Ezekiel 22

2 wilt thou judge. See note on xx. 4.

4 and art come even unto thy years. i.e., to the years appointed for thy punishment.

5 [which art] infamous [and] much vexed. Or, “as infamous and full of confusion.” Even the heathen round about the Jews would insult them under their troubles.

6 to their power. i.e., every one employed his power in violence and bloodshed.

7. In thee. These charges refer to the various specific precepts which the people had violated; and they are made the more emphatic by the fact that the sins were committed in Jerusalem, the city which God had chosen for His residence, and had favoured with His ordinances and oracles.

9 they eat upon the mountains. They hold idolatrous feasts: see xviii. 6.

12 usury and increase. See note, xviii. 13.

13. I have smitten My hand. i.e., with grief and indignation: cp. xxi. 17.

16 thou shalt take thine inheritance, etc. Rather, as R.V., “Thou shalt be profaned in thyself, in the sight of the nations.”

18 they are [even] the dross of silver. They are not only alloyed with baser metals, but their very silver is turned to dross: see Isa. i. 22.

19. I will gather you. As into a furnace, to consume you: see ver. 20. Jerusalem was the centre of the great trying process.

28 daubed them with. Rather, as R.V., “daubed for them.”

untempered [mortar]. See note on xiii. 10.

30 and stand in the gap. Like Moses, Psa. cvi. 23.