The Consequences of Disobedience FOUR SYMBOLIC ACTS Dr. Stephen Streett | Ezekiel 4:1-5:4 | Jan. 28, 2026
In the opening chapters of Ezekiel, we encounter his vision, call, and prophetic mission as an exiled priest. The book connects Jerusalem’s fall to the ongoing sins of God’s people and highlights Ezekiel’s role as a “son of man”—a mortal called by God. Tasked as a prophetic watchman, Ezekiel must stand alert, warn the people, and seek God, who remains active despite their captivity. Ezekiel’s symbolic actions were “pictures without words” for the instruction of the faithless and unbelieving people around him. In our world today, those around us are also predominantly unbelievers. What kind of pictures without words would God have us present to them? What are some ways we can demonstrate our commitment to God? FOUR SYMBOLIC acts illustrating Ezekiel’s dramatic performances: The model of a siege – representing the siege of Jerusalem. (Ez 4:1-3) A mount – mounds or ramps constructed of debris (earth, wood, stone) which were built against the walls of a besieged city. A camp – living quarters of an army contingent. Battering rams – these wheeled vehicles had a heavy ram suspended from the roof by ropes, one of its ends being a large metal blade. Based on verse Ez 4:13, the people of Judah seemed to have enjoyed defiling themselves in pagan worship and sinful behaviors while still observing the Levitical laws of ceremonial cleanliness. How might people of our day dabble in sinful behaviors while still participating in forms of worship? Our actions as Christians may not get as much attention as those of Ezekiel, but they can still have an impact on the unbelievers around us.