Ezekiel 22:20

KJV

[As] they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt [it]; so will I gather [you] in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave [you there], and melt you.

KJV (with Strong's)

As they gather {H6910} silver {H3701}, and brass {H5178}, and iron {H1270}, and lead {H5777}, and tin {H913}, into the midst {H8432} of the furnace {H3564}, to blow {H5301} the fire {H784} upon it, to melt {H5413} it; so will I gather {H6908} you in mine anger {H639} and in my fury {H2534}, and I will leave {H3240} you there, and melt {H5413} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, just as they collect silver, copper, iron, lead and tin into a crucible and blow fire on it to melt it down; so likewise I will collect you in my anger and fury, throw you in there, and melt you down.

Berean Standard Bible

Just as one gathers silver, copper, iron, lead, and tin into the furnace to melt with a fiery blast, so I will gather you in My anger and wrath, leave you there, and melt you.

American Standard Version

As they gather silver and brass and iron and lead and tin into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt it; so will I gather you in mine anger and in my wrath, and I will lay you there, and melt you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:20 presents a stark and powerful divine declaration of judgment against Jerusalem, likening the city's inhabitants to various metals gathered into a furnace. This vivid simile underscores the intensity, totality, and inescapable nature of God's impending wrath. The verse portrays God as the active agent, sovereignly orchestrating the "gathering" and "melting" of His unrepentant people, revealing His righteous indignation in response to their pervasive sin and deep-seated spiritual corruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 is a profound prophetic indictment against Jerusalem, aptly titled "The Bloody City" (cf. [Ezekiel 22:2](/ezekiel/22-2 "Ezekiel 22:2 - The Bloody City")). This chapter is situated within a larger block of judgment oracles (Ezekiel 20-23) that meticulously detail Israel's persistent rebellion and the inevitable divine consequences for both the northern and southern kingdoms, culminating in the Babylonian exile. Specifically, verses 1-16 meticulously enumerate the widespread sins that have permeated every stratum of Jerusalemite society—from corrupt princes and priests to false prophets and the common populace—including bloodshed, idolatry, sexual immorality, bribery, and the oppression of the vulnerable. Verses 17-22 introduce and expand upon the metaphor of the furnace, declaring that the house of Israel has become like "dross"—worthless impurities—in God's sight (cf. [Ezekiel 22:18-19](/ezekiel/22-18-19 "Ezekiel 22:18-19 - Israel as Dross")). Therefore, verse 20 serves as a direct, chilling declaration of God's active and personal involvement in bringing this judgmental "melting" process to its devastating fruition, reinforcing the severity of the divine response to their deep-seated corruption and failure to be refined by earlier trials.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Ezekiel were delivered to the Jewish exiles already in Babylon, following the first deportation in 597 BC. At the time of this oracle, Jerusalem, though still standing, was under imminent and severe threat from the Babylonian empire, having already experienced one wave of its population taken into captivity. The people remaining in Jerusalem largely remained unrepentant, clinging to false hopes of deliverance and persisting in their idolatrous and unjust practices. The imagery of a furnace and the refining of metals was a common and well-understood concept in the ancient Near East, where metallurgy was a crucial industry. Furnaces were utilized either to separate precious metals from impurities (dross) or to melt down metals for reshaping into new forms. However, in the context of [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - The Bloody City"), the "furnace" is not for purification but for punitive, destructive judgment, reflecting a complete and irreversible failure of the people to be refined by earlier divine discipline or prophetic warnings. The "gathering" of various metals—silver, brass, iron, lead, and tin—into the furnace reflects the diverse composition of Jerusalem's populace, from the seemingly "precious" (like silver) to the more "base" (like lead or tin), all equally subject to God's wrath due to their shared and pervasive corruption.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - The Bloody City") and particularly in verse 20 is **Divine Judgment and Wrath**. God's explicit declaration of His active role in gathering and melting His people underscores His righteous indignation against their persistent rebellion and spiritual apostasy. This judgment is not arbitrary but is presented as a direct, inevitable consequence of the widespread **Societal Corruption and Moral Decay** detailed throughout the chapter, which had infected every segment of Jerusalem's society. The metaphor of the **Furnace as a Symbol of Judgment** is paramount; unlike passages where fire refines for purification (e.g., [Malachi 3:3](/malachi/3-3 "Malachi 3:3 - The Refiner's Fire")), here it unequivocally signifies a punitive, destructive process, mirroring Israel's failure to be purified by previous divine discipline, a theme also powerfully articulated in [Jeremiah 6:29-30](/jeremiah/6-29-30 "Jeremiah 6:29-30 - The Failed Refining"). The verse also powerfully highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over historical events, as He explicitly states His intention to bring about this devastating outcome, foreshadowing the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, a major and recurring theme throughout [the Book of Ezekiel](/ezekiel "The Book of Ezekiel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **furnace (Hebrew, _kûwr'_):** This term refers to a pot or furnace, often conceived as an excavated structure designed for intense heat. In [Ezekiel 22:20](/ezekiel/22-20 "Ezekiel 22:20 - The Furnace of God's Wrath"), it transcends a mere industrial tool to become a potent **metaphor** for the crucible of divine judgment. The phrase "into the midst of the furnace" conveys the inescapable and overwhelming nature of the suffering and destruction that awaits Jerusalem, implying a complete engulfment by God's wrath.
