Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 12 - Verse 12

12:12
And the prince that is among them shall bear upon his shoulder in the twilight, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with his eyes.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Ezekiel is filled with symbolism and imagery that speaks to themes of leadership, responsibility, and determination. In this passage, the prince is depicted as shouldering a burden in the twilight, symbolizing the challenges and burdens of leadership that must be carried out even in difficult times. The act of digging through the wall to carry out signifies the determination and resourcefulness required to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. The prince covering his face to not see the ground with his eyes represents the need for focused vision and unwavering commitment to the task at hand, even when faced with adversity. Overall, this verse underscores the importance of strong leadership, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of challenges.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the theological interpretation is often seen as relating to the impending destruction of Jerusalem. The prince mentioned is thought to represent Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, who is attempting to escape the city under siege by the Babylonians. The act of digging through the wall emphasizes the desperate measures being taken to flee the impending doom. Covering his face symbolizes shame and sorrow over the devastation of Jerusalem. The twilight setting adds to the atmosphere of impending disaster, with darkness looming on the horizon. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience towards God and the importance of remaining faithful in times of crisis.

American Standard Version

And the prince that is among them shall bear upon his shoulder in the dark, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, because he shall not see the land with his eyes.
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