17. Sigh silently, do not observe mourning for the dead, keep your turban fastened, and keep your sandals on your feet. Do not cover your upper lip or eat the bread of mourners.”
18. So I spoke to the people in the morning and my wife died in the evening. In the morning I did just as I was commanded.
19. The people said to me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean to us?”
20. Then I said to them, “The word of Adonai came to me saying,
21. speak to the house of Israel, thus says Adonai Elohim: ‘Behold, I will profane My Sanctuary, the pride of your might, the desire of your eyes and the longing of your soul. Your sons and your daughters that you have left behind will fall by the sword.
22. You will do just as I have done: you will not cover your upper lips or eat the bread of mourners.
23. Your turbans will remain on your heads and your shoes on your feet—you will not lament or weep. But you will pine away in your iniquities and groan to each other.
24. Ezekiel will be a sign for you; just as he has done, you will do. When this comes, you will know that I am Adonai.’