Ezekiel 22:25
There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.
Study Note
Study Note
Ezekiel indicts a 'conspiracy of prophets' in Jerusalem who devour souls, take treasure, and multiply widows — functioning as ravening lions rather than watchmen. The verses form part of a catalogue of Jerusalem's social sins in chapter 22 that also charges priests (22:26), princes (22:27), and the people (22:29) with systematic injustice. The false prophets are condemned not only for their lies but for their complicity in economic exploitation — prophetic corruption and social corruption are inseparable. Jeremiah 23 and Micah 3 develop similar critiques, establishing that authentic prophecy includes confronting those who abuse prophetic office for personal gain.
Other Translations
There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey: they have devoured souls; they take treasure and precious things; they have made her widows many in the midst thereof.
A conspiracy of its prophets <FI>is<Fi> in its midst, as a roaring lion tearing prey; The soul they have devoured, Wealth and glory they have taken, Its widows have multiplied in its midst.
Her rulers in her are like a loud-voiced lion violently taking his food; they have made a meal of souls; they have taken wealth and valued property; they have made great the number of widows in her.
Cross References
And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the Lord, With these …
And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets …
Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the …
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look …
In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a …
Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it …
A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: …
For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from …
And the Lord said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of …