanding him to write down the date. On that very day, the king of Babylon began his siege against Jerusalem.

2. The Parable of the Boiling Pot (Verses 3–5)

G‑d instructs Yechezkel to tell a parable to the rebellious house: Jerusalem is like a pot filled with choice meat and bones placed over fire to boil. The pot represents the city, and the meat symbolizes its people, especially the leaders and prominent figures.

3. The Filth of the Pot and the City’s Bloodshed (Verses 6–8)

G‑d condemns the “city of blood,” whose filth—the accumulated sins and violence—remains ingrained. Blood was left exposed on bare rock instead of being covered with dust, symbolizing brazen wrongdoing. For this, G‑d will expose their guilt and bring vengeance.

4. The Pot Burned Empty: Judgment Through Fire (Verses 9–12)

G‑d declares that He will intensify the fire: wood will be piled, meat consumed, and bones scorched. The empty pot will then be set upon coals to burn out its impurities. Jerusalem’s corruption is so deep that only severe judgment—like fire cleansing iron—can remove it.

5. G‑d’s Fury Will Not Be Withheld (Verse 13–14)

Jerusalem’s defilement is called “lewdness,” and because the city refused purification, G‑d’s fury will be poured out without sparing or turning back. The people will be judged according to their deeds.

6. The Prophet’s Personal Tragedy as a Sign (Verses 15–18)

G‑d tells Yechezkel that He will take “the desire of your eyes”—his wife—through a sudden plague. Yechezkel is commanded not to mourn publicly:
no crying,

• no tearful lamenting,
• no removing his head covering,
• no barefoot mourning,
• no receiving condolence meals.

That same day Yechezkel’s wife dies, and he obeys all that G‑d commanded.

7. The People Ask for Meaning (Verses 19–21)

The people ask Yechezkel why he behaves this way. G‑d instructs him to explain that just as Yechezkel lost the desire of his eyes, so too G‑d will destroy the Temple—“the pride of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and the longing of your soul.” Their remaining sons and daughters will fall by the sword.

8. Israel Forbidden to Mourn Jerusalem’s Fall (Verses 22–24)

Just like Yechezkel, the people will not engage in traditional mourning practices. They will bear their sins silently and grieve inwardly, acknowledging their guilt. Yechezkel’s actions serve as a sign: when the prophecy is fulfilled, they will know that G‑d is the Lord.

9. The Sign of the Fugitive (Verses 25–27)

G‑d tells Yechezkel that on the day the people lose their strength, joy, pride, and children, a fugitive will arrive to report Jerusalem’s fall. On that day Yechezkel’s mouth—previously restricted—will be opened. He will speak freely again and serve as a living sign, confirming that G‑d has spoken.

Key Message

Yechezkel 24 marks the beginning of Jerusalem’s destruction. The boiling pot illustrates the city’s corruption, the death of Yechezkel’s wife becomes a prophetic sign, and the impending fall of the Temple reveals G‑d’s unyielding justice. Yet even in judgment, G‑d’s purpose remains to make His people recognize His sovereignty.