Ezekiel 22:26

Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.

Study Bible

Her priests do violence to My law
The phrase "Her priests do violence to My law" indicates a severe breach of duty by those who were meant to be spiritual leaders. The Hebrew word for "violence" here is "חָמַס" (chamas), which implies not just physical violence but also moral corruption and injustice. The priests, who were supposed to uphold and teach God's law, were instead corrupting it, leading the people astray. This highlights the importance of spiritual leaders maintaining integrity and faithfulness to God's Word.

and profane My holy things
To "profane" means to treat something sacred with irreverence or disrespect. The Hebrew root "חָלַל" (chalal) suggests a desecration or defilement. The priests were treating sacred objects and rituals as common, stripping them of their divine significance. This reflects a broader theme in Scripture where God calls His people to honor what is holy, recognizing the sacredness of His presence and commands.

They make no distinction between the holy and the common
The failure to "make no distinction between the holy and the common" underscores a loss of discernment and reverence. The Hebrew word for "distinction" is "בָּדַל" (badal), meaning to separate or divide. This was a critical role of the priests, to teach the people the difference between what was set apart for God and what was ordinary. This lack of distinction led to moral and spiritual confusion among the people.

and they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean
The phrase "there is no difference between the unclean and the clean" points to a fundamental misunderstanding or disregard for God's laws of purity. The Hebrew terms "טָמֵא" (tamei) for unclean and "טָהוֹר" (tahor) for clean were central to the Israelites' understanding of holiness and their relationship with God. By blurring these lines, the priests were undermining the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

They shut their eyes to the keeping of My Sabbaths
"Shut their eyes" is a metaphor for willful ignorance or neglect. The Hebrew word "עָצַם" (atsam) means to close or hide. The Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, a day set apart for rest and worship. By ignoring the Sabbath, the priests were not only disobeying a command but also disregarding a vital aspect of their identity as God's people.

so that I am profaned among them
The result of these actions is that God Himself is "profaned among them." The Hebrew word "חָלַל" (chalal) is used again, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. When God's representatives fail to honor Him, it leads to His name being dishonored among the people. This serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility of those who lead and teach in God's name to uphold His holiness and truth.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Priests
Religious leaders in Israel responsible for teaching the law and maintaining the sanctity of worship and religious practices.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often depicted in the Old Testament as struggling with faithfulness to God's commandments.

4. Sabbaths
Holy days set apart by God for rest and worship, symbolizing the covenant between God and Israel.

5. The Law
Refers to the commandments and instructions given by God to the Israelites, primarily through Moses, to guide their moral and spiritual conduct.

Teaching Points

The Role of Spiritual Leaders
Spiritual leaders are called to uphold and teach God's standards. When they fail, it leads to widespread spiritual decay.

Distinguishing the Holy from the Common
Believers are called to discern and respect what God has set apart as holy, maintaining a clear distinction in their lives.

The Importance of the Sabbath
Observing the Sabbath is a sign of obedience and reverence for God, reminding us of His creation and covenant.

Consequences of Neglecting God's Law
Ignoring God's commandments leads to His name being profaned and can result in judgment.

Personal Responsibility
While leaders have a significant role, each believer is responsible for knowing and living by God's standards.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the failure of the priests in Ezekiel 22:26 reflect on the spiritual state of Israel, and what can we learn from this about the importance of godly leadership?

2. In what ways can we distinguish between the holy and the common in our daily lives, and why is this distinction important?

3. How does the neglect of the Sabbath in Ezekiel 22:26 relate to our understanding and observance of rest and worship today?

4. What are some modern-day examples of failing to uphold God's standards, and how can we address these issues within our communities?

5. How can we ensure that we are not only hearers of the Word but also doers, in light of the priests' failure to teach and live by God's law in Ezekiel 22:26?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 10:10
This verse emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean, which is directly related to the failure of the priests in Ezekiel 22:26.

Malachi 2:7-8
Highlights the role of priests as messengers of the Lord, who should preserve knowledge and teach the law, contrasting with their failure in Ezekiel.

Isaiah 56:2
Speaks to the blessing of keeping the Sabbath holy, underscoring the significance of the priests' neglect in Ezekiel 22:26.

Jeremiah 23:11
Describes the corruption of both prophets and priests, similar to the critique in Ezekiel.

Matthew 23:23
Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for neglecting the weightier matters of the law, echoing the issues in Ezekiel.