Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 22 - Verse 13

The verse "Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee" conveys a message of judgment and condemnation towards those who have engaged in dishonesty and violence. The phrase "smitten mine hand" signifies a gesture of disapproval and punishment from a higher authority. The mention of "dishonest gain" refers to ill-gotten wealth acquired through deceit or exploitation, highlighting the moral transgression involved in such actions. Additionally, the reference to "blood which hath been in the midst of thee" suggests a history of violence or injustice within a community or society. Overall, this verse serves as a warning against the consequences of unethical behavior and serves as a call to repentance and reconciliation with God.

In this verse, the speaker expresses disapproval and condemnation towards the dishonest gain and bloodshed that has taken place among the people. The action of smiting one's hand is often interpreted as a gesture of anger or frustration. The act of smiting the hand symbolizes the speaker's strong emotion towards the sins that have been committed. The word "dishonest gain" could refer to any ill-gotten wealth acquired through deceitful means, while "blood in the midst of thee" can signify acts of violence or murder. This verse serves as a warning against the consequences of participating in sinful and unjust actions. It reminds us of the importance of living with integrity and righteousness in order to avoid facing the wrath of a just and righteous God who detests dishonesty and violence. Through theological interpretation, we can understand the verse as a call to repentance and a reminder of God's ultimate justice.