19 And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?
19 Then the people asked me, "Won't you tell us what these things have to do with us? Why are you acting like this?"
19 And the people said to me, "Will you not tell us what these things mean for us, that you are acting thus?"
19 The people came to me, saying, "Tell us why you're acting like this. What does it mean, anyway?"
19 And the people said to me, "Will you not tell us what these things signify to us, that you behave so?"
19 Then the people asked, "What does all this mean? What are you trying to tell us?"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 24:19
Commentary on Ezekiel 24:15-27
(Read Ezekiel 24:15-27)
Though mourning for the dead is a duty, yet it must be kept under by religion and right reason: we must not sorrow as men that have no hope. Believers must not copy the language and expressions of those who know not God. The people asked the meaning of the sign. God takes from them all that was dearest to them. And as Ezekiel wept not for his affliction, so neither should they weep for theirs. Blessed be God, we need not pine away under our afflictions; for should all comforts fail, and all sorrows be united, yet the broken heart and the mourner's prayer are always acceptable before God.