Ezekiel 9:9

He replied, "The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great. The land is full of bloodshed, and the city is full of perversity. For they say, 'The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.'

Study Bible

He answered me
This phrase indicates a direct communication between God and the prophet Ezekiel. The Hebrew root for "answered" is עָנָה (anah), which implies a response to a call or a question. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, it underscores the immediacy and personal nature of God's interaction with His prophets. This divine communication is a hallmark of the prophetic experience, emphasizing that God is not distant but actively engaged with His chosen messengers.

The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah
The term "iniquity" comes from the Hebrew עָוֹן (avon), which refers to guilt or sin, particularly in a moral or ethical sense. The "house of Israel and Judah" signifies the entire nation, both the northern and southern kingdoms, highlighting the collective responsibility and widespread nature of their sin. Historically, this period was marked by idolatry and social injustice, which were rampant despite repeated prophetic warnings. This phrase serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where disobedience leads to judgment.

is exceedingly great
The Hebrew word for "exceedingly" is מְאֹד (meod), which intensifies the degree of the iniquity. This phrase emphasizes the severity and magnitude of the people's sins. It reflects a situation where the moral and spiritual decay has reached a critical point, necessitating divine intervention. The historical context reveals a society that has strayed far from God's laws, illustrating the consequences of persistent rebellion against divine commandments.

The land is full of bloodshed
"Bloodshed" in Hebrew is דָּם (dam), often associated with violence and murder. This phrase paints a picture of a society plagued by violence and injustice. Archaeological findings from this period show evidence of social unrest and conflict, corroborating the biblical narrative. The imagery of a land "full of bloodshed" underscores the breakdown of societal order and the prevalence of lawlessness, which are direct violations of God's commandments.

and the city is full of perversity
"Perversity" is translated from the Hebrew תַּהְפֻּכוֹת (tahpukoth), which denotes moral corruption and deviation from what is right. The "city" likely refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of the nation. This phrase highlights the moral decay within the heart of the nation, where even the city meant to be a beacon of God's presence has become corrupt. It serves as a warning of the consequences when a society turns away from divine truth.

For they say, ‘The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.’
This statement reflects a theological misunderstanding and a loss of faith among the people. The belief that "The LORD has forsaken the land" and "does not see" indicates a perception of divine abandonment and a denial of God's omniscience. Historically, this sentiment may have arisen due to prolonged suffering or the apparent success of their enemies. However, from a scriptural perspective, it reveals a lack of trust in God's promises and a failure to recognize His sovereignty and justice. This phrase serves as a caution against doubting God's presence and awareness, reminding believers of the importance of faith even in times of trial.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The House of Israel and Judah
Refers to the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, representing the entire nation of God's chosen people.

3. The Land
Symbolizes the Promised Land, which is now defiled by the sins of its inhabitants.

4. Bloodshed and Perversity
Represents the rampant violence and moral corruption present in the society.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, who is perceived by the people as having abandoned them.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Sin has tangible consequences, both spiritually and physically, as seen in the bloodshed and perversity filling the land.

God's Omniscience
Despite the people's belief that God does not see, He is fully aware of all actions and intentions. This should lead to a life of integrity and accountability.

The Danger of Spiritual Apathy
The belief that "The LORD has forsaken the land" reflects a dangerous spiritual apathy and misunderstanding of God's nature.

Repentance and Restoration
Even in the face of judgment, God offers a path to repentance and restoration, as seen throughout the prophetic books.

The Role of the Prophet
Prophets like Ezekiel serve as God's mouthpiece, calling people back to righteousness and warning of the consequences of continued disobedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the condition of Israel and Judah in Ezekiel 9:9 compare to the world today, and what lessons can we learn from this comparison?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we do not fall into the trap of believing that God does not see our actions?

3. How can we apply the concept of God's omniscience to our daily lives to live more righteously?

4. What steps can we take to avoid spiritual apathy and remain vigilant in our faith?

5. How can the role of prophets in the Bible inspire us to speak truth and call others to repentance in our own communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 6:11-12
The earth was corrupt and filled with violence before the flood, similar to the condition of Israel and Judah in Ezekiel's time.

Isaiah 59:2-3
Highlights how iniquities separate people from God, echoing the spiritual state described in Ezekiel 9:9.

Psalm 10:11
Reflects the mindset of those who believe God does not see their actions, paralleling the attitude in Ezekiel 9:9.

Jeremiah 7:9-11
Describes the false sense of security in the temple despite rampant sin, similar to the false belief that God has forsaken the land.

2 Chronicles 36:15-16
Chronicles the repeated warnings from God through His prophets, which were ignored by the people, leading to judgment.