Ezekiel 22:28

Commentary on Ezekiel 22:28 (KJV)

Ezekiel 22:28 powerfully condemns the false prophets of Jerusalem for their spiritual deception, portraying them as builders who use faulty materials to give a false sense of security. This verse highlights the severe consequences of claiming divine authority without genuine divine mandate, a grave sin in the eyes of the Lord.

Context

Chapter 22 of Ezekiel is a scathing indictment of Jerusalem's widespread corruption and moral decay, listing a litany of sins committed by its leaders, priests, princes, and people. God is preparing to bring severe judgment upon the city, and the false prophets are singled out here as a major contributor to the nation's spiritual blindness. They are part of the problem, not the solution, actively misleading the populace and hindering their repentance, much like other warnings against false prophets found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Jeremiah 14:14.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Deception: The primary theme is the active deception practiced by these prophets. They are not merely mistaken; they are intentionally "seeing vanity" and "divining lies," creating a false reality for the people.
• False Authority: The most egregious sin is their blasphemous claim, "Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken." This is a direct usurpation of God's name and authority, which is a violation of the third commandment (Exodus 20:7) and a grave offense against divine truth.
• The Metaphor of Untempered Mortar: The imagery of "daubed them with untempered [morter]" is vivid and potent. Just as weak mortar cannot hold a wall together, the false assurances and empty promises of these prophets provide no true strength or protection to the nation. Instead, they lead to inevitable collapse and judgment, as elaborated in Ezekiel 13:10-15.
• Divine Judgment: God's condemnation of these prophets underscores His intolerance for spiritual falsehood and His commitment to justice. Their lies are not harmless; they contribute to the nation's downfall.

Linguistic Insights

The term "untempered [morter]" translates the Hebrew word tāphēl (תָּפֵל), which literally means "insipid," "unseasoned," or "foolish." When applied to mortar, it signifies a mixture that is improperly prepared, lacking the necessary components or proportions to make it strong and durable. It's a mortar that looks like it will hold but offers no real integrity. The act of "daubing" (Hebrew: tûaḥ) means to plaster over or smear, implying a superficial covering that hides underlying cracks and weaknesses rather than repairing them. This vividly portrays the prophets' deceptive work: they offered superficial comfort and false peace, masking the deep spiritual rot within the nation.

Related Scriptures

• The danger of false prophets and their deceptive nature is a recurring theme in Scripture, with strong warnings in the New Testament, such as Matthew 7:15 and 1 John 4:1, urging believers to test every spirit.
• The concept of God's word being pure and true, in stark contrast to the lies of false prophets, is foundational. Psalm 119:105 describes God's word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, guiding us away from deception.
• The ultimate consequence of unrepentant sin and widespread corruption is divine judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 22:31, where God pours out His indignation.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 22:28 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual deception and the critical need for discernment. In our contemporary world, this verse reminds us to:

1. Test All Teachings: Not every message claiming divine inspiration is from God. Believers are called to diligently compare all teachings against the unchanging standard of God's written Word (Acts 17:11).
2. Beware of "Easy" Solutions: Just as "untempered mortar" offers a superficial fix, be wary of messages that promise peace or prosperity without addressing sin, repentance, or the call to holiness. True spiritual growth often involves confronting uncomfortable truths.
3. Value Truth Over Comfort: The people preferred the lies of the false prophets because they were comforting. This verse challenges us to prioritize truth, even when it is difficult, over comforting falsehoods.
4. Recognize True Authority: True prophetic ministry and spiritual leadership always align with God's established Word and lead people to deeper devotion to Him, not away from it.