Ezekiel 22:9

Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency.

Study Bible

Among you are men who slander to shed blood
The phrase "Among you" indicates a direct address to the people of Israel, emphasizing that the corruption and sin are not distant or abstract but present within the community. The Hebrew root for "slander" is "רָכִיל" (rakil), which implies malicious gossip or false accusations. This term is often associated with betrayal and deceit, highlighting the moral decay within the society. The phrase "to shed blood" underscores the severity of the consequences of slander, as it leads to violence and murder. Historically, this reflects a time when justice was perverted, and innocent blood was shed due to false testimonies, a direct violation of God's commandments.

among you are those who eat at the mountain shrines
The "mountain shrines" refer to high places where idolatrous worship occurred, often involving pagan rituals. The Hebrew word "בָּמוֹת" (bamot) is used for these high places, which were condemned by God as they represented a turning away from true worship. Eating at these shrines signifies participation in idolatry and the acceptance of pagan practices. This behavior reflects a spiritual adultery, as the Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart for the worship of Yahweh alone. The historical context shows a syncretism where the Israelites mixed the worship of Yahweh with Canaanite religious practices, leading to moral and spiritual corruption.

and commit lewd acts
The phrase "commit lewd acts" translates from the Hebrew "זִמָּה" (zimmah), which denotes acts of immorality and depravity. This term is often associated with sexual immorality and is used in the context of behaviors that are abominable in the sight of God. The use of this phrase in Ezekiel highlights the extent of Israel's moral decline, as they engaged in practices that were not only socially destructive but also spiritually defiling. Scripturally, such acts are seen as a breach of the covenant relationship with God, who called His people to live in holiness and purity. The historical backdrop of this verse points to a time when the Israelites had adopted the immoral customs of surrounding nations, leading to their downfall and eventual exile.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Men Who Slander
These individuals are characterized by their malicious speech, which is intended to harm others, even to the point of causing death. The Hebrew word for "slander" here is (rakil), which implies a talebearer or someone who spreads false reports.

2. Mountain Shrines
These were high places where idolatrous worship occurred. The Israelites often fell into the sin of worshiping false gods at these sites, which was strictly forbidden by God.

3. Lewd Acts
This refers to immoral and indecent behavior, often associated with the idolatrous practices at the mountain shrines. The Hebrew word (zimmah) can denote wickedness or depravity.

4. Ezekiel
The prophet who delivered God's message of judgment and call to repentance to the people of Israel. He was a priest and a prophet during the Babylonian exile.

5. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel was prophesying. At this time, they were in a state of moral and spiritual decline, leading to God's judgment.

Teaching Points

The Power of Words
Slander is not a trivial sin; it can lead to severe consequences, including the destruction of lives and relationships. We must guard our tongues and speak truthfully.

Idolatry's Deception
Worshiping anything other than God leads to moral decay. We must examine our lives for modern-day idols that draw us away from true worship.

Moral Integrity
God calls His people to live with integrity, avoiding lewd and immoral behavior. Our actions should reflect our faith and commitment to God's standards.

Repentance and Restoration
Like Israel, we are called to recognize our sins, repent, and seek God's forgiveness. He is faithful to restore those who turn back to Him.

Community Accountability
As believers, we are responsible for holding each other accountable, encouraging one another to live according to God's Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the sin of slander manifest in today's society, and what steps can we take to avoid participating in it?

2. In what ways might modern Christians be tempted to engage in idolatry, and how can we guard against it?

3. How can we ensure that our actions align with our faith, especially in a culture that often promotes lewd behavior?

4. What role does repentance play in restoring our relationship with God, and how can we practice it regularly?

5. How can we create a community of accountability within our church or small group to help each other live according to biblical principles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:16
This verse warns against being a talebearer among the people, highlighting the destructive nature of slander.

Jeremiah 7:9-10
These verses describe the hypocrisy of the Israelites who commit sins like idolatry and then come to the temple, thinking they are safe.

Proverbs 6:16-19
This passage lists things the Lord hates, including a lying tongue and a false witness, which relate to the slander mentioned in Ezekiel 22:9.

Romans 1:29-32
Paul describes a society given over to sin, including slander and other wicked acts, similar to the conditions in Ezekiel's time.