a vessel for boiling flesh, for either ceremonial or domestic use. (1 Samuel 2:14; 2 Chronicles 35:13; Job 41:20; Micah 3:3)
Caldron
Nobody stirs a caldron in Ezekiel 11, but the leaders of Jerusalem use one as a boast. They say, “this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh,” as though the walls would keep them safe, like meat held in a pot. God turns the picture around. The city’s own slain are the flesh, and its leaders will be brought out and judged, not kept safe. Elsewhere a caldron is just a cooking pot, used for holy offerings at Josiah’s Passover. Ezekiel 11:1-12 is the passage to read.
10 verses
2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles 35:13
And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people.
Ezekiel
Ezekiel 11:3
Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh.
Ezekiel 11:4
Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man.
Ezekiel 11:5
And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.
Ezekiel 11:6
Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain.
Ezekiel 11:7
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Your slain whom ye have laid in the midst of it, they are the flesh, and this city is the caldron: but I will bring you forth out of the midst of it.
Ezekiel 11:8
Ye have feared the sword; and I will bring a sword upon you, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 11:9
And I will bring you out of the midst thereof, and deliver you into the hands of strangers, and will execute judgments among you.
Ezekiel 11:10
Ye shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel 11:11
This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall ye be the flesh in the midst thereof; but I will judge you in the border of Israel:
From Smith's Bible Dictionary
William Smith, 1884