Chapter 784 of 1163

EZEKIEL 22

Four images stand out in this chapter.

The court (1–16). The prophet became a prosecuting attorney as he indicted Judah for her sins, proving that the leaders and the common people alike were guilty of breaking the law of God.

The furnace (17–22). Jerusalem would indeed become like a furnace when the army of Babylon encamped around it. But there was no good metal left in the city; all was dross. The nation had been cheapened by sin.

The jungle (23–27). The prophets were like lions and the princes like wolves, all fighting to get what they could from the people. Like animals, the priests did not make a difference between what was holy and what was unclean (Matt. 7:6).

The wall (28–31). With their false visions and messages, the prophets whitewashed the nation’s sins and covered its weaknesses. (See Ezek. 13.) God is still looking for people who will not only build strong walls but become walls by standing in the gap in the hour of danger.

People in the Breach

In the history of Israel, God raised up “gap people” to stand in the breach and stay off the judgment. Moses and Phinehas were such men (Ps. 106:23, 30), as were Joseph (Ps. 105:17) and Samuel (1 Sam. 3). Had the people heeded the messages of Jeremiah, God would have spared them, but they refused to obey. Today, God needs “gap people” with the courage to stand for what is right, even if they must stand alone.

↑ Back to top