Ezekiel 22:13

KJV

Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, therefore I have smitten {H5221} mine hand {H3709} at thy dishonest gain {H1215} which thou hast made {H6213}, and at thy blood {H1818} which hath been in the midst {H8432} of thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Therefore, I am clapping my hands together because of your ill-gotten gains and the blood shed in you.

Berean Standard Bible

Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst.

American Standard Version

Behold, therefore, I have smitten my hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:13 delivers a stark divine declaration of judgment against Jerusalem, portraying God's visceral indignation and decisive action in response to the city's pervasive corruption. The verse encapsulates a divine verdict against the rampant "dishonest gain" and "blood" that had saturated the city, signifying that God's patience has reached its limit and severe consequences are imminent for a society that has thoroughly departed from His righteous standards.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 is a powerful prophetic oracle, a "word of the Lord" (Ezekiel 22:1) that functions as a comprehensive indictment against Jerusalem, often referred to as "the bloody city" (Ezekiel 22:2). Preceding this verse, God, through Ezekiel, meticulously lists the myriad sins of the city's inhabitants, from its corrupt leaders—princes, priests, and prophets—to the common people. These transgressions include idolatry (Ezekiel 22:3-4), oppression of the vulnerable (Ezekiel 22:7), desecration of holy things (Ezekiel 22:8), sexual immorality (Ezekiel 22:10-11), bribery, extortion, and rampant bloodshed (Ezekiel 22:12). Verse 13 serves as God's emphatic, immediate, and personal response to this exhaustive catalog of iniquities, signaling a climactic moment where divine patience gives way to active judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent pronouncements of refining fire and dispersion (Ezekiel 22:18-22).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel are delivered during a period of profound national crisis for Judah, specifically during the Babylonian exile. Ezekiel himself was among the exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC, prior to the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. While the people were in exile, Jerusalem continued its moral decline, clinging to a false sense of security based on its status as the holy city and the presence of the Temple. The "dishonest gain" (Ezekiel 22:12) refers to economic exploitation, usury, and bribery that preyed on the vulnerable, a common societal ill in ancient Near Eastern societies, but particularly egregious in a covenant community. "Blood" (Ezekiel 22:3-4, 6, 9, 12) signifies not only literal murder but also judicial corruption leading to the death of the innocent, and the defilement of the land through idolatrous child sacrifice. God's judgment here reflects His covenantal faithfulness, holding His people accountable to the Mosaic Law, which strictly prohibited such injustices and bloodshed, viewing them as defiling the land and provoking divine wrath.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Holiness**, underscoring God's absolute intolerance for sin and His unwavering commitment to justice. The anthropomorphic expression of God "smiting His hand" vividly portrays His righteous indignation and resolve to act, a motif also seen in [Ezekiel 21:17](/ezekiel/21-17 "Ezekiel 21:17 - God's Hand of Judgment"). Another critical theme is the **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience**, where Jerusalem's profound moral decay, particularly its economic exploitation and bloodshed, directly leads to divine retribution. This highlights the inseparable link between ethical conduct and national well-being, a principle echoed throughout the Old Testament, as seen in the call for justice to "roll down like waters" in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice and Righteousness"). Finally, the passage emphasizes **Moral Corruption and Societal Decay**, illustrating how sin, when pervasive among all levels of society, from leaders to common people, inevitably invites God's severe and purifying judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **smitten (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies a decisive, emphatic act of judgment, conveying God's firm resolve and the finality of His decision. It's not a casual gesture but an expression of deep displeasure and the initiation of punitive action.
* **dishonest gain (Hebrew, _betsaʻ'_):** H1215, from בָּצַע, meaning "plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)." This term specifically refers to ill-gotten profits, often acquired through violence, oppression, extortion, or fraud. It highlights the economic injustice and covetousness that permeated Jerusalem, indicating a systemic corruption of commercial and social life.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** H1818, from דָּמַם, referring to "blood (as that which when shed causes death)." Figuratively, especially in the plural, it denotes bloodshed, murder, or bloodguiltiness. In Ezekiel 22, it encompasses not only literal murder but also the broader concept of innocent lives taken or lives destroyed through injustice, defiling the land and provoking God's wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand":** This opening phrase functions as a divine exclamation and declaration. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) draws immediate attention to the gravity of what follows. "Therefore" (לָכֵן, _lākēn_) establishes a direct causal link between the previously enumerated sins (Ezekiel 22:6-12) and God's impending action. "I have smitten mine hand" is a powerful anthropomorphism, portraying God's deep dismay, anger, and final resolve to act decisively in judgment. It signifies a conclusive and unyielding declaration of judgment, akin to a clap of finality.
* **"at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made":** This clause specifies one primary object of God's wrath: the illicit profits and economic exploitation prevalent in Jerusalem. The phrase "dishonest gain" (בֶּצַע, _betsaʻ_) refers to ill-gotten wealth acquired through oppressive means, such as bribery, usury, and extortion. The emphasis is on the active "making" or accumulation of this unjust wealth by the city's inhabitants, highlighting their deliberate and widespread participation in corruption.
* **"and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.":** This second object of divine judgment is "blood," representing the pervasive shedding of innocent lives and the resulting bloodguilt within the city. "In the midst of thee" (בְּתוֹכֵךְ, _bəṯōḵēḵ_) emphasizes the internal, endemic nature of this violence and murder; it was not an external threat but a deep-seated corruption within Jerusalem's own society. This points to the profound moral defilement that had permeated every aspect of civic life, making the city a place of violence and injustice.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:13 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described as "smiting His hand." This human-like action vividly expresses God's intense emotional response—His dismay, anger, and final resolve—making His abstract judgment tangible and relatable. The phrase "smitten mine hand" also functions as an **Idiom** for a decisive, irreversible act of condemnation or a declaration of finality. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is evident in the use of "blood" to represent not just the physical substance but the broader concept of bloodshed, murder, and the resulting bloodguilt. This allows "blood" to stand for the heinous crime and its moral defilement. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing "dishonest gain" and "blood" side-by-side, highlighting the two primary manifestations of Jerusalem's systemic sin that provoked God's wrath, emphasizing both economic and violent injustices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:13 profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and holiness, revealing that His patience with persistent sin, especially social injustice and violence, has a limit. This verse articulates a fundamental theological truth: God is not merely an observer of human affairs but an active, righteous judge who will hold individuals and societies accountable for their moral failings. The "smiting of His hand" signifies a divine verdict that cannot be reversed, a direct consequence of Jerusalem's flagrant disregard for covenantal righteousness, particularly in their exploitation of the vulnerable and their shedding of innocent blood. This divine response highlights the intrinsic defilement that sin brings upon a land and its people, necessitating a purifying judgment to restore moral order and uphold God's character.

