Ezekiel 14:22

Ezekiel 14:22 (KJV) offers a pivotal insight into God's judgment and His ultimate vindication, even amidst severe destruction. It reveals that a segment of the population, a "remnant," would survive the calamity brought upon Jerusalem, not as a sign of their righteousness, but to demonstrate the justice of God's actions.

Context

This verse is situated within a powerful prophetic declaration by the prophet Ezekiel, delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Chapters 8-11 detail the abominable idolatry and moral decay within Jerusalem, which provoked God's wrath and led to the departure of His glory from the Temple. Chapter 14 specifically addresses those who, despite their outward appearance, harbored idols in their hearts and sought counsel from the prophet. God declares that He will answer them according to their idolatry, and that Jerusalem faces an inescapable judgment through famine, wild beasts, pestilence, and the sword (Ezekiel 14:21). The verse under commentary, Ezekiel 14:22, provides the reason for the survival of a small group: to confirm the righteousness of God's devastating judgment.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Remnant of Judgment: Unlike other biblical references to a faithful remnant preserved for future blessing (e.g., Isaiah 10:21, Romans 9:27), the "remnant" in Ezekiel 14:22 is preserved specifically to demonstrate God's justice. Their survival is not a sign of their purity, but rather a testament to their own continued sinfulness, thereby justifying the severity of Jerusalem's destruction.
• Divine Vindication: The phrase "ye shall see their way and their doings" is crucial. The survivors' actions and character would be evidence that even they, though spared, deserved judgment. This would bring "comfort" to those observing the devastation, not in the sense of relief from suffering, but in the profound understanding and affirmation of God's perfect justice and righteousness. It would confirm that the Lord's "evil" (calamity/disaster) brought upon Jerusalem was entirely deserved.
• God's Sovereignty in Judgment: This passage powerfully underscores God's absolute control over judgment. He determines both the extent of the destruction and who, if anyone, will survive. His actions are not arbitrary but are a direct, just response to human sin and rebellion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "evil" in "comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem" is ra'ah (רָעָה). While ra'ah can mean moral evil, in this context, it refers to calamity, disaster, or affliction, indicating the severe judgments and suffering that God Himself brought upon the city. This nuance is vital for understanding why the observers would be "comforted" by witnessing the remnant's behavior – they would see that the disaster was a just consequence, not an arbitrary act.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 14:22 reminds us of several timeless truths:

• God's Justice is Unquestionable: Even in the face of widespread suffering and judgment, God's actions are always perfectly just and ultimately vindicated. We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust in His righteousness (Deuteronomy 32:4).
• Sin Has Consequences: The severity of Jerusalem's judgment serves as a stark warning about the inevitable and devastating consequences of persistent sin and idolatry.
• Comfort in Understanding: True comfort, even in the midst of tragedy, can come from understanding God's perspective and seeing His justice at work. It encourages a deeper trust in His character and sovereign plan, even when it involves severe discipline.