Ezekiel 22:29

The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice.

Study Bible

The people of the land
This phrase refers to the general populace of Israel, not just the leaders or priests. In Hebrew, "am ha'aretz" often denotes the common people. Historically, this term can also imply those who are not particularly religious or who are secular in their practices. The phrase sets the stage for understanding that the corruption and sinfulness were widespread, not limited to a specific group. It serves as a reminder that societal decay often begins at the grassroots level, emphasizing the need for personal holiness and integrity among all believers.

have practiced extortion
The Hebrew word for "extortion" here is "osheq," which implies oppression or unjust gain. This practice involves taking advantage of others through coercion or deceit. In the biblical context, extortion is a grave sin because it violates the principles of justice and righteousness that God commands His people to uphold. It reflects a heart that is far from God, prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others. This serves as a warning to believers to guard against greed and to ensure that their dealings with others are fair and just.

and committed robbery
The act of robbery, "gazal" in Hebrew, involves taking what belongs to another by force or threat. This is a direct violation of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). Robbery not only harms the victim but also disrupts the social order and trust within a community. In a spiritual sense, it represents a heart that is willing to disregard God's laws for personal benefit. Believers are called to respect the property and rights of others, reflecting God's justice and love in their interactions.

They have oppressed the poor and needy
Oppression of the poor and needy is a recurring theme in the prophetic books, highlighting God's concern for justice and care for the vulnerable. The Hebrew word "ashaq" means to press down or exploit. This phrase underscores the moral failure of the people, as they were expected to protect and support those who were less fortunate. In the broader biblical narrative, God consistently calls His people to defend the rights of the poor and to act with compassion and mercy. This serves as a call to action for believers to advocate for social justice and to care for those in need.

and have exploited the foreign resident
The exploitation of the foreign resident, or "ger" in Hebrew, is particularly egregious because the Israelites themselves were once foreigners in Egypt. God commanded them to treat foreigners with kindness and fairness (Leviticus 19:34). This exploitation indicates a failure to remember their own history and to live out the compassion that God showed them. For contemporary believers, this serves as a reminder to welcome and support those who are different or marginalized, reflecting God's inclusive love.

without justice
The absence of justice, "mishpat" in Hebrew, is a critical indictment. Justice is a foundational attribute of God's character and a central theme in Scripture. The lack of justice in the land signifies a departure from God's ways and a breakdown of societal order. For believers, this highlights the importance of pursuing justice in all areas of life, ensuring that their actions align with God's righteous standards. It is a call to be agents of change, promoting fairness and equity in their communities.

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. The People of the Land
Refers to the inhabitants of Judah, who are being accused of various social injustices and moral failings.

3. The Poor and Needy
Vulnerable groups within society who are being oppressed and exploited, contrary to God's commands for justice and mercy.

4. The Foreign Resident
Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, who were supposed to be treated with fairness and justice according to Mosaic Law.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these injustices are taking place, representing the spiritual and moral state of the nation.

Teaching Points

The Call for Justice
God demands justice and righteousness from His people. We are called to reflect His character by advocating for the oppressed and ensuring fair treatment for all, especially the marginalized.

The Sin of Exploitation
Exploiting others for personal gain is a grave sin. Believers must examine their own lives and communities to ensure they are not complicit in systems of injustice.

Compassion for the Vulnerable
The Bible consistently emphasizes care for the poor, needy, and foreigner. Christians are called to extend compassion and support to those in need, reflecting God's love and mercy.

Repentance and Restoration
Like the Israelites, we must recognize our failings, repent, and seek to restore justice in our communities. This involves both personal and collective action.

Living Out Our Faith
True faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God's commands. We must actively pursue justice and mercy as evidence of our commitment to Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the treatment of the poor and needy in Ezekiel 22:29 reflect the spiritual state of the people of Judah?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of justice and mercy from Ezekiel 22:29 in our modern context?

3. How do the commands in Leviticus 19:33-34 about treating foreigners relate to the accusations in Ezekiel 22:29?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are not complicit in systems of exploitation and injustice?

5. How does the call to care for the vulnerable in James 1:27 reinforce the message of Ezekiel 22:29?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:33-34
This passage commands the Israelites to treat foreigners living among them as native-born, highlighting the sin of exploiting the foreign resident in Ezekiel 22:29.

Isaiah 1:17
Calls for the defense of the oppressed and justice for the fatherless and widows, echoing the themes of social justice found in Ezekiel.

James 1:27
Describes pure religion as caring for orphans and widows, aligning with the call to protect the vulnerable in Ezekiel 22:29.