In this chapter, we see God explaining to Ezekiel why judgement has come upon Israel. The Lord declares that the nation will become an object of scorn and a laughingstock to all the surrounding countries, both near and far. This is because the people in Israel:
- They have defiled themselves with idols.
- They have desecrated the Sabbaths.
- They have engaged in detestable practices.
- They have shed innocent blood.
- The princes of Israel have abused their power to commit violence.
- Mothers and fathers have been treated with contempt.
- They have oppressed foreigners.
- They have mistreated the fatherless and the widow.
- They have despised the holy things of God.
- They have gone to the mountain shrines, eaten there, and committed lewd acts.
- They have dishonoured their fathers’ beds.
- They have violated women during their menstrual period, when they were ceremonially unclean.
- They have committed adultery.
- They have accepted bribes to shed blood.
- They have charged interest and made profit from the poor.
- They have extorted unjust gain from their neighbours.
- They have forgotten the Lord.
The Lord told Ezekiel to say to the land that it was a land that had not been cleansed. The princes, priests and officials of the land had profaned the holy things of the Lord and sinned greatly.
23 Again the word of the Lord came to me: 24 “Son of man, say to the land, ‘You are a land that has not been cleansed or rained on in the day of wrath.’ 25 There is a conspiracy of her princes within her like a roaring lion tearing its prey; they devour people, take treasures and precious things and make many widows within her. 26 Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain. 28 Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says’—when the Lord has not spoken. 29 The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the foreigner, denying them justice.
Ezekiel 22: 23-29 (NIV)
Because of all this, the Lord declares that the people of Israel have become like dross to Him, worthless residue left over from the refining process. God says He looked for someone who would stand in the gap, rebuild the wall, and intercede on behalf of the land, so that destruction might be prevented. Yet He found no one.
30 “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.”
EZEKIEL 22:30-31
Ezekiel 22 confronts us with the reality of what happens when a people forget God and abandon His ways. The list of Israel’s sins is not merely historical; it serves as a mirror for every generation. Neglect of justice, disregard for holiness, corruption among leaders, and indifference towards the vulnerable are not ancient problems alone they are challenges we continue to face today!
Perhaps the most striking part of the passage is God’s search for someone who would “stand in the gap.” The Lord was not looking for perfection, but for a willing heart someone who would intercede, speak truth, and call the people back to righteousness. Yet in Israel’s case, no such person was found.
This invites each of us to reflect:
Are we willing to stand in the gap for our families, communities, and nation?
Will we uphold what is right when others remain silent?
Will we pray, advocate for justice, and honour what God calls holy?
The chapter ends with the weight of divine judgement, but it also hints at God’s longing for mercy, had there only been someone who would intervene. Today, through Christ our ultimate intercessor, we are invited to be those who carry His light into dark places, who rebuild what is broken, and who remind the world of the God they have forgotten.
May we choose to be people who stand in the gap.
Faith With Petra 