1 Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

2 Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations.

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.

4 Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.

5 Those that be near, and those that be far from thee, shall mock thee, which art infamous and much vexed.

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

7 In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.

8 Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths.

9 In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness.

10 In thee have they discovered their fathers' nakedness: in thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution.

11 And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter.

12 In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord God.

13 Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.

14 Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the Lord have spoken it, and will do it.

15 And I will scatter thee among the heathen, and disperse thee in the countries, and will consume thy filthiness out of thee.

16 And thou shalt take thine inheritance in thyself in the sight of the heathen, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord.

17 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

18 Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver.

19 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye are all become dross, behold, therefore I will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem.

20 As they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt it; so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave you there, and melt you.

21 Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst therof.

22 As silver is melted in the midst of the furnace, so shall ye be melted in the midst thereof; and ye shall know that I the Lord have poured out my fury upon you.

23 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

24 Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.

25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

26 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.

27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken.

29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.

30 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.

31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 21:32 Ezekiel 22:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Judge - The question is doubled, to awaken the prophet more fully, and to quicken him to his work.
McArther Bible Commentary
the bloody city. Cf. verses Eze 22:3-4, Eze 22:6, Eze 22:9, Eze 22:12-13. This phrase refers to Jerusalem because of her judicial murders (Eze 22:6, Eze 22:9, Eze 22:23-27), her sacrifice of children, and her rebellion against Babylon (cf. Eze 24:6).
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 9:9 Ezekiel 11:6 Ezekiel 16:2 Ezekiel 20:4 Ezekiel 22:1 Ezekiel 22:3 Ezekiel 23:36 Ezekiel 24:6

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Her time - The time of ripeness in her sins, and of execution of judgments on her. To defile - For this does more defile them, and provoke God to wrath against them.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 9:9 Ezekiel 22:2 Ezekiel 22:6 Ezekiel 22:27 Ezekiel 23:7 Ezekiel 23:37 Ezekiel 23:45 Ezekiel 24:6

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Thy days - The days of thy sorrows, and punishment. Art come - Thou art grown up to the eldest years in sin, beyond which thou art not to go.
McArther Bible Commentary
become guilty. At least seventeen kinds of sin appear in this indictment of Jerusalem's blood guiltiness, with more in verses Eze 22:25-29. The only restraint on their evil was the limits of their ability to sin. They did all the evil they could, and shedding blood seemed to be the most popular.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 21:16 Psalm 44:13 Psalm 44:14 Ezekiel 5:14 Ezekiel 5:15 Ezekiel 16:57 Ezekiel 23:7 Ezekiel 23:32 Ezekiel 24:7 Ezekiel 24:8 Ezekiel 36:15

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Much vexed - Afflicted, impoverished, and ruined.
McArther Bible Commentary
Cf. Rom 2:24. God links His honor to the behavior of His people.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 22:2 Ezekiel 23:32

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Every one - Not one to be found of a more merciful temper. To their power - According to their ability.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 1:23 Ezekiel 21:12 Ezekiel 22:3 Ezekiel 22:27

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In thee - In Jerusalem.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 20:12 Exodus 22:21 Exodus 22:22 Exodus 23:9 Leviticus 20:9 Deuteronomy 5:16 Deuteronomy 24:17 Deuteronomy 27:16 Isaiah 1:23 Jeremiah 7:6 Ezekiel 22:25 Ezekiel 22:29 Zechariah 7:10 Malachi 3:5

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Thou - O Jerusalem. Mine holy things - All mine institutions, temple, sacrifices, feasts.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 20:13 Ezekiel 20:21 Ezekiel 22:26 Ezekiel 23:38 Ezekiel 23:39

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Carry tales - Informers, or persons that for money, give in false witness against the innocent. They eat - Offer sacrifice on the mountains and feast there, in honour of their idols.
McArther Bible Commentary
eat on the mountains. This idea refers to idol worship which the passage clarifies (Eze 22:4), i.e., eating meals at idol shrines, accompanied by sexual sins, such as those described in verses Eze 22:10 and Eze 22:11.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 19:16 Ezekiel 11:6 Ezekiel 18:6 Ezekiel 23:29 Hosea 4:2 Hosea 4:10 Hosea 6:9 Malachi 3:5

