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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 11 - Verse 3

11:3
Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh.

Meaning

Jeremiah 11:10 speaks about a group of people who are in denial about the impending destruction of their city. They refuse to believe that judgement is near, and instead, they decide to invest in building houses and continue with their daily lives as if nothing is wrong. The imagery of the city being compared to a caldron and the people as flesh signifies a place of impending disaster where the inhabitants are oblivious to the danger they are in. The metaphor of a caldron conveys a sense of being trapped, surrounded by imminent destruction. The people's mindset of denial and lack of awareness of their circumstances serve as a cautionary tale of the consequences of ignoring warnings and being complacent. This verse serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and not be complacent in the face of imminent danger.

Theological Overview

In the book of Ezekiel, the verse "Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh" carries a profound theological interpretation. The phrase "It is not near" reflects the attitude of those who denied the impending judgment from God. They were so focused on their everyday lives, building houses and business ventures, that they refused to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. The comparison of the city to a caldron, and its inhabitants to the flesh, speaks to the idea of divine judgment. Just like in a boiling pot, the people would be consumed by the wrath of God due to their sin and disobedience. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's warnings and living in defiance of His will.

American Standard Version

that say, [The time] is not near to build houses: this [city] is the caldron, and we are the flesh.
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