Definition: Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 4:16. It’s a really interesting and somewhat symbolic passage that speaks to a significant shift in the leadership of Jerusalem during a time of great crisis. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a bizarre and unusual punishment given to King Ezekias of Jerusalem by God. Basically, Ezekiel is telling him to break a staff made of bread – a symbol of authority – in the city. And it's not just about breaking it; it’s about making it difficult for people to eat and drink. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 4:16” : This is the verse itself, giving us a starting point. “Moreover he said unto me, Son of man…” : This establishes Ezekiel as someone divine (a “Son of Man”) and speaking directly to him. It’s a way for God to communicate with him. “…I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem…” : This is the core of the verse. Ezekiel is ordering the King to physically destroy this staff. “and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:” This is where it gets interesting. God is telling him to: “eat bread by weight” : This means the people must eat a very small amount of bread – it's not about quantity, but about quality. It’s a test of their faith and commitment. “with care” : They should handle the bread with respect and thoughtfulness. “drink water by measure, and with astonishment:” This is the really unusual part. God says they must drink a certain amount of water, but it's so small that it’s surprising and difficult to manage. What does this all mean? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about: The King’s Corruption: Ezekiel was deeply troubled by the king’s growing arrogance and self-importance. He believed the King was neglecting his spiritual duties and becoming isolated from God. A Test of Faith: The strange instructions are a deliberate test to see how the people respond to God's judgment. It suggests that the King’s actions were causing distress and rebellion, requiring a significant shift in behavior. God's Sovereignty & Justice: The verse highlights God’s absolute authority and his concern for His people. He is using these unusual measures to bring about justice and restore order to Jerusalem. In short, Ezekiel 4:16 is a powerful image of God confronting wrongdoing with unexpected and challenging actions – designed to reveal the true state of the people and ensure their repentance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Explore the historical context of this passage? Discuss different interpretations of this verse?