Ezekiel 22:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 22:27
27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 22 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, obedience, discipleship. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 22:27
27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.
Analysis
Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves (זְאֵבִים טֹרְפֵי טָרֶף, ze'evim torefei taref)—the wolf metaphor intensifies. While verse 25's prophets are lions (majestic predators), verse 27's political leaders are wolves (pack hunters, cowardly scavengers). Both shed blood (שְׁפָךְ־דָּם, shefakh-dam) and destroy souls (אַבֵּד נְפָשׁוֹת, abbed nefashot).
The motive: to get dishonest gain (לְמַעַן בְּצֹעַ בָּצַע, lema'an betso'a batsa)—literally 'for the sake of cutting off profit,' the same word used in the tenth commandment's prohibition against coveting. Jesus warned of wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15); Ezekiel shows wolves in royal robes.
Historical Context
Judah's final kings (Jehoiakim, Zedekiah) taxed mercilessly to pay tribute to Egypt and Babylon while enriching themselves. Jeremiah 22:13-17 specifically condemns Jehoiakim for building his palace with forced labor and bloodshed. The princes' 'dishonest gain' bankrupted the nation morally and economically.
Reflection
- How does political power combined with greed create the 'wolf' leaders Ezekiel describes?
- In what ways might Christian leaders today pursue 'dishonest gain' under the guise of ministry?
Word Studies
- Blood: דָּם (Dam) H1818 - Blood
Cross-References
- Blood: Ezekiel 22:6, 22:13
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 1:23