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Ezekiel 22:30

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And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

And I sought {H1245} for a man {H376} among them, that should make up {H1443} the hedge {H1447}, and stand {H5975} in the gap {H6556} before {H6440} me for the land {H776}, that I should not destroy {H7843} it: but I found {H4672} none.

"'I sought for a man among them who could build a barricade or stand in the break to oppose me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.

I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one.

And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.

Commentary

Ezekiel 22:30 delivers a profound and somber declaration from God, revealing His earnest search for a righteous individual to intercede for the land of Judah, preventing its destruction. This verse encapsulates the tragic spiritual decay of Jerusalem and the consequences of a nation devoid of faithful leadership and intercessors.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Ezekiel ministered during a tumultuous period for Israel, specifically during the Babylonian exile. Much of the book of Ezekiel condemns the rampant idolatry, injustice, bloodshed, and moral corruption within Jerusalem, even as its destruction loomed. Chapters 20-23, in particular, detail the city's numerous sins and the impending divine judgment. In this context, God's search for a single righteous person highlights the depth of the nation's depravity, where even a handful of faithful individuals could not be found to stand against the tide of wickedness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Search for Intercessors: God, in His mercy, actively sought a person who would stand in the breach, demonstrating His desire to avert judgment if righteousness or repentance were present. This reflects a divine principle seen throughout scripture, where the actions of a few can impact many.
  • The Power of Intercession: The imagery of "making up the hedge" and "standing in the gap" vividly portrays the protective and redemptive power of intercessory prayer and righteous living. A single individual's faithfulness could, hypothetically, have served as a spiritual barrier against divine wrath. Abraham's plea for Sodom and Moses' intercession for Israel after the golden calf incident are prime examples of such power.
  • Profound Spiritual Failure: The tragic conclusion, "but I found none," underscores the complete moral and spiritual bankruptcy of the nation's leadership and populace. No one was willing or able to fulfill this critical role, sealing Jerusalem's fate.
  • Impending Judgment: The absence of an intercessor meant that God's just judgment could no longer be withheld. The land was destroyed because there was no one to stand in the gap, signifying the inevitable consequences of unrepentant sin.

Linguistic Insights

The phrases "make up the hedge" and "stand in the gap" are rich in meaning:

  • "Make up the hedge" (Hebrew: גָּדֵר, gader): Refers to repairing or building a protective wall or fence, often around a vineyard or city. It implies restoring a protective barrier that has fallen into disrepair, safeguarding against intrusion or destruction.
  • "Stand in the gap" (Hebrew: פֶּרֶץ, peretz): Literally means to stand in the breach or opening in a wall. This is a military metaphor, where a soldier would stand in a broken section of a city wall to defend it against attacking enemies. Spiritually, it means to intercede, to plead on behalf of others, or to act righteously to avert impending disaster.

Together, these phrases describe someone who would actively work to restore spiritual and moral defenses and courageously interpose themselves between God's wrath and the sinful nation.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 22:30 serves as a timeless challenge and call to action for believers today:

  • The Call to Intercession: This verse highlights the ongoing need for individuals to "stand in the gap" for their communities, nations, and the world. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of fervent, selfless prayer for the lost, the backslidden, and for righteous governance.
  • Personal Responsibility: Each believer is called to live a life of righteousness that can act as a "hedge" against moral decay. Our individual choices and actions can have a collective impact, either contributing to or stemming the tide of ungodliness.
  • The Church's Role: The Church, as the collective body of Christ, is meant to be a spiritual "hedge" and a community of intercessors, actively seeking God's mercy and justice in a fallen world.
  • Jesus, the Ultimate Intercessor: Ultimately, this verse points to the profound need for a perfect intercessor. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "man" who stood in the gap for humanity, bridging the chasm created by sin through His atoning sacrifice and His ongoing intercession at the right hand of God.

This verse reminds us that God still seeks those who will stand for righteousness and pray for their land, and that such actions can indeed influence divine outcomes.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 59:16 (43 votes)

    ¶ And he saw that [there was] no man, and wondered that [there was] no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

  • Jeremiah 5:1 (39 votes)

    ¶ Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be [any] that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.

  • Psalms 106:23 (34 votes)

    Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

  • Ezekiel 13:5 (21 votes)

    Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.

  • Genesis 18:23 (21 votes)

    ¶ And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

  • Genesis 18:32 (21 votes)

    And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.

  • Isaiah 63:5 (21 votes)

    And I looked, and [there was] none to help; and I wondered that [there was] none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.