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Ezekiel 22

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1 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations 3 and tell her that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O city who brings her own doom by shedding blood within her walls and making idols to defile herself, 4 you are guilty of the blood you have shed, and you are defiled by the idols you have made. You have brought your days to a close and have come to the end of your years. Therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations and a mockery to all the lands. 5 Those near and far will mock you, O infamous city, full of turmoil. 6 See how every prince of Israel within you has used his power to shed blood. 7 Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed. 8 You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths. 9 Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency. 10 In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity. 11 One man commits an abomination with his neighbor’s wife; another wickedly defiles his daughter-in-law; and yet another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter. 12 In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD. 13 Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst. 14 Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will act. 15 I will disperse you among the nations and scatter you throughout the lands; I will purge your uncleanness. 16 And when you have defiled yourself in the eyes of the nations, then you will know that I am the LORD.’" 17 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 18 “Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are but the dross of silver. 19 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because all of you have become dross, behold, I will gather you into Jerusalem. 20 Just as one gathers silver, copper, iron, lead, and tin into the furnace to melt with a fiery blast, so I will gather you in My anger and wrath, leave you there, and melt you. 21 Yes, I will gather you together and blow on you with the fire of My wrath, and you will be melted within the city. 22 As silver is melted in a furnace, so you will be melted within the city. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have poured out My wrath upon you.’" 23 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 24 “Son of man, say to her, ‘In the day of indignation, you are a land that has not been cleansed, upon which no rain has fallen.’ 25 The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her. 26 Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. 28 Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken. 29 The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice. 30 I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one. 31 So I have poured out My indignation upon them and consumed them with the fire of My fury. I have brought their ways down upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD."

Study Notes — Ezekiel 22

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Chapter Summary

Ezekiel 22 is a chapter that announces God's judgment on Jerusalem for its numerous sins and idolatries. The chapter begins with a call to the people of Jerusalem to acknowledge their sins and to recognize God's judgment on the city (Ezekiel 22:1-5). The chapter then lists the various ways in which the people of Jerusalem have sinned against God, including murder, idolatry, and adultery (Ezekiel 22:6-12). The chapter also announces God's judgment on the city, which will be carried out by the Babylonians (Ezekiel 22:13-22). The chapter concludes with a statement of God's holiness and justice, and a call to the people of Jerusalem to repent and turn to God (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel 22 is part of a larger section of the book of Ezekiel that announces God's judgment on Jerusalem and the nations (Ezekiel 20-23). The chapter is a call to the people of Jerusalem to acknowledge their sins and to recognize God's judgment on the city. The chapter is also a reminder of God's holiness and justice, and a call to the people to repent and turn to God. The historical context of the chapter is the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, which is seen as a judgment from God on the city and its inhabitants.

Heart Application

The chapter is a call to believers to examine their own hearts and lives, and to repent of any sin or idolatry. It is also a reminder of God's holiness and justice, and a call to live a life that is pleasing to Him. As believers, we are to stand in the gap and intercede for our fellow believers, and to pray for God's mercy and forgiveness in our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ezekiel 22 is a chapter that announces God's judgment on Jerusalem for its numerous sins and idolatries. The chapter calls the people of Jerusalem to acknowledge their sins and to recognize God's judgment on the city (Ezekiel 22:1-5). It also reminds us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and of the need for repentance and forgiveness in our lives (Ezekiel 22:30).

Voices from the Church

“The judgment of God is a terrible thing, and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The sins of the people of Jerusalem are a reminder to us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and of the need for repentance and forgiveness in our lives.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Chapter (Ezekiel 22:1-5) — The chapter begins with a call to the people of Jerusalem to acknowledge their sins and to recognize God's judgment on the city.
  2. The Sins of the People of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:6-12) — The chapter lists the various ways in which the people of Jerusalem have sinned against God, including murder, idolatry, and adultery.
  3. God's Judgment on the City (Ezekiel 22:13-22) — The chapter announces God's judgment on the city, which will be carried out by the Babylonians.
  4. The Need for Intercession (Ezekiel 22:23-31) — The chapter highlights the need for intercession and prayer in the life of the believer, and it calls the people of Jerusalem to repent and turn to God.
  5. Conclusion (Ezekiel 22:30) — The chapter concludes with a statement of God's holiness and justice, and a call to the people to repent and turn to God.

