Ezekiel 22:18 - Exposition

The house of Israel is to me become dross , etc. A new parable, based upon Isaiah 1:22 , Isaiah 1:23 and Jeremiah 6:1-30 :80, begins, and is carried out with considerable fullness. In Malachi 3:2 , Malachi 3:3 we have the same imagery. Baser metals have been mingled with the silver, and must be burnt out, but there is hope, as well as terror, in the parable. Men throw the mixed metals into the smelting-pot in order that the silver may be separated from the dross and come out pure. And this was to be the issue of the "fiery trial" through which Jerusalem and its inhabitants were to pass.