Ezekiel 22:27

Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

Her princes {H8269} in the midst {H7130} thereof are like wolves {H2061} ravening {H2963} the prey {H2964}, to shed {H8210} blood {H1818}, and to destroy {H6} souls {H5315}, to get {H1214} dishonest gain {H1215}.

Her leaders in it are like wolves tearing up the prey to shed blood and destroy people, in order to benefit unjustly.

Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain.

Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, that they may get dishonest gain.

Commentary

Ezekiel 22:27 delivers a searing indictment against the corrupt leadership of Jerusalem, likening them to predatory animals. This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Ezekiel 22, where God lists the manifold sins of the city's inhabitants, from priests and prophets to princes and the common people, explaining why divine judgment is imminent.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, sent by God to the Jewish captives. Chapter 22 is a powerful oracle detailing the widespread moral and spiritual decay within Jerusalem, even as its destruction loomed. God exposes the systemic corruption that permeated every level of society. Here, the focus is specifically on the "princes," who were the political and judicial leaders, responsible for upholding justice and protecting the people. Their actions stand in stark contrast to their God-given role.

Key Themes

  • Corrupt Leadership: The verse vividly portrays rulers who abuse their power, not for the welfare of their subjects, but for personal gain.
  • Predatory Nature: The metaphor of "wolves ravening the prey" underscores their ruthless, violent, and exploitative behavior. They are not shepherds protecting the flock, but predators devouring it.
  • Violence and Destruction: Their actions lead to the "shedding of blood" and the "destroying of souls," indicating physical violence, judicial murder, and spiritual ruin.
  • Dishonest Gain: The ultimate motive for their wickedness is "dishonest gain" (Hebrew: betza), emphasizing ill-gotten wealth acquired through oppression, bribery, or extortion.
  • Divine Abhorrence of Injustice: This verse, and indeed the entire chapter, highlights God's deep hatred for injustice, oppression, and the abuse of authority.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wolves ravening the prey" comes from the Hebrew ze'evim torfim teref (ื–ึฐืึตื‘ึดื™ื ื˜ึนืจึฐืคึตื™ ื˜ึถืจึถืฃ). The word torfim (from taraph) means to tear, rend, or devour, powerfully conveying the brutal and destructive nature of these leaders. The term "dishonest gain" is from the Hebrew word betza (ื‘ึถึผืฆึทืข), which consistently in the Old Testament refers to illicit profit, often obtained through violence, bribery, or exploitation, and is frequently condemned.

Related Scriptures

The Bible often warns against corrupt rulers and false shepherds:

Practical Application

Ezekiel 22:27 remains profoundly relevant today. It serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of unchecked power and the corrupting influence of greed in leadership, whether in government, business, or even religious organizations. It calls for accountability for those in positions of authority and reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to justice. For individuals, it encourages discernment to recognize and resist systems of oppression and to uphold integrity in all dealings, knowing that God sees and will judge all actions, especially those that harm the vulnerable for selfish gain.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 22:13

    Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.

  • Ezekiel 22:6

    Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood.

  • Isaiah 1:23

    Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

  • Micah 3:9

    Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.

  • Micah 3:11

    The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

  • Hosea 7:1

    ยถ When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, [and] the troop of robbers spoileth without.

  • Hosea 7:7

    They are all hot as an oven, and have devoured their judges; all their kings are fallen: [there is] none among them that calleth unto me.