Ezekiel 22:24
Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
Son
H1121
בֶּן
Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֕ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֕ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 13
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
אֶ֔רֶץ
unto her Thou art the land
H776
אֶ֔רֶץ
unto her Thou art the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
6 of 13
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מְטֹהָרָ֖ה
that is not cleansed
H2891
מְטֹהָרָ֖ה
that is not cleansed
Strong's:
H2891
Word #:
8 of 13
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
הִ֑יא
H1931
הִ֑יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 1:5Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.Isaiah 9:13For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.Jeremiah 2:30In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.2 Chronicles 28:22And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
Historical Context
Ezekiel prophesied during Judah's final years (591-586 BC) when both spiritual and agricultural conditions were dire. Jeremiah records similar drought judgments (Jeremiah 14:1-6). After exile, the land lay desolate for 70 years, fulfilling both Ezekiel's and Jeremiah's prophecies. Only after genuine repentance would God 'send rain in its season' (Zechariah 10:1) and restore the land.
Questions for Reflection
- How does moral and spiritual impurity 'pollute' our lives, preventing the 'rain' of God's blessing?
- What cleansing must occur before restoration and fruitfulness can return?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation. Following the furnace metaphor (verses 17-22), this introduces a new image: drought judgment. The Hebrew eretz lo metoharah (אֶרֶץ לֹא מְטֹהָרָה, "land not cleansed") means ritually and morally impure. "Nor rained upon in the day of indignation" (lo geshumah be'yom za'am, לֹא גְשֻׁמָה בְּיוֹם זָעַם) withholds blessing during judgment.
Rain in Israel symbolized covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 28:12); drought signaled curse (Deuteronomy 28:23-24). To receive no rain 'in the day of indignation' means God withholds even ameliorating mercies during judgment. The land's uncleanness prevents blessing—moral pollution creates spiritual drought. This anticipates verses 25-29, which catalog how every class (prophets, priests, princes, people) has contributed to the defilement requiring such severe judgment.