Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 24:18

"So I spake unto the people in the morning; and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded." — Ezekiel 24:18 (ASV)

In the morning: and at even. —What the prophet spoke to the people in the morning was what he has recorded (Ezekiel 24:3–14). Shortly after this, the warning of Ezekiel 24:15-17 must have come to him, and then his wife died in the evening of the same day. Accordingly, on the following morning the strange conduct which had been commanded him was observed by the people; their curiosity was awakened, and, rightly surmising that there must be some special significance in the strange doings of their prophet, they came to inquire about the meaning of his actions. In reply (Ezekiel 24:20–24), he announced again the destruction of the Temple, and that in the depth of sorrow and trouble at its fall there would be no outward show of mourning.