Ezekiel 22:23-31 – God alone has the perfect solution to life.

In this paragraph, Ezekiel’s words from God showed Israel as an uncleaned land without rain. The land had been polluted by sins, and bloodshed, and was devoid of rain. Without rain suggest dryness. Drought plus their captivity brought about their dryness. How could they experience the blessings when everyone was living corruptly and indulgently.

Firstly, in verse 25, the princes were abusing their roles and taking advantage of the citizens like lions tearing up their prey. They enriched themselves with goods. Bloodshed was encouraged, pleading many widows. And again, in verse 27, we are told that “The officials in her are like wolves ripping up prey. They shed blood and destroy lives for unjust riches.”

Secondly, turning to the corrupt priests, verse 26 says, “Her priests have done violence to my instructions and made my holy things impure. They have not clearly separated the holy from the ordinary, and they have not taught the difference between unclean and clean things. They’ve disregarded my sabbaths. So, I’ve been degraded among them.” When the priests reneged on their assignments and failed in their duties the law and the holy things were profaned.

Thirdly, verse 28 said that the prophets merely went through the motion without clear substance from the LORD. They provided false vision and spoke words that God did not give. In other words, they were misleading the people. Finally, verse 29 said that the people themselves were wreaked with impropriety. People of significance were committing daylight robbery extorting from the needy. They were oppressing the poor and mistreating the foreigners among them. Justice was denied showing no mercy to those requiring it.

Though God had faithful prophets like Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Daniel then yet He said He could not find one man to stand in the gap between His holy standards and the rampant corruption found in the land. This of course was a hyperbolic expression. The gigantic problem could only be solved with a “God-size” solution.

Their problem was simply too big for any man to solve. No fallen creature be he a prophet, monarch or priest would be able to solve. Hence God had to pour out His wrath. The grace of God was paving the way for the coming of a “God-size” solver, God Himself in the person of Christ. He came to bear the wrath of God on our behalf. He who knew no sin was made to sin for us so that we could become the righteous of God in Him. What a solution! So, let us live gratefully to God.