Ezekiel 7:23

KJV

¶ Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.

KJV (with Strong's)

Make {H6213} a chain {H7569}: for the land {H776} is full {H4390} of bloody {H1818} crimes {H4941}, and the city {H5892} is full {H4390} of violence {H2555}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Forge a chain, for the land is full of capital crimes and the city full of violence.

Berean Standard Bible

Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence.

American Standard Version

Make the chain; for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:23 delivers a stark prophetic command, "Make a chain," symbolizing the imminent, inescapable, and severe judgment of God upon Judah and Jerusalem. This divine decree is a direct and righteous consequence of the nation's profound moral and spiritual decay, characterized by the land being "full of bloody crimes" and the city "full of violence." The verse encapsulates God's unwavering verdict against a society that has thoroughly corrupted itself, leaving no recourse but the execution of divine wrath through the literal and symbolic bondage of captivity and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7 forms a crucial segment within the prophet's early ministry, specifically a series of unyielding pronouncements of judgment directed at Judah and Jerusalem. Following the devastating vision of God's glory departing the temple in earlier chapters ([Ezekiel 8-11](/ezekiel/8-11 "Ezekiel 8-11 - Abominations in the Temple and Departure of God's Glory")), this chapter emphatically declares, "the end is come" upon the land ([Ezekiel 7:2](/ezekiel/7-2 "Ezekiel 7:2 - The End Has Come")), signaling the finality and comprehensiveness of God's impending wrath. Verse 23, with its chilling imperative to "Make a chain," serves as a vivid, tangible symbol within this broader prophetic declaration, immediately followed by the explicit reasons for such severe judgment—the pervasive "bloody crimes" and "violence." It is a direct and forceful statement within a chapter saturated with themes of divine retribution, the end of Israel’s sovereignty, and the dismantling of false security.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel 7:23 is set against the grim backdrop of the impending Babylonian invasion and the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Despite repeated and urgent warnings from prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, the people of Judah had stubbornly persisted in widespread idolatry, egregious social injustice, and a profound disregard for God's covenant laws. Culturally, "bloody crimes" (Hebrew: *mishpat damim*, referring to capital offenses, murder, and judicial corruption leading to bloodshed) and "violence" (Hebrew: *châmâç*, encompassing oppression, lawlessness, and moral decay) were rampant, indicating a complete breakdown of societal order and ethical standards. The "chain" was not merely a metaphor but a grim reality of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where conquered populations, including royalty and commoners, were literally bound and led into exile as captives, a fate vividly portrayed in the eventual capture and blinding of King Zedekiah and the deportation of the people of Judah, as recorded in [Jeremiah 52:11](/jeremiah/52-11 "Jeremiah 52:11 - Zedekiah's Captivity").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequence**, illustrating the direct and unavoidable link between persistent, unrepentant sin and God's righteous punishment. The "chain" is an undeniable symbol of the **Inevitable Captivity and Exile**, serving as a physical manifestation of the spiritual bondage brought about by sin and covenant infidelity. Furthermore, the phrases "full of bloody crimes" and "full of violence" underscore the theme of **Pervasive Corruption and Societal Depravity**. This was not isolated wrongdoing but a systemic issue affecting both the land (the nation as a whole) and the city (Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heartland). This echoes earlier biblical warnings about the consequences of widespread sin, such as the earth being "filled with violence" in [Genesis 6:11](/genesis/6-11 "Genesis 6:11 - The Earth Filled with Violence before the Flood") leading to the Great Flood. The verse also highlights **Covenant Infidelity**, as Judah's actions were a direct breach of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, necessitating divine intervention to uphold His holiness and justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **full (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** This word (H4390) signifies being completely filled or saturated, in a wide application, both literally and figuratively. Its repetition in Ezekiel 7:23 emphasizes the *pervasiveness* and *overwhelming* nature of sin within the land and city. It indicates that the "bloody crimes" and "violence" were not isolated incidents but had permeated every aspect of society, leaving no room for righteousness, justice, or moral integrity.
* **bloody crimes (Hebrew, _dâm_ and _mishpâṭ'_):** The KJV phrase "bloody crimes" translates the Hebrew "mishpat damim" (מִשְׁפַּט דָּמִים). While `dâm` (H1818) refers to "blood" (especially that which causes death, figuratively bloodshed or bloodguiltiness), `mishpâṭ` (H4941) means "judgment," "verdict," "law," or "crime." Together, "mishpat damim" specifically denotes capital offenses, acts of bloodshed that demand judicial retribution, or even corrupt judgments that lead to the shedding of innocent blood. It signifies severe violence and injustice worthy of the gravest penalty, highlighting the profound legal and moral gravity of the nation's offenses before God.
* **violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** This term (H2555) denotes not only physical aggression but also injustice, oppression, and lawlessness. It describes a state of societal breakdown where the rights of the vulnerable are trampled, and moral order collapses. The pervasive presence of `châmâç` indicates a deep-seated corruption that extends beyond mere individual acts to a pervasive culture of wrongdoing, where power is abused, and the innocent suffer without recourse or protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Make a chain:"** This is a direct, imperative command, likely given to the prophet Ezekiel as a symbolic act or a prophetic declaration of what God intends to do. The "chain" (H7569, _rattôwq_) is a literal instrument of bondage and captivity, signifying the impending loss of freedom, dignity, and national sovereignty that awaits Judah. It is a stark visual and conceptual representation of the inevitable exile and the complete subjugation of a rebellious people.
* **"for the land is full of bloody crimes,"** This clause provides the primary justification for the divine judgment. The "land" (H776, _ʼerets_), representing the entire nation of Judah, is depicted as being completely saturated with "bloody crimes" (mishpat damim). This points to widespread murder, capital offenses, judicial corruption, and the shedding of innocent blood, indicating a profound moral and legal depravity that has defiled the very ground they inhabit and has provoked God's righteous anger.
* **"and the city is full of violence."** This second clause narrows the focus to "the city" (H5892, _ʻîyr_), specifically Jerusalem, the capital and spiritual center of Judah. It emphasizes that the pervasive sin of "violence" (H2555, _châmâç_) has concentrated in the heart of the nation. This violence encompasses not just physical aggression but also systemic injustice, oppression, and lawlessness, demonstrating that even the supposed center of worship and law has become utterly corrupted, necessitating divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment with dramatic force. **Symbolism** is central, with the "chain" serving as a powerful and concrete symbol of the coming Babylonian captivity and the devastating loss of national freedom and sovereignty. This symbol is visceral, representing the inescapable consequences of Judah's sin. The verse utilizes powerful **Repetition** with the phrase "is full" (H4390, _mâlêʼ_), emphasizing the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the nation's sin. This repetition highlights that corruption was not isolated but had saturated both the entire land and its capital city, creating a sense of absolute saturation that leaves no room for mitigation or escape. Furthermore, the verse employs **Juxtaposition** by immediately following the command for judgment ("Make a chain") with the explicit reasons for it ("for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence"). This direct cause-and-effect structure underscores God's justice, demonstrating that His judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous and proportionate response to profound moral decay. The description of the land and city being "full of" these evils also borders on **Hyperbole**, intensifying the perception of their depravity and justifying the severity of the divine response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:23 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God, in His perfect holiness and unyielding justice, cannot tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely. The "chain" of judgment is a direct and unavoidable consequence of Judah's persistent covenant infidelity, where "bloody crimes" and "violence" had become the norm, defiling the land and provoking divine wrath. This verse underscores the principle that sin, especially when pervasive and systemic, carries severe consequences, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His ultimate sovereignty over human affairs. It serves as a stark reminder that national and individual moral decay inevitably leads to divine reckoning, whether through external forces, the internal collapse of society, or direct divine intervention. God's character demands that He act decisively when His covenant people persistently and flagrantly violate His laws, ensuring that justice prevails.

