The Lord Has Ezekiel Symbolize the Exile

The word of the Lord came to me:
"Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people.
They have eyes to see but do not see
and ears to hear but do not hear,
for they are a rebellious people.

"Therefore, son of man,
pack your belongings for exile
and in the daytime, as they watch,
set out and go from where you are to another place.
Perhaps they will understand,
though they are a rebellious house.
During the daytime, while they watch,
bring out your belongings packed for exile.
Then in the evening, while they are watching,
go out like those who go into exile.
While they watch, dig through the wall
and take your belongings out through it.
Put them on your shoulders as they are watching
and carry them out at dusk.
Cover your face so that you cannot see the land,
for I have made you a sign to the house of Israel."

So I did as I was commanded.
During the day I brought out my things packed for exile.
Then in the evening
I dug through the wall with my hands.
I took my belongings out at dusk,
carrying them on my shoulders
while they watched.

In the morning the word of the Lord came to me:
"Son of man, did not that rebellious house of Israel ask you,
'What are you doing?'

"Say to them, 'This is that the Sovereign Lord says:
This oracle concerns the prince in Jerusalem
and the whole house of Israel who are there.'
Say to them, 'I am a sign to you.'

"As I have done,
so it will be done to them.
They will go into exile as captives."

(Ezekiel 12:1-11)