Ezekiel 22:2

“Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations.”

Context:The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, and the prophet Ezekiel was called by God to be a watchman over the people of Israel. The book contains prophecies, visions, and messages from God concerning judgment, restoration, and the future of Israel.

Son of man:The term “son of man” is a title that Ezekiel often used to refer to himself. It emphasizes Ezekiel’s humanity and his role as a representative of the people before God. In this verse, God addresses Ezekiel as the “son of man.”

Judgment on the bloody city:In this verse, God asks Ezekiel if he is willing to judge the “bloody city.” The “bloody city” refers to Jerusalem, which had become corrupt and filled with violence and bloodshed. God wanted Ezekiel to confront the people of Jerusalem and expose their abominable deeds.

Showing her abominations:God instructs Ezekiel to reveal the sins and abominations of the people of Jerusalem. The purpose was to bring their sins to light, convict them of their wrongdoing, and call them to repentance.

Application:Although this verse is specifically addressed to Ezekiel regarding the city of Jerusalem, there are several applications we can draw from it:

• Call to judge:We, as followers of God, are called to discern and judge between right and wrong. This does not mean passing judgment in a condemning or self-righteous way, but rather having a discerning spirit based on God’s truth.
• Confronting sin:Just as Ezekiel was called to expose the sins of Jerusalem, we are called to confront sin in our lives and in the world around us. This requires speaking the truth in love, pointing out areas of darkness, and encouraging repentance.
• Proclaiming truth:God called Ezekiel to proclaim the truth about the people’s abominations. Similarly, we are called to proclaim the truth of the Gospel and God’s Word, even when it may be uncomfortable or unpopular.
• Repentance:The purpose of exposing sin is to lead people to repentance. We should have a heart for the restoration and reconciliation of those who have strayed from God’s ways, seeking to lead them back to Him.