* [Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - Land Defiled by Sin")
* [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")
* [Isaiah 1:15](/isaiah/1-15 "Isaiah 1:15 - Hands Full of Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:13 serves as a timeless and sobering warning to all generations, including our own, about the severe consequences of systemic sin, particularly economic exploitation, social injustice, and the devaluation of human life. It challenges us to examine not only our individual actions but also the collective moral health of our communities and nations. The divine indignation expressed here reminds us that God is deeply concerned with how we treat one another, especially the vulnerable, and that ill-gotten gain and violence are abhorrent to Him. For believers, this verse calls for a radical commitment to ethical conduct in all spheres of life, rejecting greed, corruption, and any form of injustice. It compels us to advocate for righteousness, to protect the sanctity of life, and to ensure that our societal structures reflect God's justice and compassion. Ultimately, it is a call to personal and corporate repentance, urging us to turn from practices that defile and to pursue lives that honor God's commands, recognizing that true flourishing is found in alignment with His righteous ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "dishonest gain" manifest in our society today, and how are we, as individuals or communities, implicated in it?**
* **How does the "blood in the midst of thee" speak to contemporary issues of violence, injustice, and the devaluation of human life?**
* **What specific actions can I take to promote justice and righteousness within my sphere of influence, reflecting God's character?**
* **How does God's strong reaction to sin in this verse shape my understanding of His holiness and my own need for repentance?**

### FAQ

**What does "I have smitten mine hand" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "I have smitten mine hand" is a powerful **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action to God to convey His deep emotional and decisive response. It signifies God's profound dismay, indignation, and final resolve to bring judgment. It's an idiom indicating a conclusive and irreversible declaration of condemnation, much like a person clapping their hands together in a gesture of finality or exasperation. In essence, God is saying, "Enough! My patience is exhausted, and judgment is now certain." This imagery highlights the certainty and severity of the impending divine retribution against Jerusalem's pervasive sins.

**What specific sins are highlighted by "dishonest gain" and "blood" in Ezekiel 22:13?**

Answer: "Dishonest gain" (Hebrew: _betsaʻ_) refers to ill-gotten wealth acquired through unjust means, such as bribery, extortion, usury (charging excessive interest), and general economic exploitation. It speaks to a systemic corruption where the powerful preyed on the vulnerable for financial profit. "Blood" (Hebrew: _dâm_) signifies not only literal murder but also the broader concept of bloodshed, violence, and the shedding of innocent lives, often through unjust judicial processes or idolatrous practices like child sacrifice. Together, these terms encapsulate the two major categories of Jerusalem's moral decay: economic injustice and violence, which had thoroughly defiled the city and provoked God's wrath. These sins were a direct violation of God's covenant laws, which emphasized justice, compassion, and the sanctity of life, as seen in passages like [Exodus 20:13-17](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13-17 - The Ten Commandments").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:13, with its depiction of God's righteous wrath against sin, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jerusalem faced God's judgment for its "dishonest gain" and "blood," humanity's greater sin—our universal rebellion and spiritual "bloodguilt"—demanded a more profound divine response. Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly became the object of God's "smitten hand" on the cross, bearing the full weight of divine judgment for our sins. The righteous indignation that fell upon Jerusalem for its injustice and bloodshed was fully absorbed by Jesus, who "became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only took away the "bloodguilt" of humanity but also established a kingdom founded on true righteousness and justice, where "dishonest gain" is replaced by generous giving and selfless service ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Those who are in Christ are delivered from the condemnation due to their own sin and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that reflect God's justice and holiness, fulfilling the very standards Jerusalem so tragically failed to uphold ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ")). He is the ultimate answer to the problem of sin, both its penalty and its power, offering reconciliation and transformation where judgment once reigned.

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

Isaiah 33:15

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

Ezekiel 21:17

I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I the LORD have said [it].

Ezekiel 22:27

Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

Amos 2:6

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;

Amos 2:8

And they lay [themselves] down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned [in] the house of their god.

Ezekiel 21:14

Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite [thine] hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it [is] the sword of the great [men that are] slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

Micah 6:10

Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure [that is] abominable?