Ezekiel 22:12

In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD.

Study Bible

In you they take bribes to shed blood.
This phrase highlights the corruption and injustice prevalent in Jerusalem. Bribery was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern societies, often leading to the perversion of justice. The shedding of blood indicates that these bribes were not just for minor offenses but involved life-and-death matters, possibly even murder. This reflects a society where the judicial system is compromised, echoing the warnings found in Exodus 23:8 and Deuteronomy 16:19 against taking bribes. The prophets frequently condemned such practices, as seen in Isaiah 1:23 and Micah 3:11, where leaders are criticized for their greed and corruption.

You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors.
The practice of usury, or charging excessive interest on loans, was explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law, particularly among fellow Israelites (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:36-37). This phrase indicates a violation of these laws, showing a lack of compassion and exploitation of the vulnerable. The term "extort" suggests aggressive and unjust means of acquiring wealth, further emphasizing the moral decay of the society. This behavior contrasts with the biblical ideal of community and mutual support, as seen in Acts 4:32-35, where early Christians shared their possessions to ensure no one was in need.

But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD.
Forgetting God implies a deliberate neglect of His commandments and a turning away from His covenant. This forgetfulness is not merely intellectual but involves a willful rejection of God's authority and presence. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is repeatedly warned against forgetting God (Deuteronomy 8:11-14), as it leads to idolatry and moral decline. This phrase underscores the root cause of the societal sins mentioned earlier: a broken relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of the first commandment to have no other gods (Exodus 20:3) and points to the need for repentance and restoration, themes central to the prophetic message and fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who calls for a return to God (Luke 15:11-32).

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. Israel
The nation addressed in this passage, specifically the people of Jerusalem, who are being rebuked for their moral and spiritual corruption.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign God of Israel, who is declaring judgment against the people for their sins and forgetfulness of Him.

Teaching Points

The Sin of Corruption
The passage highlights the moral decay in society, where justice is perverted through bribery and exploitation. Believers are called to uphold integrity and justice in all dealings.

The Dangers of Forgetting God
Forgetting God leads to moral and spiritual decline. Regular worship, prayer, and study of Scripture are essential to keep God at the center of our lives.

Financial Ethics
The Bible consistently warns against unjust financial practices like usury and extortion. Christians are encouraged to practice fairness and generosity in financial matters.

Consequences of Sin
The passage serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, both individually and collectively. Repentance and turning back to God are necessary to restore righteousness.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human corruption, God remains sovereign and just. Trust in His ultimate justice and strive to align with His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of taking bribes and charging excessive interest reflect a society's spiritual state?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we do not "forget" God in our daily lives, as mentioned in Ezekiel 22:12?

3. How can Christians today apply the principles of financial ethics found in this passage to their personal and professional lives?

4. What are some modern examples of the types of corruption described in Ezekiel 22:12, and how can believers respond to them?

5. How does understanding God's justice and sovereignty help us deal with the injustices we see in the world today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 22:25
This verse prohibits charging interest to the poor among the Israelites, highlighting the sin of usury mentioned in Ezekiel 22:12.

Proverbs 17:23
Discusses the wickedness of accepting bribes, which connects to the condemnation of taking bribes to shed blood in Ezekiel 22:12.

Jeremiah 2:32
Speaks of Israel forgetting God, paralleling the accusation in Ezekiel 22:12 of the people having forgotten the Lord.