EZEKIEL 12
1 The Word [ Davar] of Yahweh also came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man [Ben adam], thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house [bais hameri], which have eyes [eynayim] to see, and see not; they have ears [oznayim] to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house [bais meri ].
The concluding words of this sentence reveal the cause of Israel's afflictions. Israel's condition is now the condition of the whole of Christendom-spiritually deaf and blind. And rebellion is the root of it. Christendom rebels against the Words of God, and contemns the counsel of the Most High (Ps. cvii. 11). Unscriptural behaviour leads from the way of understanding.
Christ alluded frequently to this spiritual cause and effect. Listen-
"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Again, "If any man will do his (God's) will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
Let faithful brethren take care lest they infringe and fall. Let the unfaithful reflect and reform. What deplorable results has unchrist-like conduct produced! May we not confidently say, on the basis of the foregoing testimony, that our recent trouble [the partial inspiration division] (resulting in some cases in partial or complete repudiation of the truth) has been due to this?
The Christadelphian, Jan 1887.
Jerusalem had neglected its responsibility toward Yahweh; had ignored the continued appeals of the prophets, "rising up early and sending," and now lay in the path of divine judgment. Ezekiel found himself in a "rebellious house", and was required to dramatise the impending divine judgment upon the nation.
Sinners imagine that their works are not evil merely because the threatened sentence is not executed speedily - Ecc. 8: 11. Ezekiel portrays the evil to come upon Jerusalem and reveals that the captivity was at hand.
Bro Graeham Mansfield, logos
6 In their sight shalt thou bear it upon thy shoulders, and carry it forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: for I have set thee for a sign unto the house of Israel.
The carrying away enacted, and the attempt of Zedekiah to flee in the night from the victorious Babylonians. But he should be caught and taken in chains to Babylon: but still he should not see Babylon. We know the terrible way that puzzle was solved.
Bro Growcott - Prophecies in the captivity