Question 1

What does it mean that the land is not cleansed nor rained upon in the day of indignation?

Accepted Answer

The picture of a land “not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation” shows a people who have not been washed from their sin or softened by God’s teaching. Rain often pictures God’s refreshment and instruction. Here there is no cleansing and no rain, even when God’s anger is being shown. It means the people have not learned from warning or discipline. They stay barren and hard, like dry ground in a drought, showing that their hearts have not changed and they are still far from God.

Question 2

How are the prophets described in this passage, and what were they doing wrong?

Accepted Answer

The prophets are pictured like a roaring lion tearing its prey. Instead of guarding people, they “devoured souls.” They took treasure and precious things, cared about money, and helped cause many widows. They spoke smooth words that God had not given, saying, “Thus saith the Lord God,” when the Lord had not spoken. They also covered over the sins of the rulers like someone coating a weak wall with bad plaster. Their lies made people feel safe when danger and judgment were actually near.

Question 3

In what ways did the priests violate God’s law in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The priests failed at the very things they were supposed to do. They broke God’s law and treated holy things as common. They did not teach people the difference between what is holy and what is ordinary, or between what is clean and unclean. They looked away from God’s sabbaths, not caring how they were kept. Because of this, God himself was treated as common among the people. Instead of leading others into respect and obedience, the priests blurred all the lines God had clearly drawn.

Question 4

Why are the princes compared to wolves ravening the prey?

Accepted Answer

The princes, or rulers, are compared to wolves because they were harsh, greedy, and violent. Wolves attack and tear apart weaker animals. In the same way, these rulers shed innocent blood and destroyed lives. They used their power to get dishonest gain, taking what did not belong to them. Those who should have protected the weak instead took advantage of them. This picture shows how far justice had fallen in the land, and how the ones in high positions cared more about wealth than about right and wrong.

Question 5

What does it mean that the prophets daubed them with untempered mortar?

Accepted Answer

Daubing with untempered mortar is like building a wall with weak materials that will not last. Here it pictures how the prophets tried to cover the sins of the rulers with flattering words. They claimed to see visions and gave messages of peace and safety, but these were empty and false. Their lies made people think everything was fine, when the whole structure of the nation was ready to collapse. So the prophets helped keep up a false appearance instead of calling for real repentance and change.

Question 6

How were the ordinary people behaving in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The common people were not innocent bystanders. The passage says they used oppression and robbery. Those with power or wealth took from others, vexed the poor and needy, and treated strangers unfairly. Instead of caring for the weak, they made life harder for them. This shows that sin had spread through every level of society, from prophets and priests to princes and regular citizens. Judgment comes not only because of bad leaders, but because the people themselves chose unjust and selfish ways.

Question 7

What does it mean that God looked for a man to make up the hedge and stand in the gap?

Accepted Answer

Making up the hedge and standing in the gap is the picture of someone stepping in to repair a broken wall and to stand before God on behalf of the land. It points to a person who would resist sin, call people back to God, and pray for mercy so that the land would not be destroyed. God searched for such a person among the leaders and people, someone who would truly care for his honor and for others. The sadness of the passage is that he found no one like that.

Question 8

Why did God pour out his indignation and consume them with the fire of his wrath?

Accepted Answer

God’s anger in this passage is not sudden or unfair. After showing the corruption of prophets, priests, rulers, and people, and after looking for someone to stand in the gap and finding none, God says he has poured out his indignation. The fire of his wrath comes through war, famine, disease, and loss. He says he has repaid their own way on their heads. In other words, their judgment matches what they have done. They refused to turn back, so they face the results of their choices before him.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about God’s character and justice?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God sees every level of a society, from leaders to ordinary people. He cares about truth, worship, and how the weak are treated. God does not ignore lies, violence, and oppression. At the same time, he is not eager to destroy. He looks for someone to repair the breach and to pray for the land. Only when no one stands in the gap, and sin continues without repentance, does he pour out judgment. His justice is patient but real, and he gives people the fruit of their own ways.

Question 10

How can this passage about corrupt leaders and no intercessor speak to us today?

Accepted Answer

This passage warns that sin is not only personal but also shared in families, churches, and nations. When leaders twist God’s word, blur right and wrong, or use power for gain, many are hurt. When people join in oppression or look away from it, the whole community suffers. It also shows the great need for people who will stand in the gap by turning from sin, speaking truth, caring for the weak, and praying for mercy. It invites self‑examination rather than only pointing at others.

Ezekiel 22:23

¶ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

Israel’s Wicked Leaders

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Ezekiel 22:23

¶ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

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Israel’s Wicked Leaders

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