Ezekiel 5:6

KJV

And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that [are] round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she hath changed {H4784} my judgments {H4941} into wickedness {H7564} more than the nations {H1471}, and my statutes {H2708} more than the countries {H776} that are round about {H5439} her: for they have refused {H3988} my judgments {H4941} and my statutes {H2708}, they have not walked {H1980} in them.

Complete Jewish Bible

But she has rebelled against my rulings and committed wickedness more than the nations, against my laws more than the countries around her; because they have rejected my rulings and not lived according to my laws.'

Berean Standard Bible

But she has rebelled against My ordinances more wickedly than the nations, and against My statutes worse than the countries around her. For her people have rejected My ordinances and have not walked in My statutes.’

American Standard Version

And she hath rebelled against mine ordinances in doing wickedness more than the nations, and against my statutes more than the countries that are round about her; for they have rejected mine ordinances, and as for my statutes, they have not walked in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 5:6 delivers a scathing indictment against Jerusalem, personified as "she," for its profound and unparalleled rebellion against God. The verse declares that Jerusalem has perverted God's divine laws and ordinances—His "judgments" and "statutes"—into wickedness, surpassing even the moral depravity of the surrounding pagan nations who lacked the benefit of divine revelation. This egregious sin is further compounded by their deliberate and persistent refusal to acknowledge or live by God's commands, thereby justifying the severe divine judgment soon to be unleashed upon them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 5:6 is situated within a powerful prophetic oracle in [Ezekiel 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - The Judgment of Jerusalem"), where the prophet Ezekiel performs a symbolic act to illustrate the impending judgment on Jerusalem. The chapter opens with God commanding Ezekiel to shave his hair and beard, dividing the hair into three portions to represent the fate of Jerusalem's inhabitants: a third to be burned by fire (those who die by plague and famine within the city), a third to be struck with the sword (those who die by war outside the city), and a third to be scattered by the wind (those who are exiled, with a small remnant preserved). This specific verse, [Ezekiel 5:6](/ezekiel/5-6 "Ezekiel 5:6 - Jerusalem's Unparalleled Rebellion"), serves as the divine explanation for the severity of the impending judgment, highlighting Jerusalem's unparalleled wickedness as the direct cause. It follows the initial description of the symbolic act and precedes the detailed pronouncements of famine, sword, and pestilence. The immediate verses, [Ezekiel 5:7-8](/ezekiel/5-7 "Ezekiel 5:7-8 - God's Indignation"), further elaborate on God's righteous indignation against Jerusalem's abominations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), specifically to the Jewish exiles already deported to Babylon. Jerusalem, though not yet destroyed, was under Babylonian siege and facing its final demise. The people of Israel, particularly those in Jerusalem, had a unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, established at Mount Sinai, where they received the Mosaic Law, including "judgments" and "statutes" ([Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")). Unlike the surrounding pagan nations, Israel possessed divine revelation and was called to be a holy nation, distinct from the idolatrous practices and moral corruption prevalent in the Near East. Despite this unparalleled privilege, they had consistently fallen into idolatry, injustice, and moral decay, often adopting the very practices of the nations they were meant to transcend. This verse underscores the profound betrayal of their covenant, as their sin was not merely a failure to live up to God's standards but an active perversion of them, making their guilt greater than those who never knew God's law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. A primary theme is **Covenant Unfaithfulness and Its Consequences**. Israel's deliberate rejection of God's "judgments" and "statutes" is a direct breach of the covenant, leading inevitably to divine judgment, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Another key theme is **The Unparalleled Nature of Israel's Sin**. The assertion that Jerusalem's wickedness surpassed that of the surrounding nations emphasizes the heightened responsibility that comes with divine revelation; their sin was not one of ignorance but of willful rebellion against known truth. This highlights God's **Justice and Holiness**, demonstrating that He will not tolerate persistent sin, especially from His chosen people, and that judgment is a necessary expression of His righteous character. Finally, the verse foreshadows the theme of **Divine Judgment and Restoration**, as the severity of the judgment described here is a prelude to the eventual purification and restoration of a remnant, a theme that becomes more prominent later in [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **changed (Hebrew, _mârâh'_):** This verb signifies to be bitter, or figuratively, to rebel, resist, or provoke. It implies a deliberate and active turning away from a right course, not merely a passive deviation. In this context, Jerusalem didn't just neglect God's judgments; it actively perverted them, twisting their intent and application into something wicked, effectively rebelling against the very nature and authority of God who gave them.
