Ezekiel 22:26

Ezekiel 22:26 (KJV)

Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

Commentary

This verse is part of a scathing indictment against the various groups of people in Jerusalem whose sins contributed to the city's impending destruction. Here, the focus is specifically on the religious leaders – the priests.

Historical and Cultural Context: Priests in ancient Israel were designated by God to mediate between Him and the people, teach God's law, and maintain the sanctity of worship and daily life according to the covenant. They were responsible for upholding the distinction between holy and common, clean and unclean, as defined in the Law (e.g., Leviticus). Ezekiel prophesied just before and during the Babylonian exile, a time when the spiritual and moral state of Judah had deteriorated significantly, particularly among its leaders.

Key Themes and Messages: The central theme is the failure and corruption of the priesthood. They are accused of violating God's law and profaning sacred things. Their primary offense is the failure to distinguish between the "holy and profane" and the "clean and unclean." This distinction was foundational to Israelite religious practice and reflected God's nature and requirements. By neglecting this, and by ignoring the Sabbaths (holy days), the priests essentially blurred the lines between what God set apart as sacred and what was common or defiled. The tragic consequence is stated clearly: "I am profaned among them." Their failure to honor God's holiness caused God Himself to be dishonored and treated as common by the people they were meant to lead in worship.

Linguistic Insights: The Hebrew word for "profaned" (חָלַל - *chalal*) means to pollute, defile, or make common. The phrase "put no difference" comes from the word בָּדַל - *badal*, which means to separate, divide, or distinguish – a key concept in the creation account (God separating light from darkness, waters from waters) and in the laws of holiness (God separating Israel, priests, holy things). The priests failed in their fundamental duty to maintain these God-ordained distinctions.

Cross-references:

• Leviticus 10:10 - Priests are explicitly commanded to "put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean."
• Malachi 2:7-8 - Later condemnation of priests for departing from the law and causing people to stumble.

Practical Application: This verse serves as a stark warning about the responsibility of spiritual leadership to uphold God's truth and standards without compromise. It also reminds all believers of the importance of distinguishing between what is holy (set apart for God) and what is profane (common, worldly, or defiled) in our own lives. Spiritual apathy or a desire to blend in with the world can lead to profaning God's name through our actions and attitudes.