18
So I spoke to the people in the morning, and at evening my wife died; and the next morning I did as I was commanded.
19
And the people said to me, "Will you not tell us what these things signify to us, that you behave so?"
20
Then I answered them, "The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
21
'Speak to the house of Israel, "Thus says the Lord God: 'Behold, I will profane My sanctuary, your arrogant boast, the desire of your eyes, the delight of your soul; and your sons and daughters whom you left behind shall fall by the sword.
22
And you shall do as I have done; you shall not cover your lips nor eat man's bread of sorrow.
23
Your turbans shall be on your heads and your sandals on your feet; you shall neither mourn nor weep, but you shall pine away in your iniquities and mourn with one another.
24
Thus Ezekiel is a sign to you; according to all that he has done you shall do; and when this comes, you shall know that I am the Lord God.' "
25
'And you, son of man--will it not be in the day when I take from them their stronghold, their joy and their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that on which they set their minds, their sons and their daughters:
26
on that day one who escapes will come to you to let you hear it with your ears;
27
on that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped; you shall speak and no longer be mute. Thus you will be a sign to them, and they shall know that I am the Lord.' "