Bible passage: Ezekiel 22:14
Prophet: Ezekiel
Written: About 2,600 years ago
Ezekiel was a prophet who lived about 2,600 years ago. He informed the people of Judah that they would be exiled from their homeland and scattered throughout the nations as punishment for turning away from God.
Ezekiel indicates, in verse 15, that the punishment would put an end to their unfaithfulness to God. In other prophecies, such as in Ezekiel 11:17, the prophet tells his people that they one day would be regathered to their homeland.
This cycle of punishment and restoration took place about 2,600 years ago when the Babylonian empire conquered the land of Judah, forced many of its residents into exile, and took many as captives to Babylon.
About 2,500 years ago, Babylon itself was conquered, by a coalition of Medes and Persians, and many of the exiles began returning to Judah. They rebuilt the fallen city of Jerusalem and the temple.
Here is Ezekiel 22:14-15 (NIV):
14 Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it. 15 I will disperse you among the nations and scatter you through the countries; and I will put an end to your uncleanness.