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Discovered - Defiled their fathers bed.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 18:7 Leviticus 18:8 Leviticus 18:19 Ezekiel 18:6

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 18:15 2 Samuel 13:11 Jeremiah 5:8 Ezekiel 18:6 Ezekiel 18:11 Ezekiel 33:26

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 23:8 Leviticus 19:13 Leviticus 25:36 Deuteronomy 16:19 Deuteronomy 23:19 Deuteronomy 27:25 Psalm 106:21 Ezekiel 23:35 Ezekiel 36:12 Micah 7:2 Micah 7:3

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Smitten mine hand - In testimony of my abhorrence.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 33:15 Ezekiel 22:27 Ezekiel 33:31 Amos 2:6 Micah 2:2

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Endure - Withstand the evils that are coming, or bear them when come.
McArther Bible Commentary
Ezekiel saw not only the punishment in the immediate future, but the worldwide dispersion of the Jews still going on, which continues for the purging of Israel's sins.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 7:17 Ezekiel 17:24 Ezekiel 21:7 Ezekiel 36:36 Joel 2:11 Malachi 3:2

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:27 Nehemiah 1:8 Ezekiel 20:23 Ezekiel 23:27 Ezekiel 23:48 Ezekiel 24:11 Ezekiel 36:19 Zechariah 7:14

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The sins of Jerusalem.
The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called, because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In thyself - Whereas I was thine inheritance so long as thou wert a holy, obedient people; now be an inheritance to thyself, if thou canst.
McArther Bible Commentary
then you shall know. After the defiling dispersion, when the sin has been purged, Israel will come to know the Lord. Many Jews do know Him now, but the nation will be saved in the future (cf. Zech. 12-14; Rom 11:25-27).
Bible Cross References
Psalm 83:18 Ezekiel 6:7 Ezekiel 22:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Israel is condemned as dross.
Israel, compared with other nations, had been as the gold and silver compared with baser metals. But they were now as the refuse that is consumed in the furnace, or thrown away when the silver is refined. Sinners, especially backsliding professors, are, in God's account, useless and fit for nothing. When God brings his own people into the furnace, he sits by them as the refiner by his gold, to see that they are not continued there any longer than is fitting and needful. The dross shall be wholly separated, and the good metal purified. Let those who suffer pains, or lingering sickness, and find that their hearts can scarcely bear these light and momentary afflictions, take warning to flee from the wrath to come; for if these trials are not sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the cleansing their hearts and hands from sin, far worse things will come upon them.
McArther Bible Commentary
bronze, tin, iron, and lead. This pictures God's judgment of Jerusalem as a smelting furnace (cf. Isa 1:22; Jer 6:28-30; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:2-3) which burns away dross and impurities, resulting in purified metal. His wrath was the fire (Eze 22:21; an apt term for Babylon's fiery destruction of the city), His people were to be refined (Eze 22:20), and the sinful ones were to be removed as dross (cf. Eze 21:13-22). Even in the ultimate day, God will follow this principle in purging His creation of sin (2Pe 3:9-14).
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 22:16 Ezekiel 22:18

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Israel is condemned as dross.
Israel, compared with other nations, had been as the gold and silver compared with baser metals. But they were now as the refuse that is consumed in the furnace, or thrown away when the silver is refined. Sinners, especially backsliding professors, are, in God's account, useless and fit for nothing. When God brings his own people into the furnace, he sits by them as the refiner by his gold, to see that they are not continued there any longer than is fitting and needful. The dross shall be wholly separated, and the good metal purified. Let those who suffer pains, or lingering sickness, and find that their hearts can scarcely bear these light and momentary afflictions, take warning to flee from the wrath to come; for if these trials are not sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the cleansing their hearts and hands from sin, far worse things will come upon them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Dross - Utterly degenerate, and base metal. The furnace - The afflictions I have laid upon them have not bettered them. The dross - While they loved mercy, did justly, walked humbly with their God, they were as silver; now they are but dross.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 119:119 Proverbs 17:3 Proverbs 25:4 Isaiah 1:22 Isaiah 48:10 Jeremiah 6:28 Lamentations 4:1 Ezekiel 22:17 Ezekiel 22:19 Daniel 3:6

