Ezekiel 24:18

18 I spoke to the people in the morning, and that evening my wife died. So I did the following morning as I had been ordered.

Ezekiel 24:18 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 24:18

So I spake unto the people in the morning
Did the duty of his office as a prophet; exhorted and instructed the people, particularly informed them of what had been said to him by the Lord, the evening or night before, concerning the death of his wife, and how he was to behave under such a providence; which he told them of before hand, that, when it came to pass, they might have a further proof of his being a true prophet of the Lord: and at even my wife died;
suddenly, as it was said she should; this shows who is meant by the desire of his eyes, and what by the taking it away; and I did in the morning as I was commanded;
neither moaned, nor sighed, nor wept, nor shed a tear, nor used any of the common ceremonies of mourning, but dressed and ate as at other times, as he was ordered to do; this was the next morning after his wife died. So the Syriac version,

``in the morning of the other day;''
and the Arabic version,
``in the morning of the following day.''
Thus whatever the Lord commands is to be done, though ever so contrary to the customs of men, or to natural inclinations and affections.

Ezekiel 24:18 In-Context

16 "Human being, with a single blow I am about to deprive you of the delight of your eyes. But you are not to lament, weep or let your tears run down.
17 Sigh silently, don't observe mourning for the dead, bind your turban on your head, put your sandals on your feet, don't cover your upper lip, and don't eat the food people prepare for mourners."
18 I spoke to the people in the morning, and that evening my wife died. So I did the following morning as I had been ordered.
19 The people asked me, "Won't you tell us what these actions of yours mean for us?"
20 I answered them, "The word of ADONAI came to me, telling me
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.