* [Jeremiah 52:11](/jeremiah/52-11 "Zedekiah's Captivity") - This verse directly recounts the literal captivity and chaining of King Zedekiah, fulfilling the prophecy of the "chain" in Ezekiel and illustrating the physical reality of the judgment.
* [Genesis 6:11](/genesis/6-11 "The Earth Filled with Violence before the Flood") - Parallels the pervasive "violence" in Noah's day, which likewise led to a comprehensive divine judgment (the Flood), demonstrating a consistent pattern of God's response to widespread human depravity.
* [Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "The Land Vomiting Out Its Inhabitants") - Highlights the concept that the land itself can be defiled by sin, specifically "bloody crimes" and moral abominations, to the point where it "vomits out" its inhabitants, connecting the land's defilement to the judgment of exile.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:23 stands as a timeless and sobering warning to all generations, serving as a mirror for societies and individuals alike. It reminds us that communities and nations cannot perpetually engage in "bloody crimes" and "violence"—understood broadly as systemic injustice, oppression, the devaluation of human life, and a profound disregard for moral and spiritual order—without facing profound and often devastating consequences. This passage calls us to a deep and honest reflection on the moral state of our own communities and nations. Where there is widespread corruption, the trampling of justice, and a culture of aggression, there is a spiritual and moral void that invites severe repercussions, whether from the natural consequences of societal decay or from direct divine intervention. The "chain" serves as a powerful metaphor for the various forms of bondage—spiritual, social, or even physical—that inevitably result from unrepentant sin. It implicitly urges us to actively pursue righteousness, advocate for justice, and diligently work towards peace and reconciliation, rather than allowing a culture of violence and corruption to take root and flourish. Understanding such prophecies should lead us to a posture of humility, repentance, and a turning back to God, trusting in His promise to heal and restore when His people humble themselves and pray ([2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - Promise of Healing for Humble Repentance")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a society "full of bloody crimes and violence" manifest in our world today, and what are the contemporary "chains" that result from such conditions?**
* **What is our individual and collective responsibility in addressing systemic injustice, moral decay, and violence within our communities and nations, both locally and globally?**
* **How does God's judgment in Ezekiel 7:23 inform and deepen our understanding of His justice, His holiness, and His long-suffering nature in the face of persistent human sin?**

