Spiritual Gems for the Week of December 7-13, 2026

Ezekiel 4:12-15. What does Jehovah’s taking Ezekiel’s request into account teach us? (w94 8/1 13 pars. 14, 15).

Ezekiel 4:15 — So he said to me: “All right, I will allow you to use cattle manure instead of human excrement, and you will bake your bread over it.”

Answer 1: Jehovah’s accepting Ezekiel’s request shows that He is reasonable, not inflexible. Although He had given a specific instruction, He took Ezekiel’s concern into account and allowed him to use another fuel. The reference information highlights this consideration, which examines matters in a humane and reasonable way. Jehovah did not treat the prophet as though his feelings were unimportant. He listened to his request and granted a change that addressed his concern.

Ezekiel 4:14 — I then said: “Not that, Sovereign Lord Jehovah! From my youth until now, I have not been defiled by eating meat from an animal found dead or a torn animal, and no unclean meat has entered my mouth.”

Answer 2: Jehovah took into account the reasons Ezekiel expressed. The prophet explained that from his youth he had avoided defiling himself with unclean food. He was not saying that he refused to serve Jehovah; he was expressing a concern related to his conduct up to that time. The divine response shows that Jehovah listens to what his servants have to say. His way of exercising authority includes considering a person’s facts and circumstances rather than responding harshly.

Answer 3: This account also shows that being reasonable does not mean abandoning the purpose of an instruction. Jehovah changed the fuel Ezekiel could use, but He did not cancel the message he was to deliver about Israel. He made a specific concession without failing to accomplish His purpose. Thus, His response was not indecisive. Rather, it demonstrates that He can preserve what is essential in what He has arranged and at the same time treat His servant with consideration.

Answer 4: The consideration Jehovah showed Ezekiel agrees with His willingness to be merciful. The reference information explains that being ready to forgive is a fundamental way to demonstrate reasonableness. Although Ezekiel’s case did not involve forgiving a sin, we see the same absence of rigidity. Jehovah does not use His authority coldly; He takes people into account and responds kindly when there are reasons to make a concession.

Answer 5: Ezekiel’s request allows us to see that Jehovah’s consideration is compatible with His justice. The reference information also illustrates this with David: Jehovah was merciful to him when he repented, but He corrected him through Nathan. Being reasonable does not mean overlooking what is wrong. In Ezekiel’s case, Jehovah addressed his concern without withdrawing the warning against Israel. His kindness and the firmness of His decisions do not contradict each other.

What spiritual gems have you found in this week’s Bible reading?

Spiritual Gems for EZEKIEL 3

Ezekiel 3:1 — Then he said to me: “Son of man, eat what is before you. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.”

Comment 1: At Ezekiel 3:1, the prophet had to eat the scroll before speaking to Israel. This order reminds me that I first need to feed myself spiritually before teaching others. Preparing for the ministry involves more than finding something to say; it means understanding the Bible’s message and allowing it to influence me.

Ezekiel 3:3 — He went on to say to me: “Son of man, eat this scroll that I am giving you, and fill your stomach with it.” So I began to eat it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.

Comment 2: Ezekiel 3:3 says that the scroll tasted sweet to the prophet. Although he would have to deliver a message to people who would not want to listen, receiving Jehovah’s words was pleasant. This helps me value Bible study even when I find counsel difficult to accept. Not everything I read will be easy to apply, but I can enjoy learning from Jehovah and be grateful that He allows me to know His way of thinking.

Ezekiel 3:4 — He said to me: “Son of man, go in among the house of Israel and speak my words to them.

Comment 3: At Ezekiel 3:4, Jehovah made it clear that the prophet was to transmit His words. Ezekiel was not to invent a message that would be more appealing. This teaches me to keep the Bible as the basis of what I say in the ministry. I can adapt how I explain a teaching to the person listening, but I must not change its content or present my opinions as Jehovah’s thoughts. What matters is being faithful to the message.

Ezekiel 3:7 — But the house of Israel will refuse to listen to you, for they do not want to listen to me. All those of the house of Israel are hardheaded and hardhearted.

Comment 4: Ezekiel 3:7 shows that the rejection of the prophet had a deeper cause: the Israelites did not want to listen to Jehovah. This helps me not to view every negative response in the ministry as a personal failure. Of course, I should continue improving how I speak and treat everyone with respect. But I cannot decide for them. Remembering this helps me remain positive and continue preaching without measuring the value of my efforts solely by the reaction I receive.

Ezekiel 3:9 — I have made your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or be terrified by their faces, for they are a rebellious house.”

Comment 5: At Ezekiel 3:9, Jehovah assured the prophet that He would strengthen him so that he would not be intimidated. He did not promise that hostile faces would disappear, but that Ezekiel could fulfill his commission despite them. It encourages me to remember that courage does not require all circumstances to be favorable. When I feel afraid to speak about my beliefs, I can ask Jehovah for help and focus on pleasing Him. Being firm in the faith does not require responding harshly.

