Verses 1-31

Another Indictment of Jerusalem

The various religious and social evils that prevail in the city are recited (Ezekiel 22:1-11). Their coming punishment is then predicted, first in direct terms (Ezekiel 22:13-16), and next under the figure of a smelting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). Lastly, all classes in Jerusalem, prophets, priests, princes, and people, are included in the general condemnation (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

2. The bloody city] referring to those unjustly put to death by the wicked rulers of Jerusalem: so in Ezekiel 22:3, Ezekiel 22:6, Ezekiel 22:12, Ezekiel 22:27 see also Ezekiel 11:6.

5. Much vexed] RV 'full of tumult.'

6. To their power] RV 'according to his power.'

13. I have smitten mine hand] God's gesture of indignation.

16. Take thine inheritance] RV 'be profaned.'

18. Dross] the baser metals from which silver has to be purified.

19-22. Jerusalem will be heated like a furnace for smelting silver, and all that it contains will be melted in the fire of God's wrath. Though silver is mentioned in Ezekiel 22:20, Ezekiel 22:22, it is not suggested that any of the precious metal will be left after the refining process. The whole nation is 'dross.'

24. Not rained upon] not blessed with fertilising showers.

28, 30. The same figures as in Ezekiel 13:5, Ezekiel 13:10-15.