Core Doctrines

The Holiness of God
The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and justice, and it reminds us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him (Ezekiel 22:30).
The Importance of Repentance
The chapter calls the people of Jerusalem to repent and turn to God, and it reminds us of the need for repentance and forgiveness in our lives (Ezekiel 22:1-5).
The Need for Intercession
The chapter highlights the need for intercession and prayer in the life of the believer, and it calls the people of Jerusalem to stand in the gap and intercede for their fellow believers (Ezekiel 22:30).
The Judgment of God
The chapter announces God's judgment on the city, which will be carried out by the Babylonians (Ezekiel 22:13-22).

Lessons from Ezekiel 22

  1. The Importance of Living a Life that is Pleasing to God — The chapter reminds us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and of the need for repentance and forgiveness in our lives.
  2. The Need for Intercession and Prayer — The chapter highlights the need for intercession and prayer in the life of the believer, and it calls the people of Jerusalem to stand in the gap and intercede for their fellow believers.
  3. The Judgment of God — The chapter announces God's judgment on the city, which will be carried out by the Babylonians, and it reminds us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
  4. The Importance of Repentance — The chapter calls the people of Jerusalem to repent and turn to God, and it reminds us of the need for repentance and forgiveness in our lives.
  5. The Holiness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and justice, and it reminds us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.

Themes from Ezekiel 22

  1. The Judgment of God — The chapter announces God's judgment on the city, which will be carried out by the Babylonians, and it reminds us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
  2. The Importance of Repentance — The chapter calls the people of Jerusalem to repent and turn to God, and it reminds us of the need for repentance and forgiveness in our lives.
  3. The Need for Intercession and Prayer — The chapter highlights the need for intercession and prayer in the life of the believer, and it calls the people of Jerusalem to stand in the gap and intercede for their fellow believers.
  4. The Holiness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and justice, and it reminds us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.
  5. The Importance of Living a Life that is Pleasing to God — The chapter reminds us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and of the need for repentance and forgiveness in our lives.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways in which the people of Jerusalem have sinned against God, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
  2. How does God's judgment on Jerusalem relate to His holiness and justice, and what can we learn from this about God's character?
  3. What is the importance of intercession and prayer in the life of the believer, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
  4. How can we stand in the gap and intercede for our fellow believers, and what are some ways in which we can pray for God's mercy and forgiveness in our lives?
  5. What are some ways in which we can examine our own hearts and lives, and repent of any sin or idolatry that may be present?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Chapter (Ezekiel 22:1-5)

Ezekiel 22:1 The chapter begins with a call to the people of Jerusalem to acknowledge their sins and to recognize God's judgment on the city.
Ezekiel 22:2 The people of Jerusalem are guilty of numerous sins, including murder, idolatry, and adultery.

2. The Sins of the People of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:6-12)

Ezekiel 22:6 The people of Jerusalem are guilty of murder, which is a grave sin in God's eyes.
Ezekiel 22:7 The people of Jerusalem are also guilty of idolatry, which is a rejection of God and a turning to false gods.

3. God's Judgment on the City (Ezekiel 22:13-22)

Ezekiel 22:13 God's judgment on the city will be carried out by the Babylonians.
Ezekiel 22:14 The people of Jerusalem will be judged for their sins, and they will be punished accordingly.

4. The Need for Intercession (Ezekiel 22:23-31)

Ezekiel 22:23 The chapter highlights the need for intercession and prayer in the life of the believer.
Ezekiel 22:30 God is seeking for someone to stand in the gap and intercede for His people, but He finds none.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical context of Ezekiel 22?

The historical context of Ezekiel 22 is the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, which is seen as a judgment from God on the city and its inhabitants (Ezekiel 22:13-22).

What are some ways in which the people of Jerusalem have sinned against God?

The people of Jerusalem are guilty of numerous sins, including murder, idolatry, and adultery (Ezekiel 22:6-12).

What is the importance of intercession and prayer in the life of the believer?

