Ezekiel 22:26

Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.

Study Bible

Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things.
The priests, who were meant to be the spiritual leaders and guardians of the law, are accused of violating it. This phrase highlights the corruption and failure of the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The term "violence" suggests a deliberate and forceful breach of God's commandments, indicating a deep moral and spiritual decay. The priests' actions are a direct affront to the holiness of God, as they were entrusted with maintaining the sanctity of worship and the temple. This echoes the broader theme in Ezekiel of Israel's leaders failing in their duties, similar to the rebukes found in Jeremiah 2:8 and Malachi 2:7-8.

They make no distinction between the holy and the common,
The priests' failure to differentiate between what is sacred and what is ordinary undermines the very foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with God. This distinction was crucial in maintaining the purity of worship and the community's identity as God's chosen people. Leviticus 10:10 emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between holy and common, clean and unclean, as part of the priestly duty. The blurring of these lines leads to a loss of reverence for God and His commandments, reflecting a broader cultural and spiritual decline.

and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean.
This phrase refers to the ritual purity laws outlined in Leviticus, which were essential for maintaining the community's holiness. The priests' neglect in teaching and upholding these laws results in a community that is spiritually defiled. The distinction between clean and unclean was not merely ceremonial but was intended to teach Israel about the nature of sin and the need for holiness. This failure is indicative of a deeper spiritual blindness and rebellion against God's established order.

They disregard My Sabbaths,
The Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13). By disregarding the Sabbaths, the priests and people show contempt for God's covenant and His authority. The Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and worship, a reminder of God's creation and deliverance. Nehemiah 13:17-18 also addresses the issue of Sabbath desecration, highlighting its importance in maintaining a right relationship with God. The neglect of the Sabbath is symptomatic of a broader spiritual apathy and rebellion.

so that I am profaned among them.
The result of the priests' actions is that God's name and reputation are dishonored among His people. This profaning of God's name is a serious offense, as it reflects a failure to uphold His holiness and glory. The priests' failure to lead and teach the people according to God's standards results in a community that does not reflect God's character. This theme of God's name being profaned is also found in Ezekiel 36:20-23, where God promises to restore His holy name among the nations. The ultimate fulfillment of God's holiness and the restoration of His name is found in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and reveals God's character to the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites, often focusing on their sins and the need for repentance.

2. Priests
Religious leaders in Israel responsible for teaching the law and maintaining the sanctity of worship and religious practices.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often depicted in the Old Testament as struggling with faithfulness to God's commandments.

4. Sabbaths
Holy days set apart by God for rest and worship, symbolizing the covenant between God and Israel.

5. The Law
Refers to the commandments and instructions given by God to the Israelites, primarily through Moses, to guide their moral and spiritual conduct.

Teaching Points

The Role of Spiritual Leaders
Spiritual leaders are called to uphold and teach God's standards. When they fail, it leads to widespread spiritual decay.

Distinguishing the Holy from the Common
Believers are called to discern and respect what God has set apart as holy, maintaining a clear distinction in their lives.

The Importance of the Sabbath
Observing the Sabbath is a sign of obedience and reverence for God, reminding us of His creation and covenant.

Consequences of Neglecting God's Law
Ignoring God's commandments leads to His name being profaned and can result in judgment.

Personal Responsibility
While leaders have a significant role, each believer is responsible for knowing and living by God's standards.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the failure of the priests in Ezekiel 22:26 reflect on the spiritual state of Israel, and what can we learn from this about the importance of godly leadership?

2. In what ways can we distinguish between the holy and the common in our daily lives, and why is this distinction important?

3. How does the neglect of the Sabbath in Ezekiel 22:26 relate to our understanding and observance of rest and worship today?

4. What are some modern-day examples of failing to uphold God's standards, and how can we address these issues within our communities?

5. How can we ensure that we are not only hearers of the Word but also doers, in light of the priests' failure to teach and live by God's law in Ezekiel 22:26?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 10:10
This verse emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean, which is directly related to the failure of the priests in Ezekiel 22:26.

Malachi 2:7-8
Highlights the role of priests as messengers of the Lord, who should preserve knowledge and teach the law, contrasting with their failure in Ezekiel.

Isaiah 56:2
Speaks to the blessing of keeping the Sabbath holy, underscoring the significance of the priests' neglect in Ezekiel 22:26.

Jeremiah 23:11
Describes the corruption of both prophets and priests, similar to the critique in Ezekiel.

Matthew 23:23
Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for neglecting the weightier matters of the law, echoing the issues in Ezekiel.