18 "Son of man, tremble as you eat your food, and shudder in fear as you drink your water.
18 Son of man, eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling and with carefulness;
18 "Son of man, eat your bread with quaking, and drink water with trembling and with anxiety.
18 "Son of man, eat your meals shaking in your boots, drink your water trembling with fear.
18 "Son of man, eat your bread with quaking, and drink your water with trembling and anxiety.
18 "Son of man, tremble as you eat your food. Shake with fear as you drink your water.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:18
Commentary on Ezekiel 12:17-20
(Read Ezekiel 12:17-20)
The prophet must eat and drink in care and fear, with trembling, that he might express the condition of those in Jerusalem during the siege. When ministers speak of the ruin coming upon sinners, they must speak as those that know the terrors of the Lord. Afflictions are happy ones, however grievous to flesh and blood, that improve us in the knowledge of God.