There are men in you who slander to shed blood, and people in you who eat on the mountains; they commit lewdness in your midst.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "men that carry tales" isn't just about gossip; it points to malicious informers who, like merchants peddling wares, go about spreading damaging lies that directly lead to innocent people being put to death. This verse reveals how the very fabric of community life is corrupted when slander and illicit worship, symbolized by "eating on the mountains," become commonplace within the city's midst.
There are men in you who slander to shed blood, and people in you who eat on the mountains; they commit lewdness in your midst.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is exposing Jerusalem's deep corruption, detailing the wicked practices within its walls. He points out those who spread rumors and lies to cause bloodshed, and others who engage in idolatrous feasting on the hills. This verse highlights the moral decay and spiritual unfaithfulness that have become commonplace in the city, setting the stage for God's impending judgment.
How can simple words lead to the shedding of innocent blood? Ezekiel exposes a dangerous kind of gossip that destroys lives.
The verse speaks of 'men that carry tales to shed blood.' This isn't just idle gossip; it's about individuals who act as informers or bear false witness.
The Danger of Destructive Words
What does eating on the mountains represent in this corrupt city? It points to a deep-seated rebellion against God.
The phrase 'they eat upon the mountains' is a stark image of idolatry.
The Allure of False Worship
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Beyond slander and idolatry, what 'lewdness' was consuming Jerusalem? It was a deep moral and sexual corruption.
The verse culminates by stating that in Jerusalem, 'they commit lewdness.' This isn't a minor offense but a pervasive moral decay.
A Society Lost to Vice
Understand the original words
rakil · Hebrew Noun
The act of speaking falsely or maliciously against someone to harm their reputation or life.
zimmah · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting moral depravity, shameless acts, or unnatural sexual immorality that violates covenantal standards.
Ezekiel's searing indictment of Jerusalem reveals a city deeply fractured and morally bankrupt, clinging to outward forms of worship while inwardly corrupted by slander, idolatry, and rampant immorality, all happening in the shadow of impending Babylonian conquest.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Influence and Idolatry
The Northern Kingdom of Israel had already been conquered by Assyria, and Judah was increasingly under Assyrian political and religious sway, leading to the introduction and spread of foreign idolatrous practices.
622 BC
Josiah's Reforms
King Josiah discovered the Book of the Law and initiated a sweeping religious reform, purging idolatry and centralizing worship in Jerusalem. However, these reforms were not fully embraced by all, and many old practices likely persisted in secret.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar conquer Jerusalem, deporting King Jehoiachin and many of the city's elite. This event marked a severe blow to Judah's independence and signaled impending judgment.
c. 593 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Ministry Begins
Ezekiel, himself among the exiles in Babylon, receives his prophetic call and begins to deliver messages to the Judean exiles and to Jerusalem, denouncing their sins and proclaiming God's impending judgment.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of Temple
After a prolonged siege, Nebuchadnezzar's armies destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to a final, massive deportation of the remaining population. This catastrophic event fulfills Ezekiel's prophecies of judgment.
This passage directly parallels the 'tale-bearers' and 'slanderers' mentioned in Ezekiel, highlighting their destructive speech that aims to incite violence and deception.
Leviticus 19:16This verse provides a direct command against going around as a tale-bearer or slanderer among your people, reinforcing the condemnation found in Ezekiel's description of Jerusalem's sin.
Ezekiel 18:6This passage provides context for 'eating on the mountains,' linking it to idolatrous practices and defilement, which Ezekiel reiterates as a sin present within the city.
1 Kings 21:10The story of Naboth's downfall illustrates the real-world consequence of 'men that carry tales to shed blood,' showing how false witnesses and slander can lead to unjust death.
Romans 1:29-32This New Testament passage lists a similar array of destructive behaviors, including slander, violence, and unfaithfulness, showing how these sins have plagued humanity across different eras and covenants.
gillEzekiel 22:9: "In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness."
In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood,.... Innocent blood, as the Targum; such who go from house to house, as pedlars do, with their wares or spices, as the word (a) signifies; hence the Syriac version renders it "merchants"; and carry tales and lies of innocent persons, and stir up others against them to wrath and revenge, and shed their b…
cambridgeEzekiel 22:9: "In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness."
9 . Informers and false witnesses, Jeremiah 9:3 ; Exodus 23:1 ; Leviticus 19:16 . Cf. ch. Ezekiel 18:6 ; Ezekiel 18:11 . commit lewdness ] This clause should probably introduce the vices in Ezekiel 22:10 . Idolatry is metaphorically “lewdness,” but here it is not the community but individuals who are spoken of, cf. Ezekiel 22:11 .
The phrase "men that carry tales" isn't just about gossip; it points to malicious informers who, like merchants peddling wares, go about spreading damaging lies that directly lead to innocent people being put to death. This verse reveals how the very fabric of community life is corrupted when slander and illicit worship, symbolized by "eating on the mountains," become commonplace within the city's midst.
God is exposing Jerusalem's deep corruption, detailing the wicked practices within its walls. He points out those who spread rumors and lies to cause bloodshed, and others who engage in idolatrous feasting on the hills. This verse highlights the moral decay and spiritual unfaithfulness that have become commonplace in the city, setting the stage for God's impending judgment.
God is exposing Jerusalem's deep corruption, detailing the wicked practices within its walls. He points out those who spread rumors and lies to cause bloodshed, and others who engage in idolatrous feasting on the hills. This verse highlights the moral decay and spiritual unfaithfulness that have become commonplace in the city, setting the stage for God's impending judgment.
"There are men in you who slander to shed blood, and people in you who eat on the mountains; they commit lewdness in your midst." — The phrase "men that carry tales" isn't just about gossip; it points to malicious informers who, like merchants peddling wares, go about spreading damaging lies that directly lead to innocent people…
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Last reviewed October 2026