Unit: Ezekiel (Part 1)
Theme: Sin & Consequences
Lesson Text: Ezekiel 22:1, 6-12, 25-31
Supplemental Text: James 3:1; Malachi 2:7-9; Acts 20:28-31
Aim: Confess the sins in your life and in the lives of your family and church.
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By Mark Scott
It is often said, “A group never rises higher than its leadership.” It could equally be said, “A group never stoops so low as its leadership.” John Maxwell said, “Leadership is influence.” But that influence can be positive or negative. In this book of prophecy, the leadership was primarily negative.
Since the call of this exilic prophet (in Ezekiel 1–3), the prophet had cried out against Israel’s idolatry and the sins of Israel’s leaders. The result was that leaders began persecuting Ezekiel. At this juncture the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel to cry out against those leaders.
The Leaders
Ezekiel 22:6, 25- 27, 29
Five different expressions are used to talk about God’s leaders and the people who follow them. They are called princes in verse 6. This word means “captain,” or “chief governor.” They are called princes again in verse 25. But this is a different Hebrew word, which is normally translated “prophet.” They are called priests in verse 26. The Hebrew word means “chief ruler” and is used of Melchizedek. They are called officials in verse 27. This word means “chief ruler.” While it sounds like the same word as in verse 6, it is a different Hebrew word. They are also called prophets (v. 28). Then, in verse 29, the phrase people of the land is used. These are not leaders. In fact, this famous Hebrew phrase referred to just plain people who wouldn’t give a fig about obeying the law. They were viewed as dirty and unclean. But they are the ones affected by corrupt leaders.
These leaders perhaps committed or participated in the sins of the text, they perhaps taught the followers they could commit the sins in the text, or perhaps all of the above (cf. Romans 1:32). We have examples in pre-exilic Israel of leaders committing some of the sins mentioned in this lesson text (Numbers 12:1-16; chapter 25; Joshua 7:1-26; Judges—the whole book; 1 Samuel 15; 2 Samuel 11; et al.). The leaders in this exilic text are described as lions and wolves tearing their prey (vv. 25, 27).
The Sins
Ezekiel 22:6-12, 25-29
The vice lists in these paragraphs—the sheer number of sins and the depth of this leadership’s depravity—are overwhelming. Depending on how a person categorized these sins, they total 14 in number. (1) They shed blood (vv. 6, 9, 12, 27). In other words, they murdered—often for unjust gain. (2) They mistreated parents (v. 7). They forgot the fifth commandment—the one that had a promise of long life (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16). (3) They oppressed (extorted) foreigners and denied them justice (vv. 7, 29). (4) They mistreated (wronged or neglected) orphans and widows (vv. 7, 25). (5) They despised (held in contempt) holy things (vv. 8, 26). This was more than being careless with things in the temple. (6) They desecrated (polluted or profaned) the Sabbath (vv. 8, 26). It probably meant they violated it or did not keep it. (7) They slandered (v. 9). They lied. It might have shown up particularly as giving false visions or lying divinations (playing the role of a soothsayer). They whitewashed (plastered over) their deeds. (8) They ate at mountain shrines (catered to and committed lewd acts at the high places).
Spirituality goes hand-in-hand with sexuality. Idolatry leads to immorality. That is seen in many of their sins. (9) They were sexually deviate (vv. 9-10). This manifested itself in idolatrous acts, dishonoring their father’s bed (“uncovering it” as Reuben did, Genesis 49:4), violating women during their menstrual cycle (Leviticus 18:19), as well as committing adultery and incest. (10) They accepted bribes and stole (v. 12). (11) They took advantage of the people—in particular, they oppressed the poor (vv. 12, 25, 29). (12) They mistreated their neighbors (vv. 12, 29). (13) They committed robbery (vv. 25, 29). (14) The worst sin of all—they forgot (ignored or ceased to care about) the Lord (v. 12; Ezekiel 23:35).
The Intercessor
Ezekiel 22:30-31
Is there any leader who can intercede for all this wickedness on the part of God’s people? God was looking for someone—maybe Ezekiel? God needed someone (an “ish,” a “man” or person) to build up the wall and stand before God in the gap. Could someone step up and intercede for the people as Moses did (Numbers 14:13-19) or as Jesus did (Hebrews 7:25)?
For the moment, God found no one. So wrath (indignation) and fiery anger would have to come down on Israel. What leader today would cause God’s people to rise up?
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