In Eze 4, the total of 430 days (390 for Israel: v 5; and 40
for Judah: v 6) seem to represent a complete period of affliction, of 430 years
(cp Gen 15:13; Exo 12:40).
The complete interpretation of these symbolic numbers and
periods of time may yet elude us. However, there are some significant dates
worth noting:
There is a period of 40 years for the Exodus: from the leaving
of Egypt (approximately 1446 BC) to the entry into the Land of promise (c 1406).
And from thence, approximately 390 years would measure from
the entry into the Land (1406) to the coming of the kingdom in the person of
Saul (1016).
Then again, 390 years would be the time period from Saul
(1016) to 13th Josiah (626 BC), and a remaining 40 years from the 13th Josiah to
the actual fall of Jerusalem (586) at the hand of the Babylonians, which Ezekiel
witnessed.
After the Kingdom of Judah, then, 390 years would take us from
the fall of Jerusalem (586 BC) to 196 BC. And 40 more years (196 BC to 156 BC)
would take us to the desecration of the Temple, and the ensuing Maccabean
war.
After the dividing of the kingdom, between Israel and Judah,
the North and the South, then, 390 years would measure from the 4th of Rehoboam
(2Ch 12) to the time when the Temple was burnt in the 19th of Nebuchadnezzar
(Eze 33:21). This would be approximately 982 to 592 BC.
The "Sabbaths" during 430 years = 70 Sabbath years!: 430 / 7 =
61.4; 430 / 50 = 8.6 (Jubilee years). And 61.4 + 8.6 = 70. Also, 597 BC (year of
captivity: Eze 1) to 168 BC (Maccabean revolt for independence) was exactly 430
years (GVG, Ber 66:376).
Eze 4:3
IRON: Sig Babylon (cp Deu 28:48; Jer 28:14).
IRON PAN: Is this connected with the law of the grain
offering in Lev 2:5? Was such an offering a potential way of escape, if the
people should choose it?
Eze 4:4
ON YOUR LEFT SIDE: Ezekiel, on east of city, lies on
left side, looking north -- toward the 10 tribes (cp v 6).
Eze 4:5
SIN: Heb "avon" -- a word used of both sin and its
punishment (cp Eze 14:10).
Eze 4:6
ON YOUR RIGHT SIDE: Cp v 4n. Thus, looking south -- ie
toward Judah.
Eze 4:7
WITH BARED ARM: Untrammeled for action (Isa
52:10).
Eze 4:9
Not enough of any one grain. Suggestive of an extreme
suffering, and privation: cp 2Ki 25:3; Lam 2:11,19; 4:10.
Eze 4:12
HUMAN EXCREMENT FOR FUEL: Unsuitable fuel.
Eze 4:13
But the trials have even now not been completed.
Eze 4:14
God was willing to listen to Ezekiel's scruples and so modify
His requirements upon the prophet.
Eze 4:16
// Lam 2:11,19; 4:10.
The prophecy of Lev 26:26. Fulfilled in 2Ki 25:3, and
continually throughout trials (cp Deu 28:65; Eze 5:16).