Ezekiel 22:24

"Son of man, say to her, 'In the day of indignation, you are a land that has not been cleansed, upon which no rain has fallen.'

Study Bible

Son of man
This phrase is a frequent designation for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people. In Hebrew, "ben adam" underscores the prophet's connection to mankind, serving as a bridge between God and Israel. It reminds us of the humility and responsibility inherent in being chosen to deliver God's message.

say to her
The directive to "say to her" indicates a personal and direct communication from God to the land of Israel. The use of "her" personifies the land, suggesting a deep, covenantal relationship between God and His people. This phrase calls to mind the intimate and often familial language used throughout the Bible to describe God's relationship with Israel.

You are a land
Here, the "land" symbolizes the nation of Israel, both its physical territory and its people. In biblical terms, the land is a gift from God, a place of promise and blessing. However, it also becomes a witness to the people's faithfulness or unfaithfulness. This phrase sets the stage for understanding the spiritual condition of Israel at this time.

that has not been cleansed
The lack of cleansing implies spiritual and moral impurity. In the Hebrew context, cleansing is often associated with ritual purity and the removal of sin. This phrase suggests that Israel has failed to repent and purify itself, remaining in a state of defilement. It serves as a call to self-examination and repentance.

not rained on
Rain in the Bible is frequently a symbol of God's blessing and favor. The absence of rain indicates divine displeasure and judgment. In an agrarian society, rain was essential for survival, and its absence would be a clear sign of God's withholding of blessing. This phrase underscores the seriousness of Israel's spiritual drought.

in the day of indignation
"Indignation" refers to God's righteous anger and judgment against sin. The "day of indignation" is a time of reckoning, when God addresses the sins of His people. This phrase serves as a warning of impending judgment, urging the people to recognize the gravity of their situation and turn back to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is often referred to as "son of man" in the book.

2. The Land
Refers to the land of Israel, which is depicted as being in a state of spiritual and moral impurity.

3. Day of Indignation
A time of God's judgment and wrath due to the persistent sins and rebellion of the people.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Cleansing is Essential
Just as the land was unclean, our lives can become spiritually defiled. We must seek God's cleansing through repentance and faith in Christ.

God's Judgment is Just
The "day of indignation" serves as a reminder that God's judgment is a response to persistent sin. We must take His warnings seriously and strive for righteousness.

The Importance of Spiritual Rain
Just as physical rain is necessary for the land, spiritual nourishment through God's Word and Spirit is essential for our growth and vitality.

Intercession for the Land
Like Ezekiel, we are called to intercede for our communities and nations, asking God to bring spiritual renewal and healing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of an "unclean land" in Ezekiel 22:24 relate to our personal spiritual condition today?

2. In what ways can we experience "spiritual rain" in our lives, and how can this be cultivated within our communities?

3. How does the "day of indignation" reflect God's character, and what does it teach us about His expectations for His people?

4. What parallels can you draw between the spiritual state of Israel in Ezekiel's time and the current state of the world or your own nation?

5. How can we, like Ezekiel, act as intercessors for our communities, and what specific steps can we take to promote spiritual cleansing and renewal?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26
Discusses the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, highlighting the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Jeremiah 14
Describes a drought as a form of divine judgment, similar to the lack of rain mentioned in Ezekiel 22:24.

Isaiah 1
Calls out the moral and spiritual corruption of Israel, paralleling the unclean state of the land in Ezekiel.