Ezekiel 22:24

KJV

Son of man, say unto her, Thou [art] the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, say {H559} unto her, Thou art the land {H776} that is not cleansed {H2891}, nor rained {H1656} upon in the day {H3117} of indignation {H2195}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, tell her this: 'You are a land that is neither cleansed nor rained on in the day of fury.

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, say to her, ‘In the day of indignation, you are a land that has not been cleansed, upon which no rain has fallen.’

American Standard Version

Son of man, say unto her, Thou art a land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:24 is a profound prophetic declaration from the LORD, delivered through Ezekiel, condemning Jerusalem (symbolized as "the land") for its deep spiritual defilement and unresponsiveness to divine cleansing. It portrays the city as a parched, impure ground, devoid of the refreshing "rain" of God's grace and favor, especially in the impending "day of indignation"—a metaphor for the severe and unmitigated judgment that is about to fall upon it due to its pervasive sin and lack of repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a powerful and detailed indictment against Jerusalem in [Ezekiel chapter 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - The Sins of Jerusalem and Impending Judgment"). The preceding verses meticulously catalog the city's rampant transgressions, including bloodshed, idolatry, oppression of the vulnerable (foreigners, orphans, widows), sexual immorality, and widespread corruption among its leaders, priests, and prophets (e.g., [Ezekiel 22:6-12](/ezekiel/22-6 "Ezekiel 22:6-12 - Jerusalem's Abominations")). The LORD's pronouncements throughout the chapter highlight the city's moral decay and its refusal to heed prophetic warnings. Verse 24 specifically transitions from the detailed list of sins to a more generalized, yet equally damning, summary of Jerusalem's spiritual state, setting the stage for the declaration of inevitable judgment that follows in [Ezekiel 22:25-31](/ezekiel/22-25 "Ezekiel 22:25-31 - The Corrupt Leaders and God's Wrath").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem had already experienced one deportation (597 BC), and the final destruction of the city and its temple (586 BC) was imminent. The "land" in this verse refers directly to Judah and its capital, Jerusalem, which was considered the spiritual heartland of God's covenant people. Culturally, rain was essential for agricultural survival and was often seen as a direct blessing from God, symbolizing His favor and provision (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - Blessings of Obedience")). Conversely, drought signified divine displeasure and judgment (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Curses for Disobedience")). The concept of "cleansing" was deeply embedded in Israelite religious life, encompassing ritual purity required for worship and moral purity demanded by the Law (e.g., [Leviticus 11-15](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11-15 - Laws of Purity")). The failure to be "cleansed" therefore speaks to a profound spiritual defilement that went unaddressed, despite the covenant obligations and prophetic calls to repentance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Profound Impurity and Unrepentance**: The declaration "not cleansed" highlights the deep-seated moral and spiritual defilement of the land and its inhabitants, who, despite repeated warnings and opportunities for repentance, remained mired in sin and refused any process of purification. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Absence of Divine Favor and Cleansing**: The phrase "nor rained upon in the day of indignation" is a potent metaphor. Rain, often symbolizing God's blessing, refreshment, and spiritual renewal in biblical literature (e.g., [Hosea 6:3](/hosea/6-3 "Hosea 6:3 - God's Steadfast Love and Coming Like Rain")), signifies that no grace, mercy, or opportunity for spiritual cleansing will be afforded during this time of judgment. The land will experience a complete spiritual drought, left parched and without relief from God's wrath, indicating a severe and unmitigated judgment. This contrasts sharply with God's desire for His people to be a [cleansed and purified nation](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - God's Offer of Cleansing"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Inevitable Judgment**: The "day of indignation" is a time when God's righteous justice will be fully executed without restraint, demonstrating the certainty of divine retribution when sin becomes pervasive and unrepentant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cleansed (Hebrew, _ṭâhêr'_):** From H2891, meaning "to be bright; i.e. (by implication) to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)." In this context, it signifies the profound moral and spiritual impurity of the land and its inhabitants, indicating a failure to adhere to God's holy standards and a refusal to undergo any process of purification, whether ritual or moral.
* **rained (Hebrew, _gôshem'_):** From H1656, equivalent to H1653 (_geshem_), meaning "a shower." This word refers to physical rain, but in the prophetic context, its absence during a time of judgment metaphorically represents the withholding of divine blessing, spiritual refreshment, and the means of spiritual renewal or cleansing. It implies a state of spiritual drought and barrenness.
* **indignation (Hebrew, _zaʻam'_):** From H2195, meaning "strictly froth at the mouth, i.e. (figuratively) fury (especially of God's displeasure with sin)." This term conveys a strong sense of divine wrath, intense displeasure, and fierce anger. It is not merely a day of trouble, but a specific period characterized by God's righteous fury being poured out against unrepentant sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, say unto her":** This is a standard prophetic address, identifying Ezekiel as the human messenger (Son of man, H1121 _bên_ H120 _ʼâdâm_) commissioned by God to deliver a divine message. "Her" refers to the land of Judah/Jerusalem, personified as the recipient of the indictment.
* **"Thou art the land that is not cleansed":** This clause directly declares the spiritual state of Jerusalem. The land (H776 _ʼerets_), representing its people and their actions, is declared "not cleansed" (H2891 _ṭâhêr_). This signifies a deep, pervasive moral and spiritual defilement that has accumulated and remains unpurified, despite the covenantal expectations and opportunities for repentance. It speaks to a willful persistence in sin.
* **"nor rained upon in the day of indignation":** This powerful metaphorical clause describes the consequences of the land's impurity. The absence of "rain" (H1656 _gôshem_), which typically symbolizes divine blessing and spiritual refreshment, indicates that God's favor and grace are withheld. This spiritual drought occurs specifically "in the day" (H3117 _yôwm_) "of indignation" (H2195 _zaʻam_), meaning a time of intense divine wrath and judgment, where no mercy or relief will be granted. The land is left exposed to the full force of God's righteous anger.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Personification** is central, as Jerusalem is addressed as "the land" and spoken of as if it were a sentient being capable of being "cleansed" or "rained upon." This gives the abstract concept of a nation's sin a tangible, relatable form. The phrase "not cleansed, nor rained upon" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual barrenness and divine abandonment. Rain, typically a symbol of blessing and life, is conspicuously absent, signifying the withholding of God's grace and favor. This absence, particularly "in the day of indignation," highlights the severity of the impending judgment, portraying a spiritual drought where no refreshment or renewal will be found. The entire verse serves as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct divine pronouncement delivered through God's messenger, carrying the weight of divine authority and certainty regarding the coming judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:24 stands as a stark reminder of God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice in the face of unrepentant sin. It underscores the principle that prolonged rebellion against divine standards leads to severe consequences, culminating in the withdrawal of God's favor and the unleashing of His righteous wrath. The "uncleansed land" symbolizes a people who have defiled themselves through their actions and steadfastly refused the opportunities for purification and reconciliation offered by God. The absence of "rain" signifies a spiritual drought, where the life-giving presence and blessings of God are withheld, leaving the people vulnerable to the full force of His judgment. This divine indignation is not arbitrary but a just response to pervasive moral corruption and spiritual apostasy.

