Once again the prophet acts out his message as in chapters 4 and 5. The people living in Jerusalem are using neither their eyes nor their ears. Accordingly, Ezekiel is told to pack his belongings, to dig through the wall of his house, to place his belongings on his shoulder, and to leave with his face covered. Why not leave through the door, as one normally does? Does this show a desperate attempt to escape, or an attempt to escape clandestinely? Covering the face may refer to shame, disgrace, or grief that the would-be escapees will feel.

Ezekiel carries out this pantomime, but apparently it has little effect on the people. So to the acted word (12:3–8) there is added the preached word (12:10–16). The leader in the flight will be none other than the prince himself, who leaves under cove…