Ezekiel 24:12

12 But efforts to clean the pot have failed. Its heavy rust cannot be removed, even in the fire.

Ezekiel 24:12 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 24:12

She hath wearied herself with lies
With serving idols, which were lying vanities; by trusting to the alliances of neighbouring nations, which deceived her; or by committing sin, in which there was no satisfaction; or it may be understood of wearying of God with their sins, and particularly with her lying promises of repentance and reformation: and her great scum went not forth out of her;
notwithstanding her promises; or notwithstanding the admonitions given, and the chastisements inflicted on her, yet she continued hardened in her sins, impenitent and unreformed: her scum shall be in the fire;
like a pot that boils over, its scum falls into the fire, and is consumed there; and in no other way, but by the fire of divine judgments, or the burning of the city, could the wickedness thereof be consumed. The Targum is,

``and they shall not go out of her that work iniquity; in the fire shall she be burnt, because of the multitude of her sins.''

Ezekiel 24:12 In-Context

10 Pile up the wood and light the fire. Finish cooking the meat. Mix in the spices, and let the bones burn.

11 Then set the empty pot on the coals so it may become hot and its copper sides glow. The dirty scum stuck inside it may then melt and its rust burn away.

12 But efforts to clean the pot have failed. Its heavy rust cannot be removed, even in the fire.

13 "'By your sinful action you have become unclean. I wanted to cleanse you, but you are still unclean. You will never be cleansed from your sin until my anger against you is carried out.

14 "'I, the Lord, have spoken. The time has come for me to act. I will not hold back punishment or feel pity or change my mind. I will judge you by your ways and actions, says the Lord God.'"