Ezekiel 22:5
Those that be near, and those that be far from thee, shall mock thee, which art infamous and much vexed.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָרְחֹק֥וֹת
and those that be far
H7350
וְהָרְחֹק֥וֹת
and those that be far
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
2 of 9
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
מִמֵּ֖ךְ
H4480
מִמֵּ֖ךְ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַשֵּׁ֔ם
H8034
הַשֵּׁ֔ם
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
7 of 9
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Historical Context
International mockery of Jerusalem's fall appears in Lamentations 1:7-8, 2:15-16 and Psalm 137:7. Edomites, Ammonites, and others celebrated Judah's defeat (Ezekiel 25-26). This was worse than military loss—it was theological humiliation, seeming to prove that Yahweh was weaker than Babylonian deities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does moral failure damage witness more than external circumstances or opposition?
- What does Jerusalem's universal mockery teach about the missionary consequences of covenant unfaithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Those that be near, and those that be far from thee, shall mock thee, which art infamous and much vexed. Jerusalem's disgrace is comprehensive—both nearby nations and distant kingdoms ridicule her. Temeat ha-shem (טְמֵאַת הַשֵּׁם), 'defiled of name,' indicates ruined reputation; rabbat ha-mehumah (רַבַּת הַמְּהוּמָה), 'great in turmoil/confusion,' describes chaotic internal state.
The irony is devastating: Jerusalem, meant to be a 'city on a hill' displaying Yahweh's righteousness (Deuteronomy 4:6-8), instead becomes an object lesson in covenant failure. Her shame is pedagogical—other nations learn from her ruin what happens when God's people betray their calling.