Ezekiel 22:23-31

The Voice

Eternal One: ²⁴ Son of man, say to her, “You are a land plagued with drought during My wrath—[not a single drop of rain has fallen from the sky]^[a].” ²⁵ Her prophets^[b] conspire in her midst like raging lions killing their prey; they have destroyed lives, stolen treasures and other valuable things; they have made many wives widows all over the city. ²⁶ Her priests violate My laws and desecrate My holy things. They fail to distinguish between the sacred and profane. They no longer teach that there is a difference between pure and impure! They completely disregard My Sabbaths; as a result I am defamed among My people. ²⁷ Her princes and officials are like a pack of wolves tearing apart their prey. They kill innocent people and ruin lives just to get what they want! ²⁸ Her false prophets whitewash these wicked acts by claiming to receive divine visions, but they are all false! Their divination turns up only lies! They say, “This is what the Eternal Lord says . . . ,” when the Eternal Lord has not said anything to them at all. ²⁹ Her people are full of wickedness: they are bullies and thieves; they have abused the poor and helpless; they have taken advantage of foreigners and perverted justice. ³⁰ I searched for one man among them, a man who could build the wall and stand in the gap before Me and advocate for the land, a man who could convince Me not to destroy it; but I found no one. ³¹ Therefore, I will dump the fires of My fury on them, and the flames of My indignation will devour them. I will give them what they deserve.