In Ezekiel 4 and 5 God has Ezekiel symbolically represent Israel and Jerusalem. He represents their punishment through his actions. As they see what he is doing they will learn what God is doing to them. Ezekiel will explain his actions and reveal their punishment.

James 1 encourages those who are going through trial to meet these trials with joy. They test our faith and allow us to build up endurance. We need to realize that temptation does not come from God, but rather from our own desire. If God’s word is implanted within us we can overcome the temptation. As we do the word we move farther away from the things that would tarnish us.