Ezekiel 14:22

KJV

Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, [both] sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, [even] concerning all that I have brought upon it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet, behold, therein shall be left {H3498} a remnant {H6413} that shall be brought forth {H3318}, both sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}: behold, they shall come forth {H3318} unto you, and ye shall see {H7200} their way {H1870} and their doings {H5949}: and ye shall be comforted {H5162} concerning the evil {H7451} that I have brought {H935} upon Jerusalem {H3389}, even concerning all that I have brought {H935} upon it.

Complete Jewish Bible

there will still be left a remnant in it to be brought out, including both sons and daughters. When they come out to you, and you see their way of life and how they act, then you will be consoled over the calamity I have brought upon Yerushalayim, over everything I have done to it.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet, behold, some survivors will be left in it—sons and daughters who will be brought out. They will come out to you, and when you see their conduct and actions, you will be comforted regarding the disaster I have brought upon Jerusalem—all that I have brought upon it.

American Standard Version

Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be carried forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings; and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 14:22 reveals a profound aspect of God's judgment upon Jerusalem: the preservation of a small remnant, not as a sign of their righteousness or for future blessing, but specifically to demonstrate the undeniable justice and righteousness of God's severe actions. Their continued wicked "way and doings" would serve as irrefutable evidence to the exiles that the extensive "evil" (calamity) brought upon the city was entirely deserved, thereby comforting them in the understanding of divine vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of powerful prophetic declarations by Ezekiel to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, specifically addressing the deep-seated idolatry and moral corruption pervading Jerusalem. Chapters [8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple") through [11](/ezekiel/11 "Ezekiel 11 - God's Glory Departs Jerusalem") graphically detail the abominable practices within the Temple and the city, culminating in the departure of God's glory. Chapter [14](/ezekiel/14 "Ezekiel 14 - God's Judgment on Idolatry") directly confronts those who, despite their outward piety, harbored idols in their hearts and sought counsel from the prophet. God declares He will answer them according to their idolatry, and that Jerusalem faces an inescapable judgment through His "four sore judgments" of famine, wild beasts, pestilence, and the sword, as stated in [Ezekiel 14:21](/ezekiel/14-21 "Ezekiel 14:21 - God's Four Sore Judgments"). Ezekiel 14:22 then provides the crucial theological explanation for the survival of a small group amidst this devastation: their very presence and continued character would confirm the righteousness of God's devastating judgment, thus vindicating Him before the watching exiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national trauma for Judah (c. 597-571 BC). Jerusalem, though under siege and eventually destroyed (586 BC), was still the symbolic heart of Jewish identity and religious practice. Many exiles struggled to reconcile God's covenant promises with the impending or ongoing destruction of their holy city. They questioned God's justice, perhaps believing that such a catastrophe was unwarranted or that God had abandoned them. Within this context, the concept of a "remnant" was familiar, often signifying a faithful few preserved for future restoration (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Will Return")). However, Ezekiel 14:22 radically redefines this concept. The "remnant" here is not preserved for their piety but as living proof of Jerusalem's pervasive wickedness, even among those spared, thereby justifying the severity of God's judgment to a questioning and suffering people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment** as a righteous and inevitable consequence of persistent sin and idolatry, particularly when God's people have defiled His covenant. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty** over both destruction and preservation; He is in absolute control of who survives and for what purpose. Thirdly, the passage introduces a unique aspect of **Remnant Theology**, distinct from the more hopeful "remnant of grace" found elsewhere. Here, the remnant serves as a witness to the justice of judgment, not as a seed for future blessing. Finally, and most crucially, the verse emphasizes **Divine Vindication**. God's actions, though seemingly harsh, are not arbitrary. The survival of a wicked remnant would serve to silence all accusations against God's justice, demonstrating that the "evil" He brought upon Jerusalem was a perfectly righteous response to its deep-seated corruption, thereby bringing "comfort" in the form of understanding and affirmation of His character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remnant (Hebrew, _pᵉlêyṭâh'_):** H6413, meaning "deliverance" or, concretely, "an escaped portion." In Ezekiel 14:22, this term signifies a small group of survivors. Crucially, unlike many other prophetic uses of "remnant" which denote a faithful few preserved for future blessing and restoration, here it refers to those who merely "escaped" the immediate judgment, not necessarily because of their righteousness, but for a specific revelatory purpose: to bear witness to the justice of God's actions. Their survival is not a sign of divine favor but a tool for divine vindication.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** H1870, meaning "a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action." This word, paired with "doings," refers to the character, conduct, and moral choices of the surviving remnant. It implies their established patterns of behavior and their moral trajectory. The exiles seeing their "way" means they would observe their continued sinful lifestyle, confirming that even those who survived were deeply implicated in the wickedness that brought about Jerusalem's destruction.