Ezekiel 23
BSB1 Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother, 3 and they played in Egypt, prostituting themselves from their youth. Their breasts were fondled there, and their virgin bosoms caressed. 4 The older was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah. They became Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their identities, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem. 5 Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors 6 clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen mounted on steeds. 7 She offered sexual favors to all the elite of Assyria. She defiled herself with all the idols of those for whom she lusted. 8 She did not give up the prostitution she began in Egypt, when men slept with her in her youth, caressed her virgin bosom, and poured out their lust upon her. 9 Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians for whom she lusted. 10 They exposed her nakedness, seized her sons and daughters, and put her to the sword. Thus she became a byword among women, and they executed judgment against her. 11 Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister. 12 She too lusted after the Assyrians—governors and commanders, warriors dressed in splendor, horsemen riding on steeds, all desirable young men. 13 And I saw that she too had defiled herself; both of them had taken the same path. 14 But Oholibah carried her prostitution even further. She saw the men portrayed on the wall, images of the Chaldeans, engraved in vermilion, 15 wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. 16 At the sight of them, she lusted for them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea. 17 Then the Babylonians came to her, to the bed of love, and in their lust they defiled her. But after she had been defiled by them, she turned away in disgust. 18 When Oholibah openly prostituted herself and exposed her nakedness, I turned away from her in disgust, just as I had turned away from her sister. 19 Yet she multiplied her promiscuity, remembering the days of her youth, when she had prostituted herself in the land of Egypt 20 and lusted after their lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of stallions. 21 So you revisited the indecency of your youth, when the Egyptians caressed your bosom and pressed your young breasts. 22 Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will incite your lovers against you, those from whom you turned away in disgust. And I will bring them against you from every side— 23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, the men of Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them—all desirable young men, governors and commanders, officers and men of renown, mounted on horses. 24 They will come against you with a host of peoples, with weapons, chariots, and wagons. They will array themselves against you on every side with buckler and shield and helmet. I will delegate judgment to them, and they will punish you according to their own standards. 25 And I will set My jealous rage against you, and they will deal with you in fury. They will cut off your noses and ears, and your survivors will fall by the sword. They will seize your sons and daughters, and your remnant will be consumed by fire. 26 They will strip off your clothes and take your fine jewelry. 27 So I will put an end to your indecency and prostitution, which began in the land of Egypt, and you will not lift your eyes to them or remember Egypt anymore.’ 28 For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Surely I will deliver you into the hands of those you hate, from whom you turned away in disgust. 29 They will treat you with hatred, take all for which you have worked, and leave you naked and bare, so that the shame of your prostitution will be exposed. Your indecency and promiscuity 30 have brought these things upon you, because you have prostituted yourself with the nations and defiled yourself with their idols. 31 Because you have followed the path of your sister, I will put her cup into your hand.’ 32 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You will drink your sister’s cup, a cup deep and wide. It will bring scorn and derision, for it holds so much. 33 You will be filled with drunkenness and grief, with a cup of devastation and desolation, the cup of your sister Samaria. 34 You will drink it and drain it; you will dash it to pieces, and tear your breasts. For I have spoken,’ declares the Lord GOD. 35 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you have forgotten Me and have cast Me behind your back, you must bear the consequences of your indecency and prostitution.’" 36 Then the LORD said to me: “Son of man, will you pass judgment against Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare to them their abominations. 37 For they have committed adultery, and blood is on their hands. They have committed adultery with their idols. They have even sacrificed their children, whom they bore to Me, in the fire as food for their idols. 38 They have also done this to Me: On that very same day, they defiled My sanctuary and profaned My Sabbaths. 39 On the very day they slaughtered their children for their idols, they entered My sanctuary to profane it. Yes, they did this inside My house. 40 Furthermore, you sisters sent messengers for men who came from afar; and behold, when they arrived, you bathed for them, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with jewelry. 41 You sat on a couch of luxury with a table spread before it, on which you had set My incense and My oil, 42 accompanied by the sound of a carefree crowd. Drunkards were brought in from the desert along with men from the rabble, who put bracelets on your wrists and beautiful crowns on your head. 43 Then I said of her who had grown old in adulteries: ‘Now let them use her as a prostitute, for that is all she is!’ 44 And they slept with her as with a prostitute; they slept with Oholah and Oholibah, those lewd women. 45 But righteous men will sentence them to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed, because they are adulteresses with blood on their hands. 46 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Bring a mob against them and consign them to terror and plunder. 47 The mob will stone them and cut them down with their swords. They will kill their sons and daughters and burn down their houses. 48 So I will put an end to indecency in the land, and all the women will be admonished not to imitate your behavior. 49 They will repay you for your indecency, and you will bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’"
Study Notes — Ezekiel 23
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ezekiel 23
- Themes from Ezekiel 23
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ezekiel 23
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Ezekiel 23 unfolds with a parable about two sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem), who both commit adultery with their neighbors, symbolizing the idolatrous relationships Israel and Judah had with surrounding nations. The chapter details their promiscuous behaviors, with Oholah being judged first, and then Oholibah, who follows in her sister's footsteps but exacerbates her sins. The Lord pronounces judgment on both, with Oholibah facing severe punishment for her greater guilt. The chapter emphasizes that these judgments serve as a warning to the house of Israel, illustrating the consequences of their spiritual adultery and calling them to return to the Lord.
