Ezekiel 23:17

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.

Study Bible

Then the Babylonians came to her
The phrase "Then the Babylonians came to her" signifies a pivotal moment of interaction between the Israelites and the Babylonians. Historically, the Babylonians were a dominant empire known for their military prowess and cultural influence. In the Hebrew context, the Babylonians represent a foreign power that Israel turned to for alliances, forsaking their covenant with God. This phrase highlights the spiritual adultery of Israel, as they sought security and identity in worldly powers rather than in God.

to the bed of love
The "bed of love" is a metaphorical expression that illustrates the intimate and covenantal relationship that Israel was supposed to have with God. In this context, it is used ironically to depict Israel's unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word for "bed" (מִשְׁכָּב, mishkav) often connotes a place of rest and intimacy, but here it is defiled by idolatrous practices. This phrase serves as a stark reminder of how sacred spaces can be corrupted when God's people turn away from Him.

and in their lust they defiled her
The word "lust" (זִמָּה, zimmah) in Hebrew conveys a sense of lewdness and moral corruption. The Babylonians' lustful actions symbolize the spiritual and moral degradation that occurs when God's people engage in idolatry and immorality. The defilement is not just physical but spiritual, indicating a deep-seated corruption that affects the entire community. This phrase underscores the consequences of abandoning God's commandments and the resulting impurity that taints the relationship between God and His people.

After she had been defiled by them
This phrase marks the aftermath of Israel's unfaithfulness. The defilement is complete, and the consequences are evident. The Hebrew concept of defilement (טָמֵא, tame) implies a state of impurity that separates one from the holy. In the biblical narrative, defilement often requires purification and repentance. This phrase serves as a call to recognize the gravity of sin and the need for restoration through returning to God.

she turned away from them in disgust
The turning away "in disgust" (נָקַע, naqa) indicates a moment of realization and rejection of the sinful alliance. This phrase suggests a turning point where Israel recognizes the futility and shame of their actions. The Hebrew root conveys a sense of loathing and rejection, highlighting the emotional and spiritual revulsion that comes with recognizing one's sin. This turning away is a crucial step towards repentance and restoration, emphasizing the hope that remains when God's people choose to return to Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Babylonians
A powerful empire known for its conquest of Judah and Jerusalem. In this context, they symbolize the foreign nations with whom Israel and Judah formed unholy alliances.

2. The Bed of Love
A metaphorical expression representing the intimate and idolatrous relationships that Israel and Judah engaged in with foreign nations, contrary to their covenant with God.

3. Defilement
This term signifies the spiritual and moral corruption that resulted from Israel and Judah's alliances and idolatries, leading them away from God.

4. Turning Away in Disgust
This reflects the eventual realization and rejection of the emptiness and shame of their idolatrous practices, though often too late to avoid consequences.

5. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Just as Israel and Judah were led astray by foreign alliances, Christians today must guard against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from God.

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Spiritual adultery has serious consequences, both in the immediate sense of separation from God and in the long-term impact on our spiritual lives.

Repentance and Restoration
Even when we turn away from God, He calls us back to Himself. True repentance involves recognizing our sin, turning away from it, and returning to God.

The Illusion of Worldly Alliances
Trusting in worldly powers or systems instead of God can lead to spiritual defilement and disappointment.

God's Faithfulness
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful and continues to call His people back to a covenant relationship with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "Babylonians" or idols that can lead us away from our relationship with God?

2. How can we identify and avoid forming "unholy alliances" in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. In what ways does the metaphor of spiritual adultery challenge us to examine our own faithfulness to God?

4. How does the theme of repentance in Ezekiel 23:17 encourage us to respond to our own spiritual failings?

5. How can we apply the lessons of Israel's unfaithfulness to strengthen our commitment to God in today's world?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 3
This chapter also uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness in marriage to describe Israel's idolatry and spiritual adultery.

Hosea 2
Hosea's marriage to Gomer serves as a living parable of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's enduring love and call to repentance.

Revelation 17
The imagery of Babylon as a harlot in Revelation echoes the themes of spiritual adultery and judgment found in Ezekiel.