* **anger (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** Literally meaning "nose" or "nostril," this word metaphorically denotes the rapid breathing associated with intense passion, thus signifying ire or wrath. When ascribed to God, as it is here and in [Ezekiel 22:31](/ezekiel/22-31 "Ezekiel 22:31 - God's Consuming Wrath"), it expresses His righteous indignation and fierce displeasure. Coupled with "fury" (H2534, _chêmâh_), it profoundly emphasizes the consuming intensity and unyielding nature of God's wrath against unrepentant sin.
* **melt (Hebrew, _nâthak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to flow forth" or "to liquify." In this severe context, it signifies a complete dissolution, disintegration, or consumption under intense heat. The deliberate repetition of this verb ("to melt it" and "and melt you") powerfully underscores the thoroughness, devastating finality, and destructive purpose of the judgment. It implies that the very structure, identity, and existence of the nation will be broken down and utterly consumed by God's wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[As] they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt [it];":** This opening clause establishes a vivid and chilling **simile**, comparing the people of Jerusalem to a diverse collection of metals. The "gathering" here is a chilling parallel to the way the inhabitants of Jerusalem will be concentrated within the besieged city, becoming ripe for judgment. The inclusion of various metals—silver (often precious), brass (common), iron (strong), lead, and tin (often considered base or used as alloy)—symbolically represents the entire spectrum of Jerusalemite society, from the seemingly "valuable" to the "worthless," all equally implicated in the city's pervasive corruption. The "furnace" is depicted as the place of intense heat and destructive transformation, and "to blow the fire upon it" indicates the active, deliberate, and intensifying nature of this process. "To melt it" highlights the intended outcome: the complete liquefaction and dissolution of these elements, signifying total destruction.
* **"so will I gather [you] in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave [you there], and melt you.":** This is the direct and terrifying application of the simile, revealing God Himself as the active, sovereign agent of judgment. The phrase "so will I gather you" directly parallels the human action of gathering metals, powerfully asserting God's absolute control over the impending catastrophe. The explicit mention of "mine anger and in my fury" removes any ambiguity about the source and nature of this judgment; it is a direct, unmitigated outpouring of divine wrath. "And I will leave you there" emphasizes the inescapable nature of their predicament within the "furnace" of judgment, signifying no reprieve, no escape, and no intervention. The final, emphatic declaration, "and melt you," reiterates the destructive purpose, confirming that this is not a refining process for purification but a consuming judgment that will utterly dissolve their national identity and existence as they know it.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:20 is profoundly rich in **Metaphor** and **Simile**, which are central to conveying its powerful and terrifying message. The entire verse functions as an extended **Simile**, drawing a direct comparison between the human act of gathering and melting various metals in a furnace and God's sovereign judgment upon Jerusalem. The city itself, and its diverse inhabitants, are metaphorically portrayed as a collection of various metals, ranging from the seemingly valuable (silver) to the common and base (brass, iron, lead, tin), all mixed together and ultimately deemed impure and worthless in God's sight. The **furnace** is a potent **Metaphor** for the crucible of divine judgment, specifically referring to the impending siege and devastating destruction of Jerusalem. The actions of "blowing the fire upon it" and "melting" serve as vivid **Metaphors** for the intensity, severity, and devastating finality of God's wrath. The phrase "in mine anger and in my fury" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotions of intense heat, rage, and indignation to God, thereby powerfully emphasizing the depth and righteousness of His divine displeasure. Furthermore, the repetition of the verb "melt" (Hebrew, _nâthak'_) at the end of both clauses creates significant **Emphasis**, underscoring the thoroughness, inevitability, and devastating conclusion of the divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:20 profoundly illustrates the theological truth of God's unwavering justice and His absolute commitment to holiness. It presents a stark and sobering picture of divine judgment as a necessary and righteous response to persistent, pervasive, and unrepentant sin. This passage demonstrates that God's patience, though immense, has limits, and His wrath is a terrifying reality for those who stubbornly refuse to turn from their wickedness. While God is indeed merciful and desires repentance, as seen in His lament over Jerusalem's unwillingness to turn from its ways, He is also a consuming fire against evil. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that a nation's moral and spiritual decay, particularly among those who claim to be His covenant people, will inevitably invite His righteous reckoning. The "melting" signifies not just physical destruction but the dissolution of the very fabric of their societal, national, and spiritual identity, a devastating consequence of their persistent rejection of His covenant and His ways.

