Ezekiel 22:15

KJV

And I will scatter thee among the heathen, and disperse thee in the countries, and will consume thy filthiness out of thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will scatter {H6327} thee among the heathen {H1471}, and disperse {H2219} thee in the countries {H776}, and will consume {H8552} thy filthiness {H2932} out of thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will scatter you among the Goyim and disperse you throughout the countries; thus I will remove your defilement from you,

Berean Standard Bible

I will disperse you among the nations and scatter you throughout the lands; I will purge your uncleanness.

American Standard Version

And I will scatter thee among the nations, and disperse thee through the countries; and I will consume thy filthiness out of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:15 pronounces God's severe judgment upon Jerusalem for its profound moral and spiritual corruption, declaring that He will scatter His people among foreign nations and disperse them throughout various lands. Crucially, this divine act of dispersion is not merely punitive but also redemptive, as God simultaneously vows to consume their deep-seated "filthiness," indicating a painful yet purposeful purification intended to refine His people and restore them to a state of holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 is a powerful and direct prophetic indictment against Jerusalem, which God labels "the bloody city" due to its pervasive sin. This chapter serves as a detailed list of the city's transgressions, highlighting the corruption of its leaders—princes, priests, and prophets—as well as the moral decay of its common people. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 22:1-14) meticulously catalog specific sins, including idolatry, bloodshed, oppression of the vulnerable, and profanation of sacred things. Verse 15, therefore, functions as a direct consequence and divine response to this catalogue of iniquity, outlining the inevitable judgment that God will bring upon His unfaithful covenant people. It transitions from the description of sin to the pronouncement of judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent prophecies of restoration and purification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Ezekiel were delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile. Ezekiel himself was among the exiles deported to Babylon in 597 BC, serving as God's prophet to the captive community. Jerusalem, at this time, was still standing but under severe threat, eventually falling in 586 BC. The "scattering" and "dispersing" mentioned in the verse directly refer to the various waves of Babylonian deportation and the subsequent diaspora of the Jewish people. This was not an unprecedented event but a fulfillment of long-standing covenant curses outlined in the Torah, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The cultural context reveals a society that had deeply assimilated pagan practices and moral corruption, despite having been chosen by God and given His Law. The "filthiness" (Hebrew: _ṭumʼâh_) refers not only to ritual impurity but, more significantly in Ezekiel's context, to profound moral and spiritual defilement stemming from idolatry, injustice, and a blatant disregard for God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**. God's holiness demands a response to sin, and His justice ensures that covenant unfaithfulness will not go unpunished. The dispersion is a direct manifestation of this judgment, a painful but necessary consequence for a people who had repeatedly rejected His ways (cf. [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Dispersion as a Consequence of Disobedience")). Secondly, and perhaps more profoundly, the verse introduces the theme of **Purification Through Discipline**. The phrase "and will consume thy filthiness out of thee" reveals that God's judgment is not merely punitive but also redemptive. The exile, though devastating, was intended as a refining fire, a surgical act to remove the deep-seated spiritual and moral corruption that had permeated Israel. This theme anticipates later promises of a new heart and spirit, where God would cleanse His people and enable them to walk in His statutes (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:25-27](/ezekiel/36-25 "Ezekiel 36:25-27 - Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")). It highlights God's ultimate desire for His people's restoration and holiness, even through severe means.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scatter (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** This primitive root (H6327) signifies to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively, especially to disperse. It conveys a sense of violent fragmentation and wide distribution. In Ezekiel 22:15, it emphasizes the forceful and complete breaking up of the nation of Judah, scattering its inhabitants far from their homeland as a direct consequence of divine judgment. This is not a gentle scattering but an act of shattering.
* **heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** Derived from H1471, this term refers to a foreign nation or, by extension, a Gentile. It denotes peoples outside the covenant community of Israel. The act of scattering "among the heathen" highlights the shame and humiliation of Israel's exile, as they would be forced to live among those who did not know or worship Yahweh, a stark contrast to their identity as God's chosen and set-apart people.
* **filthiness (Hebrew, _ṭumʼâh'_):** From H2932, this word denotes religious impurity, defilement, or uncleanness. While it can refer to ceremonial uncleanness, in the prophetic context of Ezekiel, _ṭumʼâh_ primarily signifies deep moral depravity, spiritual corruption, and idolatry that has permeated the very fabric of society. God's promise to "consume thy filthiness out of thee" indicates His intention to purify His people from this pervasive spiritual disease through the painful process of exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will scatter thee among the heathen":** This clause pronounces the initial phase of God's judgment, emphasizing His direct agency ("I will scatter"). The "thee" refers to Jerusalem/Judah, and "the heathen" refers to the foreign nations, particularly Babylon, among whom the exiles would be forcibly dispersed. This speaks to the loss of national identity, security, and presence in the promised land.
* **"and disperse thee in the countries":** This second clause functions as a strong parallel to the first, reinforcing the theme of widespread dispersion. The use of "disperse" (a different Hebrew word than "scatter" but with a similar meaning in context) and "in the countries" emphasizes the global reach of this judgment, ensuring that the people would be spread far and wide, unable to easily re-gather or maintain their former communal life.
* **"and will consume thy filthiness out of thee":** This crucial third clause reveals the redemptive purpose behind the severe judgment. God's intent is not merely destruction but purification. The "filthiness" represents the deep-seated moral and spiritual corruption that had infected Judah. "Consume" (H8552, _tâmam_) implies a complete removal or bringing to an end. Through the crucible of exile and suffering, God intends to purge His people of their idolatry, injustice, and rebellion, preparing them for a renewed relationship with Him.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the opening two clauses: "And I will scatter thee among the heathen, and disperse thee in the countries." This synonymous parallelism intensifies the sense of widespread and inescapable judgment, emphasizing the thoroughness of God's action. The repetition underscores the severity of the dispersion. **Metaphor** is powerfully used in the term "filthiness," which serves as a vivid representation of Jerusalem's deep moral and spiritual corruption, encompassing idolatry, injustice, and covenant breaking. This abstract concept of sin is made tangible and repulsive through the imagery of defilement. Finally, the verse is characterized by strong **Divine Agency**, with God explicitly stating "I will scatter," "I will disperse," and "I will consume." This reiteration of "I will" highlights God's sovereign control over history, His active involvement in judgment, and His ultimate purpose of purification for His people, demonstrating that these events are not random but part of His deliberate plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:15 is a profound theological statement on God's character and His dealings with His people. It reveals a God who is utterly holy, intolerant of sin, and just in His judgments. Yet, it also portrays a God whose ultimate aim, even in severe discipline, is redemptive. The dispersion, a consequence of covenant unfaithfulness, was a painful but necessary process to purge Israel of its deep-seated idolatry and moral decay, preparing them for future restoration and a renewed relationship with Him. This principle of divine discipline for the purpose of purification is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His people's holiness and His ultimate desire for their spiritual well-being.

* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion as a Covenant Curse")
* [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - God's Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")
* [Jeremiah 30:11](/jeremiah/30-11 "Jeremiah 30:11 - God's Discipline is for Restoration, Not Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:15 offers profound and challenging lessons for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering holiness and His intolerance for sin, even among those He has chosen and called His own. While we live under the New Covenant, the principle remains that God disciplines those He loves, not out of malice, but out of a desire for their spiritual purification and growth. Just as Israel's "filthiness" required a painful purging, so too does any unconfessed sin, idolatry, or moral compromise in our lives hinder our relationship with God and impede our spiritual flourishing. This verse calls us to a deep self-examination, prompting us to identify areas where we might be clinging to "filthiness" – whether it be pride, materialism, unrighteous anger, or any form of spiritual apathy. It reminds us that God's refining work, though sometimes uncomfortable or painful, is ultimately for our good, leading us to greater conformity to Christ's character and a deeper walk of holiness. We are invited to trust in His loving discipline, knowing that His ultimate purpose is to consume our impurities and make us truly consecrated to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "filthiness" or areas of spiritual impurity might God be seeking to "consume" out of my life today?**
* **How do I typically respond to God's discipline or conviction of sin—with resistance or with a humble willingness to be purified?**
* **In what ways can I actively cooperate with God's refining work in my life, even when it is painful?**

### FAQ
**What is the "filthiness" mentioned in this verse, and how does it relate to our lives today?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 22:15, "filthiness" (Hebrew: _ṭumʼâh_) refers primarily to the deep moral and spiritual corruption of Jerusalem. This included widespread idolatry (worship of false gods), social injustice (oppression of the poor, widows, and orphans), bloodshed, and a general disregard for God's covenant laws. It was a pervasive defilement that affected all levels of society. For believers today, while we are not under the Old Covenant ceremonial laws, the concept of "filthiness" still applies to spiritual and moral impurity. This can manifest as sin in our thoughts, words, and actions, such as pride, greed, lust, envy, unrighteous anger, idolatry of worldly things (money, power, status), or any practice that contradicts God's holy character and commands. Just as God sought to purify Israel, He desires to cleanse us from anything that defiles our relationship with Him and hinders our walk of holiness. The New Testament speaks of being cleansed from "all defilement of flesh and spirit" (e.g., [2 Corinthians 7:1](/2_corinthians/7-1 "2 Corinthians 7:1 - Cleansing from Defilement")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:15, with its dual emphasis on judgment and purification, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel's "filthiness" required the painful process of exile and dispersion, the New Covenant offers a superior and complete cleansing through the sacrifice of Christ. The "consuming" of filthiness, which was a long and arduous process for Israel, is fully accomplished in the person and work of Jesus. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the judgment for our "filthiness" on the cross. His shed blood is the ultimate purifier, far more effective than any external discipline or ritual. As [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies Conscience") declares, His blood purifies our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Through faith in Him, we are not merely scattered and disciplined, but we are made new creations, given a [new heart and a new spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - Promise of a New Heart and Spirit") by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The discipline we experience as believers is not for judgment but for our sanctification, to make us partakers of His holiness (cf. [Hebrews 12:10-11](/hebrews/12-10 "Hebrews 12:10-11 - God Disciplines for Our Good")). Thus, Christ is not only the one who bears the judgment for our sin but also the one who empowers us to live a life of purity, having consumed our filthiness through His perfect sacrifice and ongoing work of transformation.

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

Nehemiah 1:8

Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, [If] ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:

Deuteronomy 4:27

And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

Ezekiel 22:22

As silver is melted in the midst of the furnace, so shall ye be melted in the midst thereof; and ye shall know that I the LORD have poured out my fury upon you.

Zechariah 7:14

But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

Leviticus 26:33

And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

Ezekiel 36:19

And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.

Ezekiel 12:14

And I will scatter toward every wind all that [are] about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.