Ezekiel 22:5

Those near and far will mock you, O infamous city, full of turmoil.

Study Bible

Those near and far will mock you
This phrase indicates the widespread nature of the judgment and shame that Jerusalem will face. The "near" refers to neighboring nations such as Ammon, Moab, and Edom, who were often in conflict with Israel. The "far" could include more distant nations like Babylon and Assyria, who had significant interactions with Israel. This mocking fulfills the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:37, where God warns Israel that if they disobey, they will become "an object of scorn and ridicule to all the nations." The mockery from both near and far highlights the complete disgrace and the loss of respect that Jerusalem will suffer due to its sins.

O infamous city
Jerusalem, the city in question, was meant to be a beacon of God's presence and holiness, as seen in its selection as the site of the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). However, it became infamous due to its idolatry, injustice, and bloodshed, as detailed earlier in Ezekiel 22. The term "infamous" suggests a reputation that has been tarnished by repeated transgressions. This infamy is a direct result of the city's failure to uphold the covenant with God, leading to its downfall and the subsequent exile of its people.

full of turmoil
The turmoil in Jerusalem is both internal and external. Internally, the city was rife with corruption, violence, and moral decay, as described in Ezekiel 22:6-12. Leaders and priests were failing in their duties, leading to societal chaos. Externally, the city faced threats from powerful empires like Babylon, which would eventually lead to its destruction in 586 BC. This turmoil is a consequence of the people's rebellion against God, fulfilling the prophetic warnings of unrest and destruction found in Leviticus 26:14-39. The turmoil also serves as a type of the spiritual unrest that occurs when individuals or communities turn away from God's commandments.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is tasked with delivering God's messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites.

2. Infamous City
Refers to Jerusalem, which had become notorious for its sins and rebellion against God.

3. Those Near and Far
Represents the surrounding nations and peoples who witness Jerusalem's downfall and mock its plight.

4. Turmoil
Describes the chaos and moral decay within Jerusalem, leading to its judgment.

5. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a period of great distress and reflection for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Sin leads to chaos and destruction, not only affecting the individual but also the community and its reputation.

God's Justice
God's judgment is a response to persistent rebellion and serves as a call to repentance and restoration.

Witness to the Nations
Our actions as believers are observed by others, and our faithfulness or lack thereof can either glorify God or bring reproach.

Repentance and Restoration
Even in judgment, God offers hope and a path to restoration for those who turn back to Him.

Moral Responsibility
Believers are called to uphold God's standards, recognizing the impact of their actions on their community and witness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of Jerusalem as an "infamous city" challenge us to reflect on the reputation of our own communities?

2. In what ways can the mockery from "those near and far" serve as a wake-up call for personal and communal repentance?

3. How do the themes of judgment and restoration in Ezekiel 22:5 relate to the broader account of God's dealings with His people throughout the Bible?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our lives and communities reflect God's holiness rather than becoming "full of turmoil"?

5. How can we, as believers, be a positive witness to the nations, demonstrating the transformative power of God's grace and justice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 25
Jeremiah also prophesies about the judgment on Jerusalem and the surrounding nations, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.

Lamentations 1
Describes the desolation and mockery faced by Jerusalem, echoing the themes of Ezekiel 22:5.

Isaiah 1
Isaiah speaks of Jerusalem's rebellion and the call to repentance, highlighting the city's moral and spiritual decay.

Psalm 79
A lament over the destruction of Jerusalem, expressing the shame and mockery from surrounding nations.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon as a symbol of judgment on a sinful city, drawing parallels to the judgment on Jerusalem.