Ezekiel 22:29
The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.
Original Language Analysis
עַ֤ם
The people
H5971
עַ֤ם
The people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
1 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עָשְׁק֖וּ
have used oppression
H6231
עָשְׁק֖וּ
have used oppression
Strong's:
H6231
Word #:
3 of 14
to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow
עֹ֔שֶׁק
H6233
עֹ֔שֶׁק
Strong's:
H6233
Word #:
4 of 14
injury, fraud, (subjectively) distress, (concretely) unjust gain
וְגָזְל֖וּ
and exercised
H1497
וְגָזְל֖וּ
and exercised
Strong's:
H1497
Word #:
5 of 14
to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob
הוֹנ֔וּ
and have vexed
H3238
הוֹנ֔וּ
and have vexed
Strong's:
H3238
Word #:
9 of 14
to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַגֵּ֥ר
the stranger
H1616
הַגֵּ֥ר
the stranger
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
עָשְׁק֖וּ
have used oppression
H6231
עָשְׁק֖וּ
have used oppression
Strong's:
H6231
Word #:
12 of 14
to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow
Cross References
Ezekiel 22:7In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.Exodus 23:9Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.Isaiah 5:7For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.Psalms 94:6They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.Jeremiah 5:31The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?Exodus 22:21Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.Leviticus 19:33And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.Isaiah 10:2To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!Amos 3:10For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.
Historical Context
Archaeological and textual evidence confirms widespread economic oppression in late monarchy Judah. Wealthy landowners accumulated property at poor farmers' expense. Judicial corruption enabled robbery through legal means. Strangers (resident aliens) lacked protection from abuse. This systemic injustice showed comprehensive moral collapse requiring comprehensive judgment to purge and restore justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does common people's participation in oppression demonstrate corporate responsibility?
- What does oppressing strangers teach about treatment of vulnerable as measure of society's righteousness?
- In what ways can ordinary Christians participate in systemic injustice requiring repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully." After indicting leaders (princes, priests, prophets), God turns to "people of the land" (am ha-aretz, עַם הָאָרֶץ)—common populace. They practiced oppression, robbery, and exploitation of poor and strangers. This demonstrates that sin wasn't limited to leadership but pervaded entire society. Everyone contributed to corporate guilt requiring judgment.