18. So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And in the morning I did as I was commanded.
19. And the people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things mean forus, that you are behaving this way?”
20. Then I answered them: The word of the Lord came to me, saying:
21. Speak to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: I will profane My sanctuary, the pride of your strength, the desire of your eyes and the delight of your soul. And your sons and your daughters whom you have left behind shall fall by the sword.
22. You shall do as I have done. You shall not cover your mustache, nor will you eat the bread of men.
23. Your turbans shall be on your heads, and your shoes on your feet. You shall not mourn or weep. But you shall pine away for your iniquities and groan toward one another.
24. Thus Ezekiel is a sign to you. According to all that he has done you shall do. And when it comes about, then you shall know that I am the Lord God.
25. As for you, son of man, shall it not be on the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that on which they set their minds, their sons and their daughters,
26. that on that day he who escapes shall come to you to cause you to hear it with your ears?
27. On that day your mouth shall be opened to him who escaped, and you shall speak and be mute no more. Thus you shall be a sign to them. And they shall know that I am the Lord.