Ezekiel 24:6-21

6“‘Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: Woe to the city of bloodshed, the pot that has corrosion inside it, and its corrosion has not come out of it! Empty it piece by piece; lots should not be cast for its contents.

7For the blood she shed is still within her. She put it out on the bare rock; she didn’t pour it on the ground to cover it with dust.

8In order to stir up wrath and take vengeance, I have put her blood on the bare rock, so that it would not be covered.

9“‘Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: Woe to the city of bloodshed! I myself will make the pile of kindling large.

10Pile on the logs and kindle the fire! Cook the meat well and mix in the spices! Let the bones be burned!

11Set the empty pot on its coals so that it becomes hot and its copper glows. Then its impurity will melt inside it; its corrosion will be consumed.

12It has frustrated every effort; its thick corrosion will not come off. Into the fire with its corrosion!

13Because of the depravity of your uncleanness — since I tried to purify you, but you would not be purified from your uncleanness — you will not be pure again until I have satisfied my wrath on you.

14I, the Lord, have spoken. It is coming, and I will do it! I will not refrain, I will not show pity, and I will not relent. I will judge you according to your ways and deeds. This is the declaration of the Lord God.’”

15Then the word of the Lord came to me:

16“Son of man, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you with a fatal blow. But you must not lament or weep or let your tears flow.

17Groan quietly; do not observe mourning rites for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache or eat the bread of mourners.”

18I spoke to the people in the morning, and my wife died in the evening. The next morning I did just as I was commanded.

19Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean for us?”

20So I answered them, “The word of the Lord came to me:

21Say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: I am about to desecrate my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the delight of your eyes, and the desire of your heart. Also, the sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.