[There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.
There is a conspiracy {H7195} of her prophets {H5030} in the midst {H8432} thereof, like a roaring {H7580} lion {H738} ravening {H2963} the prey {H2964}; they have devoured {H398} souls {H5315}; they have taken {H3947} the treasure {H2633} and precious things {H3366}; they have made her many {H7235} widows {H490} in the midst {H8432} thereof.
There is a conspiracy of prophets in it like a roaring lion tearing up the prey; they have devoured people, seized wealth and valuables, and widowed many in it.
The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her.
There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey: they have devoured souls; they take treasure and precious things; they have made her widows many in the midst thereof.
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Hosea 6:9
And as troops of robbers wait for a man, [so] the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness. -
Ezekiel 13:19
And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear [your] lies? -
Jeremiah 2:34
Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these. -
Jeremiah 11:9
And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. -
Mark 12:40
Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. -
Luke 20:47
Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation. -
Jeremiah 5:30
A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;
Context of Ezekiel 22:25
Ezekiel chapter 22 is a scathing divine indictment against the city of Jerusalem, often referred to as 'the bloody city,' due to its pervasive corruption and sin. God, speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, systematically exposes the widespread moral decay among all segments of society in Judah, from princes and priests to prophets and the common people. This particular verse, Ezekiel 22:25, zeroes in on the grave culpability of the religious leaders, specifically the prophets. These individuals, who were meant to be divine spokesmen and moral guides for the nation, had instead become instruments of deceit and exploitation, contributing significantly to Jerusalem's spiritual and social downfall.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "conspiracy" (קֶשֶׁר - qesher) often carries the strong connotation of a treacherous plot or rebellion, emphasizing the deliberate and malicious nature of the prophets' actions against both God and His people. The imagery of "ravening the prey" (טָרֵף טֶרֶף - taref teref) intensifies the predatory metaphor, depicting a violent, tearing, and consuming act, much like a wild beast devouring its kill, underscoring the brutality of their spiritual and material exploitation.
Related Scriptures
The warning against false prophets and corrupt spiritual leaders is a consistent theme throughout biblical history. Jesus Himself cautioned His followers to beware of false prophets, who come in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Their destructive nature and exploitative tendencies are further echoed in the New Testament, where the Apostle Peter describes those who through covetousness shall with feigned words make merchandise of you. Ezekiel 22:25 serves as a potent reminder for believers to exercise discernment, to "test the spirits whether they are of God," as exhorted in 1 John 4:1. The consequences of such spiritual corruption are devastating, impacting not only individual spiritual well-being but also the social fabric and the lives of the most vulnerable.
Practical Application
For contemporary believers, Ezekiel 22:25 underscores the vital importance of evaluating all spiritual messages and leaders against the unchanging standard of God's written Word. We are called to be vigilant against those who exploit others for personal gain—whether spiritual influence, financial profit, or power—and who cause division, harm, or lead people astray from true biblical faith. This verse also serves as a strong call to prayer for and support of genuine spiritual leaders who faithfully shepherd God's flock with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to truth, reflecting the selfless heart of the Good Shepherd.