Ezekiel 22:30 NLT
I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.
Other Bible Translations
NIV
I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. – Ezekiel 22:30
KJV
And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. -Ezekiel 22:30
NKJV
So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. -Ezekiel 22:30
ESV
And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. -Ezekiel 22:30
CSB
I searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before me on behalf of the land so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one. -Ezekiel 22:30
NASB
I searched for a man among them who would build up a wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one. -Ezekiel 22:30
NIRV
I looked for someone among them who would stand up for Jerusalem. I tried to find someone who would pray to me for the land. Then I would not have to destroy it. But I could not find anyone who would pray for it. -Ezekiel 22:30
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Ezekiel 22:30 meaning
In Ezekiel 22:30, God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel, expressing deep disappointment in the spiritual decay of the Israelites as they have neglected His holy things. God sought someone to “rebuild the wall of righteousness” and “stand in the gap,” someone who would intercede, restore justice, and uphold His holy standards. Yet, He found no one willing to stand for His ways, which exposed the community to judgement.
This wall is not just a physical wall but a moral and spiritual defense that has been broken down by neglect, idolatry, and self-centered pursuits. Despite them being direct descendants of Abraham to whom He made His promise, He tells them there is no one in their land now for the sake of whom He would not destroy them.
The verse echoes God’s earlier conversation with Abraham about Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:16-33). In that instance, God was willing to spare an entire city if just a few righteous people could be found. Similarly, here in Ezekiel’s time, God was searching for even a single person to intercede and lead a return to holiness. However, with no one stepping forward, the land faced impending judgement.
Ezekiel’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in righteousness and interceding for others, demonstrating the impact that even one committed person can have in holding back judgement and inviting God’s mercy and restoration. It’s a call to value God’s holy things above all else and to seek His righteousness as a defense for both individuals and communities.
Prayer
Almighty God,
I come to you in prayer today, asking for the forgiveness of sins. I pray that you forgive me of my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Purify my heart, dear Lord, and help me to let go of the unholy things of this world and hold on to your Holy ways. Give me the strength and willpower to overcome the desire to sin and the temptations from others to sin. Lord, help me to live a life worthy of Your grace and mercy. Strengthen my spirit, that I may stand in the gap, honouring You with my words, my actions, and my heart.
Amen