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Israel is condemned as dross.
Israel, compared with other nations, had been as the gold and silver compared with baser metals. But they were now as the refuse that is consumed in the furnace, or thrown away when the silver is refined. Sinners, especially backsliding professors, are, in God's account, useless and fit for nothing. When God brings his own people into the furnace, he sits by them as the refiner by his gold, to see that they are not continued there any longer than is fitting and needful. The dross shall be wholly separated, and the good metal purified. Let those who suffer pains, or lingering sickness, and find that their hearts can scarcely bear these light and momentary afflictions, take warning to flee from the wrath to come; for if these trials are not sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the cleansing their hearts and hands from sin, far worse things will come upon them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Gather you - From all parts. I will, by a secret over - ruling providence, bring you into Jerusalem, as into a furnace, where you may be consumed.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 119:119 Isaiah 1:25 Ezekiel 22:18 Ezekiel 22:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Israel is condemned as dross.
Israel, compared with other nations, had been as the gold and silver compared with baser metals. But they were now as the refuse that is consumed in the furnace, or thrown away when the silver is refined. Sinners, especially backsliding professors, are, in God's account, useless and fit for nothing. When God brings his own people into the furnace, he sits by them as the refiner by his gold, to see that they are not continued there any longer than is fitting and needful. The dross shall be wholly separated, and the good metal purified. Let those who suffer pains, or lingering sickness, and find that their hearts can scarcely bear these light and momentary afflictions, take warning to flee from the wrath to come; for if these trials are not sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the cleansing their hearts and hands from sin, far worse things will come upon them.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 1:25 Jeremiah 8:13 Ezekiel 21:31 Ezekiel 22:19 Ezekiel 22:21 Ezekiel 22:31 Ezekiel 36:18 Hosea 8:10

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Israel is condemned as dross.
Israel, compared with other nations, had been as the gold and silver compared with baser metals. But they were now as the refuse that is consumed in the furnace, or thrown away when the silver is refined. Sinners, especially backsliding professors, are, in God's account, useless and fit for nothing. When God brings his own people into the furnace, he sits by them as the refiner by his gold, to see that they are not continued there any longer than is fitting and needful. The dross shall be wholly separated, and the good metal purified. Let those who suffer pains, or lingering sickness, and find that their hearts can scarcely bear these light and momentary afflictions, take warning to flee from the wrath to come; for if these trials are not sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the cleansing their hearts and hands from sin, far worse things will come upon them.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 8:13 Ezekiel 21:31 Ezekiel 22:20 Ezekiel 22:22

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Israel is condemned as dross.
Israel, compared with other nations, had been as the gold and silver compared with baser metals. But they were now as the refuse that is consumed in the furnace, or thrown away when the silver is refined. Sinners, especially backsliding professors, are, in God's account, useless and fit for nothing. When God brings his own people into the furnace, he sits by them as the refiner by his gold, to see that they are not continued there any longer than is fitting and needful. The dross shall be wholly separated, and the good metal purified. Let those who suffer pains, or lingering sickness, and find that their hearts can scarcely bear these light and momentary afflictions, take warning to flee from the wrath to come; for if these trials are not sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the cleansing their hearts and hands from sin, far worse things will come upon them.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 20:8 Ezekiel 20:33 Ezekiel 22:21 Ezekiel 22:23 Ezekiel 36:18 Hosea 5:10

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
As the corruption is general, so shall be the punishment.
All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation's guilt. The people that had any power abused it, and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Her - The land of Israel. Not cleansed - Though God's judgments have been as violent floods; and as hottest fires. Nor rained upon - Yet neither thy filth hath been carried away, nor thy dross melted out of thee. Therefore thou shalt be deprived of the rain, that should cool thy thirsty land.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 22:22 Ezekiel 22:24

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
As the corruption is general, so shall be the punishment.
All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation's guilt. The people that had any power abused it, and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 9:13 Jeremiah 2:30 Ezekiel 22:23 Ezekiel 24:13 Zephaniah 3:2

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
As the corruption is general, so shall be the punishment.
All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation's guilt. The people that had any power abused it, and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A conspiracy - A contrivance, to speak all alike, smooth words, and give out promises of peace and safety. Thereof - Of the land. The treasure - As a reward of their lies. Made her - By persuading Zedekiah to hold out the war, which filled Jerusalem with dead husbands, and forlorn widows.
McArther Bible Commentary
conspiracy. The whole nation was wicked. First, all leaders are indicted for their vicious sin: prophets, priests, princes. Second, the people in general were accused.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 2:34 Jeremiah 11:9 Jeremiah 15:8 Jeremiah 18:21 Lamentations 2:14 Ezekiel 13:2 Ezekiel 13:19 Ezekiel 22:7 Ezekiel 22:27 Ezekiel 34:2 Ezekiel 34:3 Hosea 6:9

