Daily Devotions
Ezekiel
"They take bribes to shed blood"
Text: Ezekiel 22:12
DISHONEST PROFIT
The laws of Moses constantly reminded Israel that God desires His children to be honest in their business dealings. Their weighing scales must be correctly calibrated. They must never do things that are unjust and dishonourable. Sadly, these laws were totally ignored!
“‘In you they take bribes to shed blood;
you take usury and increase;
you have made profit from your neighbours by extortion,
and have forgotten Me,’ says the Lord God.
‘Behold, therefore, I beat My fists
at the dishonest profit which you have made,
and at the bloodshed which has been in your midst.'”
Ezekiel 22:12-13
1. Bribery was rampant.
a) Those in high office took bribes.
b) They became corrupt.
c) Injustice was a disgraceful problem that blighted the name of Israel.
2. The shedding of blood.
a) Bribes were received by officials.
b) These went on to execute the defenceless.
c) Thus, blood was shed not by gangsters but by bribed officials!
3. Usury and extortion.
a) Usury refers to interest charged on a loan.
b) Israel had a law that they must not charge usury with reference to fellow-brethren.
c) This law was totally disregarded.
d) Usury rates were so high they were described as “extortion!”
4. Dishonest profit.
a) Many made huge profits.
b) But these profits were gained dishonestly.
5. Forgetting God and His laws.
a) Israel had conveniently forgotten God amidst their business dealings.
b) They had served Mammon and not God.
6. God’s anger expressed.
a) God “beats His fist” as He looked upon a wicked nation.
b) He expressed both disappointment and anger at:
i) Dishonest profit.
ii) Shedding of blood because of bribery.
c) Israel cannot avoid divine judgment from God.