Ezekiel 22:13

Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst.

Study Bible

Now look
The phrase "Now look" serves as a divine call to attention. In Hebrew, the word used here is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which is often translated as "behold" or "see." It is a directive from God, urging the listener to pay close attention to what follows. This is not merely a casual observation but a significant moment where God is about to express His judgment. The use of "Now look" emphasizes the immediacy and seriousness of the situation, drawing the audience into a moment of divine revelation and accountability.

I strike My hands together
The imagery of God striking His hands together is a powerful expression of divine anger and disapproval. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, clapping or striking hands was a gesture of derision or condemnation. The Hebrew root "נָכָה" (nakah) implies a forceful action, indicating God's intense displeasure with the actions of the people. This gesture symbolizes a decisive moment of judgment, where God is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in addressing the injustices committed.

against your unjust gain
The term "unjust gain" refers to wealth or profit acquired through dishonest or immoral means. The Hebrew word "בֶּצַע" (betza) is often associated with greed and covetousness. In the context of Ezekiel, it highlights the corrupt practices prevalent among the people, where economic exploitation and unethical behavior were rampant. This phrase underscores the moral decay and the prioritization of material wealth over righteousness, which God vehemently opposes.

and against the blood you have shed
The shedding of blood signifies acts of violence and murder. The Hebrew word "דָּם" (dam) is a direct reference to life taken unlawfully. In the historical context of Ezekiel, this phrase points to the rampant violence and disregard for human life within the society. It serves as a grave indictment of the people's actions, highlighting the severity of their sins and the resulting divine judgment. The shedding of innocent blood is a recurring theme in the Bible, consistently condemned as a grievous sin.

in your midst
The phrase "in your midst" indicates that these transgressions were not hidden or isolated incidents but were occurring openly within the community. The Hebrew word "תּוֹךְ" (tokh) suggests something happening internally, among the people themselves. This highlights the pervasive nature of the sin and corruption, affecting the entire society. It serves as a reminder that sin, when left unchecked, can permeate and corrupt the very fabric of a community, necessitating divine intervention and correction.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites, often concerning their sin and the need for repentance.

2. Israel
The nation addressed in this passage, specifically the people of Jerusalem, who are being rebuked for their sinful practices.

3. God
The speaker in this verse, expressing His anger and judgment against the injustices and violence committed by the Israelites.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these injustices and bloodshed are taking place, serving as a focal point for God's judgment.

5. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a period of punishment and reflection for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

God's Displeasure with Injustice
God is deeply displeased with unjust gain and violence. This displeasure is not just historical but applies to all forms of injustice today.

The Consequences of Sin
Sin, particularly injustice and violence, leads to God's judgment. We must be aware of the consequences of our actions and strive for righteousness.

Call to Repentance
Just as God called Israel to repentance, He calls us to turn away from sin and seek His forgiveness and guidance.

The Importance of Justice and Righteousness
As believers, we are called to pursue justice and righteousness in our lives, reflecting God's character in our actions.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's response to sin demonstrates His sovereignty and commitment to justice. We can trust that He will ultimately right all wrongs.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific injustices and acts of violence are being condemned in Ezekiel 22:13, and how do they relate to the broader context of the chapter?

2. How does the imagery of God striking His hands together enhance our understanding of His reaction to sin?

3. In what ways can we identify and address unjust gain and violence in our own communities today?

4. How do the themes of justice and repentance in Ezekiel 22:13 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced injustice. How can Ezekiel 22:13 guide your response to such situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 6:16-19
This passage lists things the Lord hates, including hands that shed innocent blood, which connects to the bloodshed mentioned in Ezekiel 22:13.

Isaiah 1:15-17
God calls for justice and righteousness, urging the people to cease doing evil and learn to do good, paralleling the call for repentance in Ezekiel.

James 5:1-6
This New Testament passage warns the rich about the consequences of unjust gain, echoing the themes of Ezekiel 22:13.

Micah 6:8
Highlights what the Lord requires: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, contrasting with the unjust actions condemned in Ezekiel.

Romans 2:5-6
Speaks of God's righteous judgment, which will repay each person according to their deeds, aligning with the judgment theme in Ezekiel.