The chapter highlights the need for intercession and prayer in the life of the believer, and it calls the people of Jerusalem to stand in the gap and intercede for their fellow believers (Ezekiel 22:30).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Ezekiel 22:1 → Jeremiah 1:10 The call to the people of Jerusalem to acknowledge their sins and to recognize God's judgment on the city is similar to the call to Jeremiah to prophesy against the city (Jeremiah 1:10).
2 Ezekiel 22:6 → Exodus 20:13 The sin of murder is forbidden in the Ten Commandments, and it is a grave sin in God's eyes (Exodus 20:13).
3 Ezekiel 22:7 → Leviticus 18:21 The sin of idolatry is forbidden in the law, and it is a rejection of God and a turning to false gods (Leviticus 18:21).
4 Ezekiel 22:13 → 2 Kings 25:1-21 The Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem is a historical event that is recorded in the book of 2 Kings (2 Kings 25:1-21).
5 Ezekiel 22:23 → The need for intercession and prayer in the life of the believer is emphasized in the New Testament, where we are called to pray for one another and to stand in the gap for our fellow believers (James 5:16).
6 Ezekiel 22:30 → Genesis 18:23-33 The concept of standing in the gap and interceding for others is seen in the story of Abraham, who interceded for the city of Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33).
7 Ezekiel 22:30 → Isaiah 59:16 The idea of standing in the gap and interceding for others is also seen in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet laments the lack of intercessors in the land (Isaiah 59:16).
8 Ezekiel 22:30 → John 17:20-23 The concept of standing in the gap and interceding for others is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who intercedes for His people before God (John 17:20-23).
9 Ezekiel 22:30 → Romans 8:34 The concept of standing in the gap and interceding for others is also seen in the book of Romans, where we are told that Christ intercedes for us before God (Romans 8:34).
10 Ezekiel 22:30 → Hebrews 7:25 The concept of standing in the gap and interceding for others is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is our great high priest and intercessor before God (Hebrews 7:25).

Sermons on Ezekiel 22

SermonDescription
Derek Prince Intercession - Part 2 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the abundance of spiritual light available to the current generation through various media such as television, radio, tapes, and books. He wa
K.P. Yohannan Life Changing Message!!@! - His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan This sermon emphasizes the radical commitment to following Jesus, illustrated through personal stories of persecution, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. It highlights the importance
David Wilkerson Hell - Part 1 by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of hell and the judgment of God. He emphasizes that even before eternity comes, God will pour out His judgments on the earth, inc
Alan Redpath God Seeks a Man of Prayer by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of justice and salvation in the world, drawing parallels to historical events such as the Vietnam War, the tragedy of the boat peop
David Wilkerson Christ a Stranger (1984 Conference) by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of time people have for prayer and Bible study due to their busy lives and distractions. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizi
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 16:1 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for Jesus Christ in a fallen world. He emphasizes the need for young adults to abstain from the immoralit
Andrew Bonar The Cup of Wrath by Andrew Bonar In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the severity of God's wrath and the consequences of sin. He uses imagery of the seven seals, trumpets, and vials from the book of Revelation
David Wilkerson The Destiny of Man by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling our destiny as Christians. He explains that our destiny is to live for the glory and honor of
F.J. Huegel Great Prayers of History by F.J. Huegel In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Daniel in the lion's den from the Bible. He highlights how Daniel remained faithful to God and continued to pray despite a decre
Norman Grubb Apostleship - Part 2 by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the word of God and helping others see their true identity in Christ. They mention that everyone has a role to p

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 22

In his commentary on Ezekiel 22, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and the need for repentance and forgiveness in our lives. He also highlights the concept of standing in the gap and interceding for others, which is a key theme in the chapter. Henry notes that the people of Jerusalem are guilty of numerous sins, including murder, idolatry, and adultery, and that God's judgment on the city is a result of these sins. He also emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession in the life of the believer, and notes that Christ is our great high priest and intercessor before God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The People's Sins

The people of Jerusalem are guilty of numerous sins, including murder, idolatry, and adultery. These sins are a rejection of God and a turning to false gods and sinful behaviors.

God's Judgment

God's judgment is announced as a result of the people's sins. This judgment will be carried out by the Babylonians, who will destroy the city and its inhabitants.

The Need for Intercession

The chapter highlights the need for intercession and prayer in the life of the believer. God is seeking for someone to stand in the gap and intercede for His people, but He finds none.

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