Ezekiel 12:1-16

1 The word of ADONAI came to me:
2 "Human being, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes that can see, but they don't take notice; and they have ears that can hear, but they don't pay attention; because they are a rebellious people.
3 So you, human being, prepare supplies for exile; and during the daytime, as they watch, go away as if you were going into exile - leave your place, and go somewhere else as they watch. Perhaps they will take notice, even though they are a rebellious house.
4 Bring out your belongings during the day while they watch, as supplies for exile; and you yourself, while they watch, are to leave as people do who are going into exile.
5 Dig a hole through the wall while they watch, and carry [your belongings] out through it.
6 While they watch, you are to shoulder your pack and carry it out into the dark, with your face covered, so that you can't see the ground; for I am making you a sign for the house of Isra'el."
7 So I did as I had been ordered - I brought out my belongings during the day as supplies for exile, and in the evening I dug a hole through the wall with my hand; then I carried my pack out on my shoulder in the dark as they watched.
8 In the morning the word of ADONAI came to me:
9 "Human being, the house of Isra'el, that rebellious house, has asked you what you are doing.
10 Tell them that Adonai ELOHIM says this prophecy concerns the prince in Yerushalayim and all the house of Isra'el there.
11 Say: 'I am a sign for you. As I have done, so will it be done to them - they will go into exile, into captivity.
12 The prince who is with them will shoulder his pack and leave in the dark. They will dig holes through the wall to carry out their supplies. He will cover his face, so that he won't be able to see the ground with his eyes.
13 I will spread my net over him, and he will be caught in my snare. Then I will bring him to Bavel, to the land of the Kasdim. But he will not see it, even though he is going to die there.
14 I will scatter to every wind all who are in attendance on him to help him, along with all his troops; and I will pursue them with the sword.
15 They will know that I am ADONAI when I scatter them among the nations and disperse them among the countries.
16 But I will spare a few of them from sword, famine and plague; so that they can tell about all their disgusting practices among the nations where they go; thus they too will know that I am ADONAI.'"
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.