Ezekiel 25:17

The song 'Ezekiel 25:17' as performed by Samuel L. Jackson is not a traditional song but rather a dramatic monologue that gained fame from its inclusion in Quentin Tarantino's iconic film 'Pulp Fiction'. The passage, which is a creative interpretation rather than a direct biblical quote, serves as a prelude to an act of violence by Jackson's character, Jules Winnfield, and is delivered with a sense of divine justification for the impending retribution.

The lyrics speak to the concept of a righteous person navigating a world filled with sin and evil. The 'righteous man' is depicted as a protector of the weak, acting in the name of good will and charity. This figure is contrasted with the 'selfish' and 'evil men' who oppress others. The passage suggests that those who live virtuously and defend the innocent have a moral authority, perhaps even a divine endorsement, to enact justice.

The latter part of the monologue shifts to a declaration of vengeance against those who harm the innocent. The speaker invokes the name of the Lord, implying that the punishment delivered is not only personal but also carries the weight of divine retribution. The intensity of the language—'great vengeance and furious anger'—underscores the severity of the judgment to be meted out. This monologue has become a cultural reference point for discussions on justice, morality, and the complex nature of vengeance.