Ezekiel 14:22-23
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What might be missed here is that the "comfort" the exiles receive isn't about seeing good people saved, but about witnessing the deep wickedness of those who do survive. Their "ways and deeds" will be so clearly corrupt that it will confirm for the exiles in Babylon that Jerusalem's destruction was not only inevitable but entirely deserved. This sight serves to vindicate God's justice, quieting the murmurs of those already in exile.
But behold, some survivors will be left in it, sons and daughters who will be brought out; behold, when they come out to you, and you see their ways and their deeds, you will be consoled for the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem, for all that I have brought upon it. They will console you, when you see their ways and their deeds, and you shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, declares the Lord GOD.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God has just described the severe judgments He will bring upon Jerusalem – sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague – to cut off its inhabitants. This verse offers a glimpse of hope amidst the devastation, revealing that some survivors, including sons and daughters, will be left behind and eventually brought out. Their arrival among the existing exiles will serve to demonstrate Jerusalem’s deep corruption, causing the exiles to acknowledge the justice of God’s judgment.
God's judgment is coming upon Jerusalem in full force. But what happens to those who survive? It turns out their survival isn't for their own sake alone.
The verse speaks of a 'remnant' of survivors—sons and daughters—who will be 'brought out' of Jerusalem. These survivors are not necessarily the righteous. Instead, their role is to bear witness.
A Living Testimony
When these survivors arrive among the exiles in Babylon, their 'ways and their deeds' will be seen. This is crucial: their lives will starkly reveal the deep-seated wickedness that permeated Jerusalem. The exiles who have already endured hardship will see this firsthand.
Consolation Through Clarity
The purpose of seeing these survivors' lives is for 'consolation'—not in the sense of a happy ending, but in the sense of finding peace and understanding amidst the judgment. By witnessing the ungodliness of the survivors, the exiles will be convinced that Jerusalem's destruction was not arbitrary but a just consequence of its sin.
It's easy to question God's actions when disaster strikes. But this verse reveals that even in judgment, there's a divine logic that can bring understanding and peace.
The 'evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem' wasn't a random act of violence by God. It was a deliberate, measured response to the city's persistent sin and rebellion.
The 'Why' Behind the 'What'
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Ezekiel is being told that seeing the survivors will make the exiles understand why God acted. It's not about God enjoying destruction; it's about Him upholding His justice and holiness.
Acknowledging Divine Righteousness
The 'consolation' mentioned isn't about finding personal relief from suffering. It's about the exiles reaching a state where they can acknowledge God's righteousness. When they see the evidence of Jerusalem's deep corruption through the survivors, they will agree that the judgment was deserved and therefore just. This understanding brings a profound, albeit sober, peace.
Understand the original words
pleitah · Hebrew Noun
Those who remain alive after a catastrophic event or divine judgment. Theologically, the remnant represents the continuation of God’s covenantal purpose despite widespread judgment.
derek · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the behavior, habits, and moral patterns of an individual or community. In the Old Testament, the "ways" of the people are frequently scrutinized by God as evidence of their heart-condition and loyalty to the covenant.
alilah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to specific actions, works, or practices performed by individuals. These are the objective manifestations of a person's inner character and moral or spiritual commitment.
nacham · Hebrew Verb
To be comforted or relieved of grief. In this context, it refers to the vindication of God’s character; seeing the wicked deeds of those judged brings the realization that the divine action was righteous and necessary.
chinnam · Hebrew Adverb/Noun
Signifies a reason, purpose, or righteous cause. The declaration affirms that God’s actions are never arbitrary but are always based on His perfect justice and response to sin.
The prophecy in Ezekiel 14:22 addresses exiles in Babylon who are grappling with the destruction of Jerusalem. The 'remnant' left behind and eventually brought to Babylon are not righteous survivors, but rather evidence of Jerusalem's pervasive wickedness, which helps the exiles understand the justice of God's judgment.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under King Jehoiakim, Daniel and other young Judeans are taken captive to Babylon as part of Nebuchadnezzar's early conquests, marking the beginning of the exile. This group was considered among the 'flower of the nation.'
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon. This group was seen as the 'dregs' or 'meanest' by some, in contrast to the earlier deportees.
c. 587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, carrying away the remaining population, except for the poorest, into Babylonian captivity.
c. 582 BC
Fourth Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conducts a final deportation from Judah after a rebellion, further diminishing the population left in the land.
This passage echoes Ezekiel's imagery by describing two baskets of figs, one good and one bad, representing the exiles taken captive. It parallels the idea that some, though also facing hardship, are preserved for a divine purpose and eventual restoration, providing a similar 'comfort' in understanding God's selective judgment.
Isaiah 10:20-22This prophetic declaration speaks of a remnant of Israel who will return to God after judgment. Like in Ezekiel, it highlights that even amidst widespread destruction, a faithful remnant will be preserved, offering a sense of hope and divine continuity.
Ezekiel 14:12-20This immediate context lays the groundwork for verse 22 by detailing the severe judgments God would bring upon the land, emphasizing that even righteous individuals like Noah, Daniel, and Job could only save themselves, not the wicked. Verse 22 then shows the result of these judgments, where survivors, by their continued wickedness, validate God's actions.
Romans 9:27-29Paul quotes Isaiah to show that God's salvation is not based on the multitude of Israel but on a remnant chosen by grace. This theological parallel reinforces the idea that God sovereignly preserves a remnant, not necessarily for immediate comfort through their deeds, but as part of His larger plan.
calvinEzekiel 14:21-22: "For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?"
For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?
Quoniam sic dicit Dominator Iehovah, Quanto magis cum quatuor judicia mea…
barnesEzekiel 14:22: "Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it."
Ye shall be comforted ... - By a truer estimate of the dispensations of the Almighty. This visitation will be recognized as inevitable and just.
What might be missed here is that the "comfort" the exiles receive isn't about seeing good people saved, but about witnessing the deep wickedness of those who do survive. Their "ways and deeds" will be so clearly corrupt that it will confirm for the exiles in Babylon that Jerusalem's destruction was not only inevitable but entirely deserved. This sight serves to vindicate God's justice, quieting the murmurs of those already in exile.
God has just described the severe judgments He will bring upon Jerusalem – sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague – to cut off its inhabitants. This verse offers a glimpse of hope amidst the devastation, revealing that some survivors, including sons and daughters, will be left behind and eventually brought out. Their arrival among the existing exiles will serve to demonstrate Jerusalem’s deep corruption, causing the exiles to acknowledge the justice of God’s judgment.
God has just described the severe judgments He will bring upon Jerusalem – sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague – to cut off its inhabitants. This verse offers a glimpse of hope amidst the devastation, revealing that some survivors, including sons and daughters, will be left behind and eventually brought out. Their arrival among the existing exiles will serve to demonstrate Jerusalem’s deep corruption, causing the exiles to acknowledge the justice of God’s judgment.
"But behold, some survivors will be left in it, sons and daughters who will be brought out; behold, when they come out to you, and you see their ways and their deeds, you will be consoled for the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem,…" — What might be missed here is that the "comfort" the exiles receive isn't about seeing good people saved, but about witnessing the deep wickedness of those who do survive. Their "ways and deeds" wil…
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Last reviewed October 2026
