Ezekiel 7:23 Explained

Ezekiel 7:23 states, “Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.” This verse serves as a prophetic lament regarding the impending judgment on Jerusalem due to its abounding iniquities. Below is a summary of the interpretations from various public domain commentaries that elucidate its meaning.

Summary of Interpretations

This verse illustrates the severity of sin in Israel, emphasizing the consequences of violence and bloodshed. God, through Ezekiel, commands to “make a chain,” which symbolizes the inescapable nature of the coming judgment and connects this prophecy with the cultural practices of the time.

Significance of the Imagery

Matthew Henry explains that the imagery of chains suggests captivity and oppression. It symbolizes how the violent act of sin binds the people and leads them to inevitable destruction. The chain also draws attention to the multitude of bloody crimes, implying a societal breakdown where moral decay has become widespread.

Divine Judgment

Albert Barnes emphasizes that this observation from God through Ezekiel serves a dual purpose: to warn the people of their sinful state and the consequent divine judgment. The rich imagery employed by Ezekiel connects this passage thematically to other biblical texts concerning divine retribution.

Connection to Past Prophecies

Adam Clarke notes that this verse aligns with earlier prophecies concerning the defilement of the land. The Lord highlights the extreme violence and bloodshed that characterize Jerusalem, leading to a dire consequences that calls for spiritual revival and repentance.

Bible Verse Cross-References

There are several relevant cross-references that help in deeper understanding of Ezekiel 7:23:

• Isaiah 59:3 - "For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perverseness." This verse reflects similar themes of iniquity and its consequences.
• Micah 7:2 - "The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net." This highlights the societal corruption referenced in Ezekiel.
• Jeremiah 6:7 - "As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds." This echoes the violence in Jerusalem stated by Ezekiel.
• Hosea 4:2 - "By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood." This emphasizes the moral decline that prompted God's judgment.
• Lamentations 3:34-36 - "To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth, to turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High, to subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not." This emphasizes the justice of God against violent acts.
• Proverbs 6:16-19 - "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood..." This reinforces the sinful nature of violence.
• 1 Peter 3:12 - "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." This indicates God's stance against unrighteousness.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The theme of violence and moral decay is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, suggesting that Ezekiel 7:23 is part of a broader biblical discourse on sin and judgment. The use of chains as a metaphor in this verse connects with the idea of bondage found in:

• Romans 6:16 - "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
• Galatians 5:1 - "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." This captures the freedom from sin that God desires for his people.

Application in Modern Context

In applying Ezekiel 7:23 to contemporary life, believers are reminded to examine societal conditions and personal behaviors that may perpetuate violence and iniquity. The prophetic message serves as a call to action for the Church to promote peace and righteousness in a world often marred by evil.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing and Study

To further understand the connections between biblical texts, here are suggested tools and methods:

• Bible Concordance - A valuable resource to locate verses by keywords and search for cross-references.
• Bible Cross-reference Guide - These guides outline relationships between different verses and themes throughout the Bible.
• Cross-reference Bible Study Methods - Methods that incorporate thematic studies and allow deep exploration of related scripture.

Conclusion

Ezekiel 7:23 highlights critical themes of sin, judgment, and the call to moral integrity. The interconnectedness of this passage with other biblical texts serves as a profound reminder of God's standards and the importance of living righteously in a world facing spiritual calamity.