* [Jeremiah 3:3](/jeremiah/3-3 "Jeremiah 3:3 - Judah's Unfaithfulness and Drought")
* [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - God's Invitation to Cleansing")
* [Ezekiel 22:31](/ezekiel/22-31 "Ezekiel 22:31 - God's Wrath Poured Out")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:24 serves as a timeless warning that spiritual complacency and unrepentant sin inevitably lead to divine judgment and a withdrawal of God's life-giving presence. For individuals and communities today, it highlights the critical importance of actively pursuing spiritual purity and responding to God's calls for repentance. Just as the land of Judah became parched and devoid of divine blessing due to its persistent wickedness, so too can our lives become spiritually barren if we neglect to confess our sins, seek forgiveness, and walk in obedience to God's Word. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives, asking if we are truly open to God's cleansing work, or if we are resisting His transforming grace. It reminds us that while God is merciful and patient, His holiness demands a response to sin, and persistent rebellion will ultimately face His righteous indignation. We are called to cultivate a spiritual environment where God's "rain" of grace and truth can fall, bringing refreshment, growth, and purity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's cleansing work, leading to spiritual barrenness?**
* **How does the concept of God's "indignation" shape my understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **Am I actively seeking the "rain" of God's Spirit and Word to refresh and purify my soul, or am I living in a state of spiritual drought?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my life is a "cleansed land" receptive to God's blessings and not under His judgment?**

### FAQ
**What does "the land that is not cleansed" mean in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: In a spiritual sense, "the land that is not cleansed" refers to Jerusalem and, by extension, the people of Judah, who had become morally and ritually defiled through their widespread sin, idolatry, and injustice. Despite the Mosaic Law providing means for ritual cleansing and God's prophets calling for repentance and moral purity, the people had persistently refused to turn from their wicked ways. This spiritual uncleanness meant they were unfit for God's holy presence and had broken their covenant relationship with Him, leading to a state of spiritual barrenness and deserving of judgment. It signifies a deep-seated corruption that went unaddressed.

**Why is the absence of "rain" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The absence of "rain" (H1656 _gôshem_) is highly significant because, in the ancient Near East and biblical thought, rain was a direct symbol of divine blessing, provision, and life-giving refreshment. God promised rain as a blessing for obedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 11:13-14](/deuteronomy/11-13 "Deuteronomy 11:13-14 - Blessings of Obedience")), and its withholding was a sign of divine judgment and displeasure (e.g., [Amos 4:7-8](/amos/4-7 "Amos 4:7-8 - God's Discipline Through Drought")). In Ezekiel 22:24, the lack of "rain" metaphorically indicates that God is withholding His grace, favor, and spiritual refreshment from the land during its "day of indignation" (H2195 _zaʻam_). It means there will be no mercy, no opportunity for spiritual renewal, and no relief from the impending judgment, signifying a complete spiritual drought and abandonment to the consequences of their sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:24, with its stark portrayal of a land "not cleansed" and "not rained upon in the day of indignation," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The profound spiritual uncleanness of humanity, which Ezekiel lamented in Judah, is universally addressed by Christ. We, like the land of Judah, are inherently defiled by sin and incapable of cleansing ourselves. However, Jesus came as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering the perfect and ultimate sacrifice that provides true cleansing. His blood, unlike the Old Testament rituals, genuinely purifies us from all sin, making us "whiter than snow" (cf. [Psalm 51:7](/psalm/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Prayer for Cleansing")). Furthermore, the absence of "rain" in Ezekiel symbolizes the withholding of divine favor and spiritual life. In contrast, Jesus is the source of living water, promising that "whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). He sends the Holy Spirit, who is poured out like refreshing rain upon believers, bringing spiritual renewal, growth, and fruitfulness (cf. [Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - The Pouring Out of the Spirit")). Thus, while Judah faced a day of indignation without cleansing or refreshing rain, those who are in Christ are cleansed by His blood and continually watered by His Spirit, escaping the righteous indignation of God by being sheltered in the One who bore God's wrath on the cross (cf. [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification Through Christ's Blood")).

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

2 Chronicles 28:22

And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this [is that] king Ahaz.

Isaiah 1:5

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Jeremiah 2:30

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

2 Chronicles 36:14

Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

Isaiah 9:13

For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 44:16

[As for] the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.