Context for the Chapter
Ezekiel 23 is situated within the prophetic book of Ezekiel, among a series of oracles that condemn the sins of Israel and Judah and foretell their judgments. This chapter specifically falls after Ezekiel's call to prophetic ministry and his initial messages of judgment and warning to the house of Israel. The historical context involves the Babylonian exile, with Ezekiel prophesying to the exiles in Babylon, warning them of the impending fall of Jerusalem and the reasons behind God's judgment.
Heart Application
This chapter challenges believers to examine their own hearts for any form of spiritual adultery, where loyalty and affection are divided between God and the world. It calls for a commitment to purity and fidelity in one's relationship with God, recognizing the severity of God's judgment on those who persist in sin and the gracious offer of redemption through repentance and faith.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Ezekiel 23 uses the story of two sisters to describe how Israel and Judah sinned against God by worshiping idols and making alliances with other nations, leading to severe judgments. It reminds us that God is a jealous God who desires our complete loyalty and that turning away from Him has serious consequences, as seen in Ezekiel 23:37. The chapter calls for repentance and a return to the one true God.
Voices from the Church
“The idols of the heart are the greatest idols, for they are the ones that most effectively turn us away from the true and living God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“We are not our own; we are bought with a price. Let us, then, live to the Lord, and not to ourselves, that we may glorify Him in our bodies and spirits, which are His.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Two Sisters (Ezekiel 23:1-4) — The chapter begins with an allegory about two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representing Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively.
- The Sins of Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:5-21) — This section details the adulterous behaviors of both sisters, with Oholah's sins leading to her judgment and Oholibah following in her footsteps but with greater guilt.
- The Judgment on Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:22-35) — The Lord pronounces a severe judgment on Oholibah, involving the nations she had relations with turning against her and the execution of her sons and daughters.
- The Application to the House of Israel (Ezekiel 23:36-49) — The chapter concludes with the application of the allegory to the house of Israel, emphasizing their shared guilt and the call for them to recognize their sins and return to the Lord.
- Conclusion and Call to Repentance — The final verses serve as a summary of the judgments pronounced and a final call for Israel to repent, recognizing the severity of their sins and the mercy of God in offering them a chance to return to Him.
Core Doctrines
- Total Depravity
- The chapter illustrates the total depravity of humanity, as seen in the progressive and exacerbated sins of Oholibah, highlighting the need for divine redemption.
- Judgment and Wrath
- Ezekiel 23 demonstrates God's judgment and wrath on those who persist in sin, particularly spiritual adultery, emphasizing the consequences of rebellion against Him.
- Repentance and Restoration
- The call to repentance throughout the chapter underscores God's desire to restore His people, even in the midst of judgment, offering them mercy and forgiveness upon their return to Him.
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter affirms the sovereignty of God, who is not only the Judge of all the earth but also the Savior who calls His people to repentance and offers them redemption.
Lessons from Ezekiel 23
- The Dangers of Spiritual Complacency — This lesson highlights the risk of becoming comfortable in sin and the importance of maintaining a vigilant and repentant heart before God.
- The Importance of Fidelity to God — The chapter teaches the crucial lesson of maintaining complete loyalty to God, avoiding the idols of the heart and the temptations of the world.
- God's Sovereignty in Judgment and Mercy — Ezekiel 23 demonstrates God's sovereignty, not only in judging sin but also in offering mercy and restoration to those who repent.
- The Consequences of Persistent Sin — The severe judgments pronounced on Oholibah serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of persisting in sin and refusing to repent.
- The Hope of Redemption — Despite the emphasis on judgment, the chapter offers hope in the possibility of redemption through repentance, underscoring God's desire to restore His people.
Themes from Ezekiel 23
- Spiritual Adultery — The central theme of the chapter, highlighting Israel and Judah's spiritual infidelity towards God through their idolatrous practices and alliances.
- Judgment and Wrath — A significant theme, as the chapter details the severe judgments that God will bring upon Samaria and Jerusalem for their sins.
- Repentance and Restoration — A recurring theme, emphasizing God's call for His people to turn back to Him and the promise of redemption and restoration for those who repent.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter affirms God's sovereignty over all nations and His people, highlighting His role as Judge and Savior.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The theme of faithfulness is underscored, as the chapter contrasts the faithlessness of Israel and Judah with the call to remain loyal and true to God.
Questions for Meditation
- What are the primary sins that Israel and Judah are accused of in Ezekiel 23, and how do these sins reflect the human condition?
- In what ways does the allegory of the two sisters help to convey the message of spiritual adultery and its consequences?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on judgment influence your understanding of God's character, and what does it say about His attitude towards sin?
- What call to action does the chapter extend to its readers, particularly in terms of repentance and returning to God?
- Reflect on how the themes of Ezekiel 23 apply to your personal life and the life of your community, considering the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of faithfulness to God.
