Chapter Summary

Sins of Israel enumerated. Parable of the dross in the furnace. Sins of priests, prophets and people.

Discussion Questions for Ezekiel, Chapter 22

1. What two practices are described in the first verses of the chapter that “bring doom” (NIV) upon Israel? What makes these practices particularly offensive to God?
2. How does God’s promise in verses 4-5 compare to God’s original plan for Israel (see Genesis 12:2-3)?
3. What phrase is repeated in verses 7-12? What impact does this repetition have on God's message about Israel's sin? Why?
4. What does it mean to "desecrate" (NIV) God's Sabbath? Why is this a sin?
5. What do you think it means that the people of Israel have “forgotten” God (NIV) as seen in verse 12? What is the result of people forgetting God?
6. How does God describe the state of Israel in verses 17-22? Compare this passage to 1 Peter 1:7. What do both of these passages teach about God's refining process?
7. What does the illustration in verses 17-22 tell us about the intended purpose for God’s punishment upon Israel?
8. What hypocritical behavior does God describe his priests committing? Why is this behavior offensive to God? What does it teach about Sabbath?
9. What happens to all the works of man when God is not a part of them?
10. How is the man that God is looking for described in verse 30? Why is there a need for a "man" to "stand in the gap"? (NIV)

Key Words/Phrase

Abominations, v. 2.

Characters

God, Ezekiel.

Strong Verse(s)

14,30,31.