Ezekiel 4 Footnotes

4:12-17 Ezekiel, a priest, was scrupulous about conforming to the dietary laws such as those in Lv 11:1-47. Preparation of food using animal manure was not uncommon or prohibited, and is still practiced in the Middle East among nomadic tribesmen since wood for fire is a scarce commodity in the region. However, to use human waste for fuel was considered defilement, especially for a priest (Dt 23:9-14). The horror of violating biblical dietary law prompted the prophet’s appeal in Ezk 4:14 not to be forced to defile himself in this manner. The Lord granted this request, but the incident was recorded to underscore the depth of defilement that characterized those to whom the prophet was called to deliver his messages. The use of human excrement in food preparation would further emphasize the crisis conditions to come at the time of the fall of Jerusalem.