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
As the corruption is general, so shall be the punishment.
All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation's guilt. The people that had any power abused it, and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
My holy things - Sacrifices, and oblations. Put no difference - Neither have they in their practice, differenced holy and profane, nor in their teaching acquainted the people with the difference, nor in the exercise of their authority, separated the profane from the holy, either persons, or things. Hid their eyes - Despised, and would not see the holiness of the sabbaths. Profaned - Contemned, dishonoured, disobeyed.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 10:10 Leviticus 11:47 Leviticus 13:43 1 Samuel 2:12 1 Samuel 2:22 Jeremiah 2:8 Jeremiah 2:26 Jeremiah 15:19 Lamentations 4:13 Ezekiel 7:26 Ezekiel 22:8 Ezekiel 42:20 Ezekiel 44:10 Ezekiel 44:23 Zephaniah 3:4 Haggai 2:11

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
As the corruption is general, so shall be the punishment.
All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation's guilt. The people that had any power abused it, and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Destroy souls - Ruin families; cutting off the fathers, and impoverishing the widow, and fatherless.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 7:15 Acts 20:29 Jeremiah 5:6 Jeremiah 34:19 Jeremiah 41:7 Ezekiel 22:3 Ezekiel 22:6 Ezekiel 22:13 Ezekiel 22:25 Ezekiel 33:31 Ezekiel 34:3 Ezekiel 36:12 Ezekiel 45:8 Ezekiel 46:18 Micah 3:2 Habakkuk 2:9 Zephaniah 3:3

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
As the corruption is general, so shall be the punishment.
All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation's guilt. The people that had any power abused it, and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Daubed them - Flattered them, in their ways of sin. Untempered mortar - With promises that like ill - tempered mortar, will deceive them, though all seems at present smooth and safe.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 23:25 Jeremiah 28:15 Lamentations 2:14 Ezekiel 13:2 Ezekiel 13:6 Ezekiel 13:7 Ezekiel 21:29

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
As the corruption is general, so shall be the punishment.
All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation's guilt. The people that had any power abused it, and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 23:9 Psalm 62:10 Isaiah 5:7 Ezekiel 9:9 Ezekiel 22:7 Amos 3:10

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
As the corruption is general, so shall be the punishment.
All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation's guilt. The people that had any power abused it, and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I sought - God speaks after the manner of men. A man - Any one, among princes, prophets, priests, or people, to repair the breach. And stand - Interpose between a sinful people, and their offended God, and intreat for mercy. But - All were corrupted.
McArther Bible Commentary
So I sought for a man. Ezekiel and Jeremiah were faithful but, apart from them, God sought a man capable of advocacy for Israel when its sin had gone so far. But no one could lead the people to repentance and draw the nation back from the brink of the judgment that came in 586 B.C. (Jer 7:26, Jer 7:36; Jer 19:15). Only God's Messiah, God Himself, will have the character and the credentials sufficient to do what no mortal man can do, i.e., intercede for Israel (cf. Isa 59:16-19; Isa 63:5; Rev. 5). Christ was rejected by them in His earthly ministry, so the effects of this judgment continue today, until they turn to Him in faith (cf. Zec 12:10; Zec 13:1).
Bible Cross References
Psalm 106:23 Isaiah 59:16 Isaiah 63:5 Isaiah 64:7 Jeremiah 5:1 Jeremiah 8:6 Jeremiah 15:1 Ezekiel 13:5

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
As the corruption is general, so shall be the punishment.
All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation's guilt. The people that had any power abused it, and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.
Bible Cross References
Romans 2:8 Romans 2:9 Revelation 16:1 Isaiah 10:5 Isaiah 13:5 Isaiah 30:27 Lamentations 4:11 Ezekiel 7:3 Ezekiel 7:4 Ezekiel 7:8 Ezekiel 9:10 Ezekiel 16:43 Ezekiel 22:20 Ezekiel 23:1 Ezekiel 30:8