Ezekiel 22:2

Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations.

Now, thou son {H1121} of man {H120}, wilt thou judge {H8199}, wilt thou judge {H8199} the bloody {H1818} city {H5892}? yea, thou shalt shew {H3045} her all her abominations {H8441}.

"Now, human being, are you prepared to judge? Are you prepared to judge the city drenched in blood? Then make her realize how disgusting all her practices are!

“As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations

And thou, son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? then cause her to know all her abominations.

Commentary

In Ezekiel 22:2, the prophet Ezekiel receives a direct command from God, initiating a powerful indictment against Jerusalem. The Lord addresses Ezekiel as "thou son of man," a frequent title given to the prophet, emphasizing his humanity in contrast to God's divinity and his representative role among the people. The verse sets the stage for a severe divine judgment against Jerusalem, metaphorically called "the bloody city," due to its pervasive moral corruption and violence.

Context

This verse opens Ezekiel chapter 22, a chapter solely dedicated to cataloging the immense wickedness prevalent in Jerusalem just before its final destruction by Babylon in 586 BC. Ezekiel, who was already among the exiles in Babylon, serves as God's mouthpiece, revealing the depth of Judah's sin to both the exiles and those still in Jerusalem. The city, which was meant to be a holy dwelling for God, had become saturated with idolatry, injustice, bloodshed, and moral decay, leading to an inevitable confrontation with divine justice. This chapter serves as a detailed justification for the impending judgment, complementing earlier warnings found in books like Jeremiah 7 and Ezekiel's own prophecies in Ezekiel 16 and Ezekiel 20.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Justice: God, who is just, cannot overlook sin. He actively calls for judgment against a city that has deeply offended Him.
  • Prophetic Responsibility: Ezekiel is commissioned to "judge" and "shew her all her abominations," highlighting the prophet's crucial role in exposing sin and declaring God's truth, even when unpopular. This echoes his commission as a watchman for Israel.
  • The Extent of Sin: Jerusalem is branded "the bloody city," signifying its widespread violence, murder, and possibly even child sacrifice, alongside other detestable practices.
  • Exposure of Wickedness: God insists that Jerusalem's hidden sins be brought to light, demonstrating that nothing is hidden from His sight and that accountability is inevitable.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the bloody city" translates the Hebrew `‘îr dāmîm` (עִיר דָּמִים), literally "city of bloods." The plural form "bloods" intensifies the meaning, pointing to a multitude of violent acts, murders, and perhaps even the shedding of innocent blood through unjust legal proceedings. This vivid imagery underscores the pervasive nature of the city's guilt. The term "abominations" (Hebrew: `tô'ēbâ`, תּוֹעֵבָה) refers to practices that are detestable or abhorrent to God, particularly idolatry, sexual perversion, and social injustices that violate divine law.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 22:2 serves as a timeless reminder that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions. It challenges us to reflect on:

  • Societal Accountability: Just as ancient Jerusalem was judged for its moral decay, modern societies are also subject to divine principles. The prevalence of violence, injustice, and moral corruption can invite severe consequences.
  • Personal Repentance: The call to "shew her all her abominations" is a call to self-examination. Believers are encouraged to confess and turn from personal sins, recognizing that God sees all. 1 John 1:9 speaks to the cleansing power of confession.
  • The Prophetic Voice Today: While we are not prophets in the same sense as Ezekiel, believers are called to be light in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16), exposing sin through the truth of God's Word and advocating for righteousness and justice in their spheres of influence.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 24:6

    Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum [is] therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it.

  • Ezekiel 20:4

    Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge [them]? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:

  • Nahum 3:1

    ¶ Woe to the bloody city! it [is] all full of lies [and] robbery; the prey departeth not;

  • Isaiah 58:1

    ¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

  • Ezekiel 24:9

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city! I will even make the pile for fire great.

  • 2 Kings 21:16

    Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD.

  • Matthew 27:25

    Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children.