Ezekiel 3:10 — He went on to say to me: “Son of man, take to heart and listen to all my words that I speak to you.

Comment 6: Ezekiel 3:10 links two things: listening to Jehovah’s words and accepting them in the heart. I may hear counsel and even explain it to someone else, but that does not mean I have made it my own. This verse invites me to ask how what I learn influences my decisions. If Bible counsel points out something I need to change, accepting it in my heart means stopping the excuses and taking a concrete step to put it into practice.

Ezekiel 3:15 — So I went to the exiled people at Telabib, who were dwelling by the river Chebar, and I stayed there where they were dwelling; and in a dazed condition, I stayed among them for seven days.

Comment 7: Ezekiel 3:15 says that the prophet remained dazed for seven days among the exiles. This detail shows that a faithful servant can be deeply affected by what he experiences. It would not be fair to think that feeling overwhelmed always reveals a lack of faith. In the congregation, this account encourages me to be patient with those facing difficult situations. Before expecting them to resume their activity or good spirits immediately, I can listen to them and try to understand how they feel.

Ezekiel 3:17 — “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman to the house of Israel; and when you hear a word from my mouth, you must warn them from me.

Comment 8: At Ezekiel 3:17, Jehovah appointed the prophet as a watchman and told him to warn the people on His behalf. The warning did not originate with Ezekiel’s opinion but with what Jehovah communicated to him. This reminds me of the seriousness of transmitting the Bible’s message. When speaking with others, I should not arouse fear with personal ideas or make predictions. My responsibility is to explain clearly what the Bible says and help them see why it deserves attention.

Ezekiel 3:19 — But if you warn someone wicked and he does not turn back from his wickedness and from his wicked course, he will die for his error, but you will certainly save your own life.

Comment 9: Ezekiel 3:19 distinguishes between the prophet’s responsibility to warn and the responsibility of the one receiving the warning. If Ezekiel fulfilled his commission, the wicked person’s refusal did not make him guilty. This principle helps me maintain a balanced attitude when trying to help someone. I should speak kindly and do what I can, but I cannot force that person to change. Respecting personal responsibility keeps me from carrying guilt that does not belong to me.

Ezekiel 3:20 — But when someone righteous abandons his righteousness and does what is wrong, I will put a stumbling block before him and he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die for his sin and his righteous acts will not be remembered, but I will ask his blood back from you.

Comment 10: Ezekiel 3:20 warns that a righteous person could abandon his good conduct and begin doing wrong. His previous acts did not make his present sins acceptable. This teaches me not to become complacent because of the years I have served Jehovah or because of what I have done in the past. Faithfulness is also demonstrated by today’s decisions. Therefore, I need to keep watching my habits, accept correction, and not minimize conduct that could distance me from Jehovah.

Ezekiel 3:21 — But if you have warned the righteous one not to sin, and he does not sin, he will surely keep alive because he was warned, and you will have saved your own life.”

Comment 11: At Ezekiel 3:21, a warning could help a righteous person avoid sin and keep living. Thus, receiving counsel does not necessarily mean that we have already committed a serious error. Sometimes it protects us from doing so. This verse encourages me not to become defensive when someone points out a danger on the basis of the Bible. Instead of thinking that the person distrusts me, I can be grateful that he is concerned about my spiritual well-being.

Ezekiel 3:23 — So I got up and went to the valley plain, and look! the glory of Jehovah was there, like the glory that I saw by the river Chebar, and I fell facedown.

Comment 12: Ezekiel 3:23 shows that the prophet obeyed the direction to go to the valley plain and, on seeing Jehovah’s glory, fell facedown. Receiving an important commission did not make him feel superior. He continued to recognize the greatness of the One he served. This reminds me that any responsibility in the congregation should be accompanied by humility. What matters most is not that others value what I do, but that my attitude and service honor Jehovah.

Spiritual Gems for EZEKIEL 4

Ezekiel 4:1 — “And you, son of man, take a brick and put it in front of you. Engrave on it a city—Jerusalem.

Comment 1: At Ezekiel 4:1, Jehovah told the prophet to represent Jerusalem on a brick. Something simple would communicate a serious message. This reminds me that an explanation does not need to be complicated to teach effectively. When studying the Bible with someone, I can use simple examples that clarify the idea without distracting from the text.

Ezekiel 4:3 — Take an iron griddle and place it as an iron wall between you and the city. Then set your face against it, and it will be under siege; you are to besiege it. This is a sign to the house of Israel.

Comment 2: Ezekiel 4:3 explains that the representation of the siege would serve as a sign for the house of Israel. Jehovah was not leaving the people without warning about what was to come. This detail helps me see the importance of paying attention to Bible warnings, even when their content is serious or uncomfortable. Rather than avoiding them because I prefer pleasant messages, I can ask myself what I need to correct. Listening to a warning in time can move us to make changes that we might otherwise postpone.

Ezekiel 4:5 — And I will impose on you 390 days, corresponding to the years of their guilt, and you will carry the guilt of the house of Israel.

