Ezekiel 22:1-31; Ezekiel 23:1-49. Before the sharpened sword of justice and retribution does its dreadful work, the Lord uncovers the guilt and vileness of the city and lays bare the corruption of her prophets, priests, and princes, as well as of the people. The violence and abomination of Jerusalem are revealed in Ezekiel 22:1-16; the smelting furnace in Ezekiel 22:17-23 is the symbol of Jehovah’s fiery indignation against Jerusalem and its inhabitants. The corruption of the prophets, priests, and princes is fully uncovered in the closing section of chapter 22 (Ezekiel 22:23-31).