1-5. The Message of God came to me in the ninth year, the tenth month, and the tenth day of the month: “Son of man, write down this date. The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day. Tell this company of rebels a story:“‘Put on the soup pot.Fill it with water.Put chunks of meat into it,all the choice pieces—loin and brisket.Pick out the best soup bonesfrom the best of the sheep in the flock.Pile wood beneath the pot.Bring it to a boiland cook the soup.
13-14. “‘Your encrusted filth is your filthy sex. I wanted to clean you up, but you wouldn’t let me. I’ll make no more attempts at cleaning you up until my anger quiets down. I, God, have said it, and I’ll do it. I’m not holding back. I’ve run out of compassion. I’m not changing my mind. You’re getting exactly what’s coming to you. Decree of God, the Master.’”
15-17. God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, I’m about to take from you the delight of your life—a real blow, I know. But, please, no tears. Keep your grief to yourself. No public mourning. Get dressed as usual and go about your work—none of the usual funeral rituals.”
18. I preached to the people in the morning. That evening my wife died. The next morning I did as I’d been told.
19. The people came to me, saying, “Tell us why you’re acting like this. What does it mean, anyway?”
20-21. So I told them, “God’s Word came to me, saying, ‘Tell the family of Israel, This is what God, the Master, says: I will desecrate my Sanctuary, your proud impregnable fort, the delight of your life, your heart’s desire. The children you left behind will be killed.