### FAQ

**Is the "chain" in Ezekiel 7:23 a literal chain or symbolic?**

Answer: The "chain" (Hebrew: *rattôwq*) in Ezekiel 7:23 functions as both a literal and symbolic representation. Prophetically, it vividly symbolizes the imminent Babylonian captivity of Judah, where the people would indeed be bound and led away into exile. This was a common and brutal practice for prisoners of war in the ancient Near East, as seen in the historical account of King Zedekiah's treatment in [Jeremiah 52:11](/jeremiah/52-11 "Jeremiah 52:11 - Zedekiah's Captivity"). Symbolically, it represents the profound loss of freedom, dignity, and national sovereignty that results from pervasive sin and divine judgment, signifying the inescapable bondage that awaits a nation that has forsaken God's ways and broken His covenant.

**What does "bloody crimes" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: The KJV phrase "bloody crimes" translates the Hebrew "mishpat damim," which literally means "judgment of blood" or "bloody judgment." It refers to capital offenses, acts of bloodshed, and severe violence that warrant judicial retribution. This encompasses not only outright murder but also judicial corruption where innocent blood is shed through unjust verdicts, or a general state of lawlessness where human life is devalued and violence is rampant. It signifies a profound moral and legal depravity that has thoroughly defiled the land and its inhabitants, making them liable for God's righteous judgment.

**How does this verse relate to God's character?**

Answer: Ezekiel 7:23 powerfully reveals several crucial aspects of God's character, particularly His absolute holiness, His unwavering justice, and His commitment to upholding righteousness. While God is merciful and patient, this verse demonstrates that His patience has limits when sin becomes pervasive, systemic, and unrepentant. It underscores that God is a righteous judge who will not tolerate widespread "bloody crimes" and "violence" indefinitely. His judgment, though severe and devastating, is a just and necessary response to uphold His holy character, the moral order of His creation, and the integrity of His covenant. It shows that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions, even when it means delivering them into the hands of their enemies, as outlined in the covenant curses of [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Consequences of Disobedience").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 7:23 vividly portrays the devastating consequences of human sin and God's righteous judgment, it implicitly points to the ultimate solution and hope found in Jesus Christ. The "chain" of judgment and the pervasive "bloody crimes" and "violence" described in Ezekiel powerfully highlight humanity's profound bondage to sin and its inevitable wage, which is death, as stated in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God"). However, Christ came precisely to break these very chains. He is the sinless Lamb of God, who, through His own sacrificial "blood," takes away the sin of the world, as triumphantly proclaimed by John the Baptist in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The ultimate "bloody crime" was the unjust crucifixion of the innocent Son of God, yet through this very act, Christ bore the judgment for all humanity's "bloody crimes" and "violence," becoming our substitute. He disarmed the spiritual forces of evil and triumphed over them by the cross, canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Cancellation of Debt through Christ")). Where Judah was bound by the consequences of its sin, believers in Christ are set free from the law of sin and death by the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from Sin and Death")). His kingdom is one of peace, righteousness, and justice, a stark contrast to the violence and injustice that necessitated the severe judgment in Ezekiel, ultimately fulfilling the deepest longing for a world free from the chains of sin and its devastating effects.

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

Ezekiel 9:9

Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah [is] exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not.

Jeremiah 27:2

Thus saith the LORD to me; Make thee bonds and yokes, and put them upon thy neck,

2 Kings 21:16

Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD.

Hosea 4:2

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Ezekiel 11:6

Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain.

Ezekiel 22:3

Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself.

Ezekiel 22:6

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