Comment 3: At Ezekiel 4:5, Jehovah linked the days of the representation with the years of Israel’s guilt. This shows that He knew the people’s history of disobedience; He was not judging without considering the facts. It reminds me that the passage of time does not make something wrong become right. If I detect conduct that displeases Jehovah, I should not justify it by saying that I have always acted that way. The sensible course is to acknowledge it and correct it as soon as possible.

Ezekiel 4:6 — And you must complete them. “Then for a second time you will lie down, on your right side, and you will carry the guilt of the house of Judah for 40 days. A day for a year, a day for a year, is what I have given you.

Comment 4: Ezekiel 4:6 is a good example of why we should let the Bible explain its own symbols. In this representation, Jehovah expressly indicated that each day corresponded to a year. Ezekiel did not have to guess the meaning or establish it himself. When studying prophetic passages, this encourages me to focus on the explanations actually provided by the text. It would not be wise to turn a detail of this account into a rule for interpreting every other reference to time.

Ezekiel 4:7 — And you will turn your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared, and you must prophesy against it.

Comment 5: At Ezekiel 4:7, the prophet was to direct his attention to the siege of Jerusalem and prophesy against it. It was a judgment message against the city of his own people, not merely against a distant nation. This reminds me that Jehovah’s warnings can also affect things to which we feel deeply attached. When reading the Bible, I do not want to think only about how it applies to others. I need to examine my own decisions and conduct honestly.

Ezekiel 4:8 — “Look! I will tie you with ropes so that you cannot turn from your one side to your other side until you have completed the days of your siege.

Comment 6: Ezekiel 4:8 indicates that the prophet had to complete the days established for that representation. He could not consider his commission finished whenever he wished. This makes me think about the perseverance required to serve Jehovah. Initial enthusiasm is valuable, but so is continuing when an assignment becomes repetitive or requires patience. I can cultivate such constancy by caring for my responsibilities day by day, without depending only on whether they always seem new or exciting.

Ezekiel 4:10 — You will weigh out and eat 20 shekels of food per day. You will eat it at set times.

Comment 7: At Ezekiel 4:10, the prophet’s food had to be weighed and eaten at fixed times. That ration was part of the representation of the scarcity Jerusalem would suffer; it was not a recommendation about how to eat. Thinking about that limitation helps me value something as ordinary as having enough food. I want to show gratitude, avoid wasting it, and not let small preferences make me forget that having necessary food is a real reason to be thankful.

Ezekiel 4:11 — “And you will drink water by measure, a sixth of a hin. You will drink it at set times.

Comment 8: Ezekiel 4:11 adds that the water would also be rationed. This representation allows us to imagine the anguish of being unable to satisfy a basic need freely. It helps me look with greater compassion at those suffering from scarcity. Rather than thinking that their material concerns are unimportant, I can listen to them and consider what practical help is within my reach. Sensitivity to the needs of others begins by recognizing that something ordinary for me may be difficult for them to obtain.

Ezekiel 4:13 — Jehovah went on to say: “This is how the Israelites will eat their bread—unclean— among the nations where I will disperse them.”

Comment 9: Ezekiel 4:13 explains that the Israelites would eat unclean bread among the nations to which they would be scattered. Their disobedience would lead them into circumstances very different from those they knew. This verse reminds me that a bad decision can have consequences extending beyond the moment when it is made. Before acting, it is wise to think not only about what I want now but also about how that decision could affect my worship of Jehovah and my ability to follow His standards.

Ezekiel 4:14 — I then said: “Not that, Sovereign Lord Jehovah! From my youth until now, I have not been defiled by eating meat from an animal found dead or a torn animal, and no unclean meat has entered my mouth.”

Comment 10: At Ezekiel 4:14, the prophet explained that from his youth he had avoided eating unclean food. His concern was related to conduct he had tried to maintain for years. This encourages me to form good spiritual habits as soon as possible, without thinking that I can take Jehovah’s standards seriously later. Small, repeated decisions shape our conduct. Being faithful in everyday matters helps us keep our convictions clear when a difficult situation arises.

Ezekiel 4:15 — So he said to me: “All right, I will allow you to use cattle manure instead of human excrement, and you will bake your bread over it.”

Comment 11: Ezekiel 4:15 shows that Jehovah allowed a change after hearing the prophet’s concern. This teaches me a practical way to be reasonable with others. If someone expresses a difficulty, I do not have to assume immediately that he is making excuses. I can listen and consider whether there is another acceptable way to do things. In the family and in the congregation, not insisting on a personal preference when a valid alternative exists demonstrates consideration.

Ezekiel 4:17 — This will happen so that lacking bread and water, they may look in shock at one another and waste away because of their error.

Comment 12: Ezekiel 4:17 expressly links the suffering announced for Jerusalem with the errors of its inhabitants. That explanation came from Jehovah, not from an assumption by the prophet. This reminds me to respect the limits of what the Bible says. The account does not authorize me to conclude that everyone who suffers hunger today is being punished for his sins. I can learn from the consequences of Israel’s disobedience without judging unfairly those who face difficulties.