Ezekiel 22:7

Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed.

Study Bible

They have treated father and mother with contempt
The Hebrew word for "contempt" here is "בָּזוּ" (bazu), which conveys a sense of despising or holding in disdain. In the ancient Near Eastern context, honoring one's parents was a fundamental societal value, deeply rooted in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). This phrase highlights a breakdown of family respect and authority, which is foundational to a stable society. The family unit is seen as a microcosm of the larger community, and when respect within the family erodes, it often reflects broader societal decay. This contempt is not just a personal failing but a communal one, indicating a society that has turned away from God's commandments.

They have oppressed the foreigner within you
The term "oppressed" is translated from the Hebrew "עָשַׁק" (ashaq), meaning to exploit or mistreat. The "foreigner" or "stranger" (גֵּר, ger) in Israelite society was someone who lived among the Israelites but was not a native-born citizen. The Law of Moses repeatedly commands fair treatment and justice for foreigners (Leviticus 19:33-34), reflecting God's heart for the marginalized and vulnerable. This oppression signifies a failure to uphold God's justice and mercy, which were to be hallmarks of His people. Historically, the treatment of foreigners was a litmus test for the righteousness of a society, and here, Israel is found wanting.

They have wronged the fatherless and the widow
The Hebrew word for "wronged" is "עָשַׁק" (ashaq), the same as used for "oppressed," indicating a systemic injustice. The "fatherless" (יָתוֹם, yatom) and the "widow" (אַלְמָנָה, almanah) were particularly vulnerable in ancient societies, lacking the protection and provision typically afforded by a male head of household. Scripture frequently emphasizes God's special concern for these groups (Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 68:5), and their mistreatment is a grave offense. This phrase underscores a society that has abandoned its covenantal responsibilities, failing to reflect God's character of compassion and justice. The neglect and exploitation of the most vulnerable reveal a deep moral and spiritual corruption, calling for repentance and a return to God's righteous standards.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites.

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

3. Father and Mother
Representing the family unit, which is being disrespected and dishonored by the people.

4. Foreigner
Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, who are being oppressed contrary to God's laws of hospitality and justice.

5. Fatherless and Widow
Vulnerable members of society who are being wronged, highlighting the community's failure to uphold justice and compassion.

Teaching Points

Honor and Respect for Parents
The importance of maintaining respect and honor within the family as a reflection of our relationship with God.

Justice for the Foreigner
God's heart for justice extends to all people, including foreigners, and we are called to reflect His love and fairness.

Care for the Vulnerable
True religion involves caring for those who cannot care for themselves, such as orphans and widows, demonstrating God's compassion.

Community Responsibility
The passage highlights the collective responsibility of a community to uphold God's standards of justice and righteousness.

Repentance and Restoration
Recognizing areas where we fall short and seeking God's forgiveness and guidance to restore right relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to honor father and mother in Exodus 20:12 relate to the issues addressed in Ezekiel 22:7?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are treating foreigners and strangers with justice and compassion in our communities today?

3. How does James 1:27 challenge us to care for the vulnerable, and what practical steps can we take to live this out?

4. What are some modern-day examples of community responsibility, and how can we as individuals contribute to upholding justice and righteousness?

5. Reflect on a time when you needed to seek repentance and restoration in your relationships. How did this process align with the teachings in Ezekiel 22:7?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:12
The commandment to honor one's father and mother, which is being violated in Ezekiel 22:7.

Deuteronomy 10:18-19
God's command to love the foreigner, reflecting His justice and compassion, which contrasts with the oppression mentioned in Ezekiel.

James 1:27
The call to care for orphans and widows, aligning with the biblical mandate to protect the vulnerable, which the Israelites are neglecting.