Ezekiel 22:5

Ezekiel 22:5 delivers a stark prophecy concerning Jerusalem, foretelling the widespread scorn and internal turmoil that would befall the city due to its pervasive sin and spiritual corruption. This verse paints a vivid picture of a once-privileged city reduced to an object of derision.

Context

Chapter 22 of Ezekiel is a powerful indictment against Jerusalem, which God, through the prophet Ezekiel, calls a "bloody city" (Ezekiel 22:2). It details a catalogue of heinous sins committed within its walls, including idolatry, bloodshed, injustice, and a complete disregard for God's law. The divine judgment pronounced in this chapter is severe, culminating in the city's destruction and the Babylonian exile. Verse 5 specifically describes the consequences of this moral decay, focusing on the city's ruined reputation among both its neighbors and distant nations.

Key Themes

• Consequences of Sin: The verse powerfully illustrates that unrepentant sin, particularly among those who claim to be God's people, leads to dire consequences. Jerusalem's moral corruption directly results in its public humiliation and internal distress.
• Loss of Reputation: Once renowned as the holy city where God's temple resided, Jerusalem becomes "infamous," a byword for wickedness and a source of mockery. This highlights the devastating impact of spiritual rebellion on a community's standing and identity.
• Divine Judgment: The mockery and vexation are not random occurrences but are part of God's righteous judgment against a city that has deeply offended Him. God allows the nations to scorn Jerusalem as a consequence of its unfaithfulness.
• Universal Scorn: The phrase "those that be near, and those that be far from thee" emphasizes the widespread nature of Jerusalem's disgrace. Its fall would be observed and celebrated by both immediate neighbors and distant empires, underscoring the completeness of its downfall.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "infamous and much vexed" carries significant weight in the original Hebrew:

• "Infamous" comes from the Hebrew phrase shem ra' (שֵׁם רָע), literally meaning "evil name" or "bad reputation." It contrasts sharply with the idea of a good name or a city known for its righteousness. Jerusalem had earned a reputation for extreme wickedness.
• "Much vexed" translates the Hebrew word mehumah (מְהוּמָה), which conveys a sense of confusion, tumult, internal disturbance, or panic. It suggests a state of disarray and distress within the city, mirroring the external scorn. This internal turmoil is a direct result of its spiritual abandonment and the impending judgment.

  Practical Application

  Ezekiel 22:5 serves as a timeless warning for nations, communities, and individuals:

  • Accountability for Sin: Just as ancient Jerusalem faced public shame for its transgressions, individuals and societies today are held accountable for their moral choices. Sin, particularly unrepentant and pervasive wickedness, can lead to a loss of respect and internal strife.
  • The Importance of Integrity: This verse underscores the value of maintaining a good reputation, not just externally, but rooted in genuine moral and spiritual integrity. A community or person known for their faith should strive to live in a way that honors God, lest their actions bring reproach upon their name.
  • God's Judgment is Real: The prophecy reminds us that God's judgment is a reality, even for those who have been privileged with His presence. It is a call to repentance and a reminder that true spiritual health protects against both external scorn and internal chaos. The principle of sowing and reaping is clearly evident here.