* **judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This term refers to legal rulings, justice, decrees, or ordinances. It encompasses the principles of righteous governance and fair dealings that God established for Israel. When Jerusalem "changed" these judgments into wickedness, it meant they distorted justice, practiced partiality, and engaged in oppression, turning God's righteous standards into instruments of unrighteousness.
* **refused (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** This powerful verb means to spurn, abhor, cast away, despise, or reject. It denotes a strong, contemptuous dismissal. It's not merely a failure to obey, but a willful, disdainful rejection of God's authority and His revealed will. This highlights the intentionality and defiant attitude behind Jerusalem's disobedience, making their culpability profound.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations":** This clause personifies Jerusalem ("she") and accuses her of actively perverting God's righteous laws ("my judgments") into evil practices ("wickedness"). The phrase "more than the nations" is a stark comparative, emphasizing that Jerusalem's moral and spiritual corruption was not just equivalent to, but even exceeded, that of the pagan nations who did not possess God's revealed law. This highlights the profound betrayal of their unique covenant relationship.
* **"and my statutes more than the countries that [are] round about her":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the previous accusation, using "statutes" (fixed ordinances, divine decrees) as a parallel to "judgments." The repetition underscores the comprehensive nature of their rebellion—they perverted every aspect of God's revealed will. The comparison to "countries that are round about her" reinforces the idea that Israel, despite its privileged status, had sunk to a lower moral state than even its idolatrous neighbors.
* **"for they have refused my judgments and my statutes":** This clause provides the reason for Jerusalem's perversion and unparalleled wickedness. It wasn't an accidental deviation but a deliberate and contemptuous rejection ("refused") of God's entire body of law. This signifies a willful defiance of divine authority and a conscious decision to live outside God's prescribed way.
* **"they have not walked in them":** This final clause clarifies the practical outcome of their refusal. To "walk" in God's judgments and statutes means to live in accordance with them, to embody their principles in daily life and conduct. Jerusalem's failure to "walk in them" demonstrates a complete disconnect between their covenant obligations and their actual behavior, proving their rebellion was not merely intellectual but deeply ingrained in their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 5:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of severe judgment. **Personification** is evident in the depiction of Jerusalem as "she," giving the city a human agency and culpability for its actions. This allows for a more direct and emotional indictment. The phrase "more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that are round about her" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to underscore the extreme nature of Jerusalem's sin. While other nations were indeed wicked, the emphasis here is on Israel's unique privilege and consequent greater responsibility, making their rebellion particularly heinous in God's eyes. The repeated use of "my judgments and my statutes" is an example of **Repetition**, which serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of God's law that Israel rejected, highlighting that no part of His divine will was spared their perversion. Finally, the verse presents a stark **Contrast** between God's righteous laws and Jerusalem's wicked perversion of them, as well as between Israel's privileged status and its moral degradation compared to the pagan nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 5:6 is a profound theological statement on the nature of covenant and divine justice. It reveals God's unwavering expectation of obedience from His chosen people, especially given the unique revelation of His character and will they received. The verse underscores that privilege brings heightened responsibility; Israel's unparalleled access to God's truth meant their rebellion was not merely a failure but a deliberate, contemptuous rejection that surpassed the ignorance of pagan nations. This highlights God's absolute holiness, demonstrating that He cannot overlook sin, particularly when it stems from a willful perversion of His righteous standards by those who bear His name. The judgment pronounced is not arbitrary but a just consequence of their persistent unfaithfulness, serving as a solemn warning against spiritual complacency and deliberate disobedience.

* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People")
* [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 19:7-9](/psalms/19-7-9 "Psalm 19:7-9 - The Perfection of God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 5:6 serves as a sobering mirror for believers today, reminding us that spiritual privilege comes with profound responsibility. Just as ancient Israel received God's judgments and statutes, we, through Christ, have received an even greater revelation of God's grace and truth in the Gospel. This verse challenges us to examine whether we are merely hearers of the Word or if we are actively "walking in them," allowing God's truth to transform our lives and guide our conduct. It warns against the insidious danger of spiritual complacency, where knowledge of God's commands does not translate into genuine obedience, or worse, where we twist or rationalize God's truth to suit our own desires, becoming more wicked than those who do not know Him. Our lives, both individually and corporately as the Church, are meant to be a testimony to God's holiness and justice, reflecting His character to a watching world. When we fail to live according to the light we have received, our unfaithfulness becomes a greater reproach than the ignorance of those outside the faith, inviting divine discipline and hindering our witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "changing God's judgments into wickedness" by rationalizing sin or distorting truth?**
* **How does my daily "walk" reflect my commitment (or lack thereof) to God's statutes and commands?**
* **Given the greater revelation we have in Christ, what specific responsibilities do I bear as a believer that might not apply to those who do not know Him?**
* **Am I genuinely seeking to live out God's truth, or am I prone to spiritual complacency or outright refusal?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jerusalem's sin being worse than the surrounding nations'?**

Answer: The significance lies in the principle of greater responsibility with greater revelation. The surrounding nations were pagan and did not have the benefit of God's revealed law, His covenant, or His direct guidance. Israel, however, was chosen by God, given His perfect laws, and called to be a holy nation set apart for Him ([Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People")). For them to not only disobey but actively "change" or pervert God's judgments into wickedness meant they had willfully turned their backs on the very source of truth and righteousness. Their sin was a profound betrayal of a unique relationship, making their culpability far greater than those who sinned out of ignorance. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus states that "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" ([Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")).

**What do "judgments" and "statutes" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, "judgments" (Hebrew: *mishpâṭîm*) and "statutes" (Hebrew: *chuqqîm*) are comprehensive terms referring to the totality of God's revealed law given to Israel through Moses. "Judgments" often denote legal rulings, ordinances, and principles of justice, focusing on how people are to relate to one another and uphold righteousness in society (e.g., [Exodus 21-23](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21-23 - Civil Laws")). "Statutes" refer to fixed decrees, established ordinances, or divine enactments, often pertaining to religious observances, rituals, and moral commands that define Israel's unique relationship with God (e.g., [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws on Sexual Immorality")). Together, they encompass the full scope of God's moral, civil, and ceremonial laws, representing His perfect will and the standard for righteous living for His people ([Psalm 19:7-9](/psalms/19-7-9 "Psalm 19:7-9 - The Perfection of God's Law")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 5:6, with its stark portrayal of Israel's failure to uphold God's law and its subsequent judgment, powerfully foreshadows the need for a new covenant and a perfect Law-fulfiller—Jesus Christ. Israel's inability to "walk" in God's judgments and statutes, and their active perversion of them, underscores humanity's inherent sinfulness and inability to perfectly obey God's righteous demands ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Jesus, however, perfectly fulfilled every "judgment" and "statute" of God's law, not to abolish it, but to bring it to its intended completion ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Christ bore the judgment that humanity deserved for its rebellion and refusal to walk in God's ways. In Him, believers are not only forgiven for their past failures but are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely "walk" in newness of life, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law not through their own strength, but through His indwelling presence ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law and the Spirit")). Thus, what Israel failed to achieve by human effort—a life of perfect obedience—is graciously accomplished and offered to all who believe in the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Jeremiah 11:10

They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.

Ezekiel 16:47

Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as [if that were] a very little [thing], thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways.

Ezekiel 16:48

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.

2 Kings 17:8

And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made.

2 Kings 17:20

And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.

Zechariah 7:11

But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

Nehemiah 9:16

But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,