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** H7451, meaning "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, calamity." In this specific context, "evil" refers not to moral evil committed by God, but to the devastating calamity, disaster, or affliction that God Himself brought upon Jerusalem as a righteous judgment. The exiles would be "comforted concerning the evil" in the sense that they would understand and accept that the disaster was a just and deserved consequence, not an arbitrary act of cruelty. This understanding would vindicate God's character and actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, [both] sons and daughters:"** This opening clause highlights a surprising element amidst the pronouncements of total destruction. Despite the severity of the coming judgment, God declares that a small group, a "remnant," will survive. The specification "sons and daughters" emphasizes that this preservation includes entire families, not just isolated individuals, making their continued "way and doings" a more visible and undeniable testimony. This remnant is "brought forth" from the midst of the destruction, indicating God's sovereign hand in their survival.
* **"behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings:"** This clause explains the *purpose* of the remnant's survival. They are not merely escaping; they are being "brought forth" to the exiles. The exiles, who are questioning God's justice in Babylon, will personally observe the "way and doings" (their character and actions) of these survivors. This observation is key: it implies that the remnant's conduct will continue to be wicked, revealing the deep-seated corruption that permeated Jerusalem. Their persistent sinfulness, even after surviving such a catastrophe, would serve as living proof of the city's deserved judgment.
* **"and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, [even] concerning all that I have brought upon it."** This final clause articulates the ultimate outcome and theological significance. The exiles, upon witnessing the unrepentant "way and doings" of the remnant, would be "comforted." This comfort is not a feeling of relief from suffering, but a profound intellectual and spiritual understanding, an affirmation of God's perfect justice. They would realize that the "evil" (calamity and judgment) God brought upon Jerusalem was entirely justified, a righteous response to pervasive sin. This vindication of God's character and actions would bring a deep sense of peace and trust in His righteousness, even amidst the devastation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 14:22 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the concept of a "remnant," typically a symbol of hope and future restoration, is inverted. Here, the remnant's survival serves not as a sign of grace but as a grim testament to the pervasive wickedness that necessitated God's judgment, bringing "comfort" to the observers through divine vindication rather than relief. This creates a stark contrast with other prophetic uses of the term. The phrase "their way and their doings" utilizes **Merism**, combining two related terms to encompass the entirety of the remnant's character and conduct, emphasizing both their internal disposition and external actions. Furthermore, the repeated "behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) functions as an **Interjection** or **Exclamation**, drawing immediate attention to the surprising and significant revelation that follows, underscoring the divine certainty and importance of this prophetic message. Finally, the entire passage is a form of **Divine Speech**, presented as a direct utterance from Yahweh, lending it ultimate authority and truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 14:22 offers a unique and sobering perspective on divine justice, challenging conventional notions of a "remnant." It underscores that God's judgments are never arbitrary but are always a righteous response to persistent sin and rebellion. The comfort derived by the exiles is not from the cessation of suffering, but from the profound understanding that God's actions are perfectly just and His character unimpeachable. This verse affirms God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that even in the midst of overwhelming destruction, He orchestrates events to reveal His righteousness and vindicate His name before His people and the nations. It serves as a stark reminder that sin has inevitable and severe consequences, and that God will always be proven just in His dealings with humanity.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Work and Justice")
* [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - Against You Only Have I Sinned")
* [Romans 3:4](/romans/3-4 "Romans 3:4 - Let God Be True and Every Man a Liar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 14:22, though set in a context of ancient judgment, carries timeless truths for contemporary believers. It confronts our often-simplistic understanding of suffering and divine intervention. We are reminded that God's justice is not merely punitive but also revelatory; He acts to vindicate His own holy character. When we witness hardship, whether personal or global, this passage calls us to look beyond immediate pain and seek to understand God's righteous purposes, even if those purposes involve severe discipline. It challenges us to examine our own "way and doings," recognizing that persistent unrepentant sin inevitably invites God's just consequences. True comfort, in this light, comes not from the absence of trouble, but from a profound trust in God's perfect righteousness and His sovereign control over all things, even when His ways are difficult to comprehend. It compels us to align our lives with His standards, knowing that His judgments are always just and His character always true.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's need to vindicate His justice impact your view of suffering and judgment in the world today?**
* **In what ways might our "way and doings" (our character and actions) serve as a testimony, either for or against God's righteousness, to those around us?**
* **What does it mean to find "comfort" in the understanding of God's justice, especially when His actions seem severe or difficult to reconcile with our expectations?**

