What specific sins in Ezekiel 22:1 might parallel today's societal issues? Setting the Scene “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Now, son of man, will you judge her? Will you judge the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations.’” (Ezekiel 22:1-2) Bloodshed and Violence • Verse 2 calls Jerusalem “the city of bloodshed.” • Parallels today: – Rising homicide rates, gang violence, mass shootings. – Abortion culture that treats unborn life as expendable (Psalm 139:13-16). – Entertainment that normalizes brutality (Isaiah 33:15). Idolatry in Every Form • Verse 3: “They make idols for themselves and defile themselves.” • Parallels today: – Materialism, consumerism, and celebrity worship (Matthew 6:24). – Tech and social-media addiction, elevating self over God (Romans 1:25). Contempt for Parents • Verse 7: “They have treated father and mother with contempt.” • Parallels today: – Breakdown of the family, dishonor of parental authority (Exodus 20:12). – Entertainment that mocks fathers and undermines motherhood (Malachi 4:6). Oppression of the Vulnerable • Verse 7: “They have oppressed the foreigner, mistreated the fatherless and the widow.” • Parallels today: – Exploitation of immigrants and refugees. – Neglect of foster children, elderly, and widows (James 1:27). – Human trafficking and labor abuse. Profaning What Is Holy • Verse 8: “You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths.” • Parallels today: – Casual, entertainment-driven approach to worship. – Sports and commerce crowding out the Lord’s Day (Hebrews 10:25). – Treating Scripture as optional advice rather than divine authority. Sexual Immorality Gone Mainstream • Verses 9-11 list adultery, incest, rape, and menstrual impurity. • Parallels today: – Pornography, hookup culture, adultery celebrated in media (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). – Sexual assault and exploitation. – Redefinition of marriage and gender confusion contrary to Genesis 1:27. Slander and False Accusations • Verse 9: “In you are slanderers who shed blood.” • Parallels today: – Online defamation, cancel culture, character assassination (Proverbs 18:21). – Fake news and gossip that destroy reputations. Corrupt Leaders and Crooked Economics • Verse 12: “You have taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest and profit and extorted your neighbors.” • Parallels today: – Political corruption, pay-to-play schemes (Micah 6:11-12). – Predatory lending and crushing debt traps. – Corporate greed that sacrifices workers for profit. Failure of Spiritual Leadership • Verses 25-29 (later in the chapter) show prophets, priests, and princes conspiring. • Parallels today: – Church leaders compromising truth for popularity (2 Timothy 4:3-4). – Government officials serving self, not justice (Romans 13:4). – Media influencers shaping morality without accountability. A Call to Stand in the Gap Ezekiel 22:30: “I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one.” • God still seeks people who will resist these sins, uphold His standards, and intercede for society (Matthew 5:13-16, 1 Peter 2:9). |
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