Ezekiel 22:18

"Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are but the dross of silver.

Study Bible

Son of man
This phrase is a common title used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. It is used over 90 times in the book, highlighting the contrast between the divine message and the human messenger. The term is also significant in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," indicating His role as the representative of humanity and His fulfillment of prophetic roles.

the house of Israel has become dross to Me
"Dross" refers to the impurities that are separated from metals during the refining process. Here, God is expressing His disappointment with Israel, indicating that they have become impure and worthless in their current state. This imagery of refining is used throughout the Bible to describe God's judgment and purification process (e.g., Malachi 3:2-3). Historically, Israel had turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and injustice, which led to their spiritual corruption.

All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace
These metals, while valuable in certain contexts, are considered inferior to silver and gold. The mention of a furnace suggests a process of testing and purification. In ancient metallurgy, a furnace was used to refine metals, symbolizing God's judgment and the trials Israel would face. The imagery indicates that the people of Israel, once precious, have become like these lesser metals, needing purification.

they are but the dross of silver
Silver is often associated with purity and value in the Bible. By stating that Israel is the "dross of silver," God is emphasizing that they have fallen from their intended state of purity and worth. This phrase underscores the severity of Israel's spiritual decline. The refining process is a metaphor for God's judgment, where impurities are removed to restore purity. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as Isaiah 1:22-25, where God promises to purge away the dross and restore righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. House of Israel
Refers to the people of Israel, who are being compared to dross, the impurities removed during the refining of metals.

3. Dross
The impurities or waste material that is separated from metals during the refining process, symbolizing the moral and spiritual corruption of Israel.

4. Furnace
Represents the process of judgment and purification that God is using to refine His people.

5. God
The speaker in this passage, expressing His disappointment and judgment towards Israel.

Teaching Points

Understanding Spiritual Impurities
Just as dross is the unwanted material in metal, sin and disobedience are impurities in our spiritual lives. We must identify and remove these to be pure before God.

The Purpose of Divine Refining
God's refining process, though painful, is meant to purify and strengthen us. Embrace trials as opportunities for growth and transformation.

The Call to Holiness
God desires His people to be holy and set apart. We are called to live lives that reflect His purity and righteousness.

The Consequences of Spiritual Neglect
Ignoring God's call to purity can lead to judgment and separation from Him. We must remain vigilant in our spiritual walk.

Hope in Restoration
Even in judgment, God’s ultimate goal is restoration. Trust in His promise to refine and restore us to a right relationship with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the metaphor of dross teach us about the spiritual state of Israel, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. How does the refining process described in Ezekiel 22:18 relate to the trials and challenges we face today as believers?

3. In what ways can we actively participate in God's refining work in our lives, and what practical steps can we take to remove spiritual impurities?

4. How do the themes of judgment and restoration in Ezekiel 22:18 connect with the broader account of redemption found throughout Scripture?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "refining" period in your life. How did it change your relationship with God, and what lessons did you learn from it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Malachi 3:2-3
This passage also uses the metaphor of refining to describe God's purifying work among His people, emphasizing the need for purification and holiness.

Isaiah 1:22-25
Similar imagery is used to describe Israel's corruption and God's intention to purify them, highlighting the theme of judgment and restoration.

1 Peter 1:6-7
The New Testament speaks of trials as a refining process for believers, drawing a parallel to the refining of metals to produce genuine faith.