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Allegory (Ezekiel 23:1-4)
| 23:1 | The chapter begins with the Lord speaking to Ezekiel, instructing him to judge between two women, Oholah and Oholibah, who symbolize Samaria and Jerusalem. |
| 23:2 | The allegory of the two sisters is introduced, with both being guilty of adultery, representing the spiritual infidelity of Israel and Judah towards God. |
2. The Sins of Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:5-21)
| 23:5 | Oholah's adulterous behavior with the Assyrians is detailed, symbolizing Samaria's idolatrous alliances. |
| 23:11 | Oholibah's sins are described as exceeding those of Oholah, with her adulteries including the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians, representing Jerusalem's greater guilt. |
3. The Judgment on Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:22-35)
| 23:22 | The Lord announces His judgment on Oholibah, which includes being stripped naked, stoned, and slaughtered by the sword, symbolizing the severe punishments awaiting Jerusalem. |
| 23:25 | The judgment involves the nations Oholibah committed adultery with turning against her, underscoring the consequence of her actions. |
4. Application to the House of Israel (Ezekiel 23:36-49)
| 23:36 | The Lord instructs Ezekiel to judge between the two sisters, emphasizing their shared guilt and calling the house of Israel to recognize their sins. |
| 23:37 | The verse highlights the dual crimes of spiritual adultery and child sacrifice, encapsulating the reasons for God's judgment on Israel and Judah. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of Ezekiel 23?
The main message is the condemnation of spiritual adultery and the call to repentance, emphasizing the severe consequences of persisting in sin and the mercy of God in offering redemption, as seen in Ezekiel 23:37.
How does the allegory of the two sisters relate to the real historical context of Israel and Judah?
The allegory symbolizes the spiritual condition of Samaria and Jerusalem, with their idolatrous practices and alliances with other nations serving as a form of spiritual adultery against God, leading to their respective judgments.
What hope does the chapter offer despite its emphasis on judgment?
The chapter offers hope in the possibility of redemption through repentance, as God calls His people to return to Him and promises to restore them if they turn from their sins, underscoring His sovereign mercy and desire for their salvation.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 23:37 → Leviticus 20:2 | Both verses condemn the practice of child sacrifice, highlighting its severity as a sin against God. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 23:25 → Deuteronomy 28:25 | These verses speak of the nations turning against Israel as a form of judgment, illustrating the consequence of disobedience to God's commands. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 23:11 → Isaiah 57:9 | Both references describe the illicit relationships between Israel/Judah and other nations, symbolizing spiritual adultery. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 23:22 → Jeremiah 25:9 | These verses mention the role of the nations in executing God's judgment on Israel and Judah, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 23:37 → Psalm 106:37-38 | Both passages condemn the sin of child sacrifice and recognize it as a form of idolatry that provokes God's wrath. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 23:25 → Hosea 8:9-10 | These verses speak of Israel's pursuit of alliances with other nations, which is seen as a form of adultery against God. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 23:36 → Matthew 25:31-46 | The judgment scene in Ezekiel 23 is reminiscent of the final judgment in Matthew 25, where nations are judged based on their treatment of God's people. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 23:49 → Romans 2:1-11 | Both passages emphasize the principle that God is no respecter of persons and that all will be judged according to their deeds, highlighting the universality of God's judgment. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 23:37 → Revelation 18:1-8 | The condemnation of spiritual adultery and the call to come out of Babylon in Revelation 18 echoes the themes of Ezekiel 23, emphasizing the enduring call to separate from the world and be faithful to God. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 23:25 → John 8:31-36 | The theme of freedom from bondage through knowing the truth is connected between these passages, as both discuss the liberation that comes from adhering to God's commands and recognizing His sovereignty over all nations. |
Sermons on Ezekiel 23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Roman Catholicism by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches a sermon warning against idolatry, specifically addressing the errors and dangers of Roman Catholicism. He highlights the soul-damning nature of idolatry, th |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 23
Matthew Henry's commentary on Ezekiel 23 emphasizes the dual themes of God's judgment on sin and His mercy in calling sinners to repentance. Henry underscores the allegory of the two sisters as a powerful illustration of Israel and Judah's spiritual adultery, highlighting their shared guilt and the severe punishments that await them for their idolatrous practices and alliances. He also notes the chapter's call to the house of Israel to recognize their sins and turn back to the Lord, emphasizing God's sovereignty and desire to restore His people. The commentary concludes by reflecting on the universal principles of God's judgment and mercy, encouraging readers to examine their own hearts for any form of spiritual adultery and to seek redemption through repentance and faith in God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Progression of Sin
Notice how the sins of Oholibah exceed those of Oholah, indicating a pattern where later generations can become more corrupt than their predecessors. This progression of sin underscores the importance of addressing sin early and the dangers of complacency.
The Severity of Judgment
Observe how the judgments on Oholibah are more severe than those on Oholah, illustrating that God's patience is not endless and that continued rebellion against Him will result in greater punishments.
The Call to Repentance
Recognize the recurring theme of repentance throughout the chapter, emphasizing God's desire for His people to return to Him and the severe consequences that await those who refuse.