### FAQ

**What does "comforted concerning the evil" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase does not imply that the exiles would find emotional relief or joy in the suffering of Jerusalem. Rather, "comforted" (Hebrew: *nâcham*) here signifies a profound sense of vindication and affirmation. The "evil" (Hebrew: *raʻ*) refers to the calamity and disaster that God Himself brought upon Jerusalem as a judgment. When the exiles saw the continued wicked "way and doings" of the surviving remnant, they would understand and accept that the severe judgment on Jerusalem was entirely just and deserved. This understanding would "comfort" them by confirming God's righteousness and silencing any doubts or accusations against His character regarding the destruction of their beloved city. It's a comfort rooted in theological clarity and the vindication of God's holy name.

**Why would God spare a remnant just to prove a point about their wickedness?**

Answer: God's actions are always purposeful, and in Ezekiel 14:22, the sparing of this particular remnant serves a crucial didactic and vindicating purpose. The exiles, who were questioning God's justice and perhaps feeling that Jerusalem's destruction was arbitrary, needed tangible proof. By allowing a wicked remnant to survive and come to them, God provided living, undeniable evidence of the deep-seated corruption that permeated Jerusalem. The continued sinful "way and doings" of these survivors would demonstrate that even those who escaped the immediate judgment were deserving of it. This served to silence all human accusations against God's righteousness, proving that His "evil" (calamity) brought upon the city was a just and necessary response to its pervasive idolatry and rebellion. It was a powerful, visible demonstration of divine justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 14:22, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment and vindication, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament remnant here serves to justify God's judgment on sin, Christ Himself becomes the ultimate justification for God's righteous wrath and the means of true comfort. The "evil" (calamity) that humanity deserved for its "way and doings"—its rebellion and sin—was fully borne by Christ on the cross. He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), satisfying divine justice. Through His atoning sacrifice, God's righteousness is not only vindicated but also extended as grace to those who believe. The true "remnant" is no longer defined by physical survival to prove wickedness, but by spiritual rebirth into Christ, becoming the [church, His body](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head of the Church"). This new covenant remnant, comprised of "sons and daughters" from every tribe and tongue, lives not to display their own sinfulness, but to reflect the righteousness of Christ (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "comfort" promised in Ezekiel is fully realized in Christ, for through Him, believers are reconciled to God, finding peace and assurance that God is both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (cf. [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith") and [Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, Christ transforms the grim vindication of judgment into the glorious vindication of salvation, demonstrating God's perfect justice and boundless love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 12:16

But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 20:43

And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.

Hebrews 12:6

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Hebrews 12:11

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Jeremiah 30:11

For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

2 Chronicles 36:20

And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:

Jeremiah 31:17

And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.