Ezekiel 14:22

Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it.

Ezekiel 14:22 (KJV)

Context

Ezekiel prophesied among the Israelites during the Babylonian exile. This verse belongs to a larger oracle in which God declares that when a land sins grievously against Him, He may send four severe judgments: the sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence. Jerusalem was experiencing these consequences because of persistent rebellion and idolatry.

Meaning

Even in the midst of such judgment, God promises that a remnant will be left in Jerusalem. These survivors, both sons and daughters, will be brought forth out of the city and will come to those already in exile. The purpose of their survival is not primarily their own deliverance but that the exiles will see their ways and their doings. The remnant’s conduct will testify to the justice of God’s judgment upon the city.

Biblical connections

The sight of the remnant’s behavior will provide a form of comfort to the exiles. It will demonstrate that the judgment God brought upon Jerusalem was just and deserved, appeasing minds that had murmured against God. The remnant’s survival also proves that God’s word through Ezekiel was true, and it points to future hope: the young among them, who had not grown up in the same obstinacy as their fathers, would be the seed of a new generation.

Application

This verse reminds believers that God’s judgments are righteous and that His faithfulness endures even in discipline. When we see the consequences of sin, we can trust that God is just. The preservation of a remnant also assures us that God always keeps a people for Himself, working through them to bring about restoration and hope.

Reflection

Consider how God may be using difficult circumstances to refine and preserve a faithful people. The remnant’s survival was not a reward for their righteousness but a sign of God’s covenant mercy. In times of trial, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s purposes are true, and His word stands firm.