* [Jeremiah 6:27-30](/jeremiah/6-27-30 "Jeremiah 6:27-30 - The Failed Refiner's Fire")
* [Zephaniah 1:18](/zephaniah/1-18 "Zephaniah 1:18 - The Fire of God's Jealousy")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:20 stands as a powerful and profoundly sobering warning for all generations, compelling us to confront the undeniable reality of God's justice and the severe consequences of unrepentant sin, both individually and corporately. This passage calls believers to a profound and honest self-examination, prompting us to ask whether our own lives, our churches, and our societies truly reflect God's holiness, or if we, like ancient Jerusalem, are accumulating "dross" through compromise, injustice, spiritual apathy, and a disregard for His commands. While the immediate context is one of punitive judgment, the underlying theological principle is God's unwavering commitment to purity, righteousness, and His own glory. For us today, it highlights the urgent and continuous need for genuine repentance, personal holiness, and active resistance to societal corruption. It reminds us that God's ultimate desire is always for our restoration and purification, but if we stubbornly resist His refining fire and His calls to repentance, His judgment will eventually come. This verse should stir within us a holy fear of God and a renewed, fervent commitment to living lives that honor Him, seeking His transforming grace and purifying presence rather than inviting His consuming wrath.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might my own life, or the community I belong to, be accumulating "dross" that needs to be purged by God's refining and sanctifying work?**
* **How does the imagery of God's "anger and fury" in this verse challenge or deepen my understanding of His multifaceted character, and how should this understanding shape my posture and response to Him?**
* **What particular injustices, moral compromises, or spiritual lukewarmness in my society or church might be inviting God's righteous judgment, and how can I personally participate in advocating for repentance and pursuing righteousness?**
* **How can the sobering message of this verse motivate me to pursue deeper holiness, cultivate a more fervent walk with God, and live with a greater sense of urgency for His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Does the "furnace" in Ezekiel 22:20 refer to purification or destruction?**

Answer: In [Ezekiel 22:20](/ezekiel/22-20 "Ezekiel 22:20 - The Furnace of God's Wrath"), the "furnace" primarily refers to destruction and punitive judgment, not purification. While fire and furnace imagery are indeed often used in the Bible to symbolize a refining process that purifies precious metals from impurities (e.g., [Malachi 3:3](/malachi/3-3 "Malachi 3:3 - The Refiner's Fire") or [Zechariah 13:9](/zechariah/13-9 "Zechariah 13:9 - Refining Through Fire")), the context of [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - The Bloody City") unequivocally indicates a consuming judgment. The chapter details Jerusalem's pervasive corruption and unrepentance, stating that the house of Israel has become "dross" (Ezekiel 22:18-19), which is worthless material meant to be discarded or utterly consumed, not refined for future use. God's explicit declaration, "so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave you there, and melt you," emphasizes the punitive and final nature of this process, leading to the dissolution and destruction of the nation rather than its restoration or purification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 22:20 powerfully depicts God's righteous judgment against sin and the terrifying reality of His consuming wrath, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in how God's holy anger was perfectly satisfied not by the destruction of His people, but by the voluntary, substitutionary sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. The "furnace" of divine wrath, which justly awaited a rebellious humanity for its pervasive sin, was fully and perfectly experienced by Jesus Christ on the cross. He became the ultimate "metal" gathered into the furnace, enduring the full "anger and fury" of God against sin, so that all who believe in Him might be eternally spared. As [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") profoundly states, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." The destructive "melting" and judgment that should have consumed us was poured out entirely upon Him, demonstrating God's perfect justice, His unwavering holiness, and His boundless love simultaneously. Through Christ's atoning work, the terrifying judgment depicted in Ezekiel 22:20 is transformed into a refining fire for believers, as seen in passages like [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Faith Refined by Fire"), where trials are meant to prove the genuineness of faith, leading to praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Thus, the terrifying judgment of Ezekiel 22:20 finds its redemptive resolution in the cross, where God's wrath against sin was fully satisfied, opening the way for reconciliation, forgiveness, and true spiritual purification for all who trust in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 54:16

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

Jeremiah 4:20

Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, [and] my curtains in a moment.

Ezekiel 21:31

And I will pour out mine indignation upon thee, I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath, and deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, [and] skilful to destroy.

Ezekiel 21:32

Thou shalt be for fuel to the fire; thy blood shall be in the midst of the land; thou shalt be no [more] remembered: for I the LORD have spoken [it].

Jeremiah 4:11

At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,

Jeremiah 4:12

[Even] a full wind from those [places] shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them.

Ezekiel 24:13

In thy filthiness [is] lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.