Ezekiel 23:19
Yet she multiplied her promiscuity, remembering the days of her youth, when she had prostituted herself in the land of Egypt
Yet she multiplied her promiscuity
This phrase indicates a continuation and escalation of sinful behavior. The Hebrew root for "multiplied" is "רָבָה" (ravah), which conveys the idea of increasing or becoming numerous. In the context of Ezekiel, this multiplication of promiscuity symbolizes Israel's persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. Historically, Israel's alliances and idol worship were seen as spiritual adultery. The use of "promiscuity" here is metaphorical, representing the nation's infidelity to God through alliances with pagan nations and their gods.

remembering the days of her youth
The phrase "remembering the days of her youth" suggests a longing or nostalgia for past behaviors. In Hebrew, "זָכַר" (zakar) means to remember or recall. This remembrance is not innocent; it is a deliberate choice to return to former sinful ways. Theologically, this reflects the human tendency to revert to old habits and sins, even after experiencing God's deliverance. It serves as a warning against the dangers of romanticizing past sins and the importance of spiritual vigilance.

when she had prostituted herself in the land of Egypt
This part of the verse refers to Israel's early history and spiritual infidelity. The Hebrew word for "prostituted" is "זָנָה" (zanah), which means to commit fornication or to be unfaithful. Egypt, in this context, represents a place of bondage and idolatry. Historically, Egypt was a land where Israel was enslaved, and it also symbolizes the allure of worldly power and false gods. Theologically, this serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the spiritual bondage that results from idolatry. It underscores the need for repentance and faithfulness to God, who desires a covenant relationship with His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Oholibah (Jerusalem)
In Ezekiel 23, Oholibah represents Jerusalem. The chapter uses allegory to describe the spiritual unfaithfulness of Jerusalem, likening it to a woman who engages in prostitution.

2. Egypt
A place of Israel's past bondage and idolatry. In this context, Egypt symbolizes the sinful practices and idolatry that Israel engaged in during their time there.

3. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who conveyed messages of judgment and restoration to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied. The exile was a result of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.

5. Idolatry
The central sin being addressed in this passage, where Israel's spiritual infidelity is compared to physical promiscuity.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Adultery
Just as Oholibah's actions symbolize unfaithfulness, believers are called to examine their own lives for spiritual adultery, such as idolatry or prioritizing anything above God.

Remembering Past Sins
The passage warns against romanticizing or returning to past sins. Believers should remember their past only to learn and grow, not to return to old ways.

God's Call to Repentance
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's desire is for repentance and restoration. This is a call for believers to turn back to God wholeheartedly.

Consequences of Sin
The passage serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, both spiritually and physically. Believers are encouraged to seek God's forgiveness and live righteously.

Faithfulness in Relationship with God
Just as a marriage requires faithfulness, so does our relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a faithful and devoted relationship with Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the metaphor of promiscuity in Ezekiel 23:19 help us understand the seriousness of idolatry in our own lives?

2. In what ways can remembering past sins be both beneficial and detrimental to our spiritual growth?

3. How does the account of Israel's unfaithfulness in Ezekiel 23 relate to the broader account of God's covenant with His people?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that can lead us away from a faithful relationship with God, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can we apply the lessons of repentance and restoration found in Ezekiel 23 to our personal walk with God today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 3
This chapter also uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness to describe Israel's idolatry, emphasizing God's call for repentance.

Hosea 2
Hosea's marriage to Gomer serves as a living parable of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's enduring love, similar to the themes in Ezekiel 23.

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf highlights Israel's tendency to revert to idolatry, reminiscent of their time in Egypt.

2 Kings 17
Describes the fall of Israel due to their persistent idolatry and rejection of God's commandments.
Aholah and AholibahA London MinisterEzekiel 23:1-49
Inexcusable InfidelityJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 23:1-49
People
Aholah, Aholibah, Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Ezekiel
Places
Assyria, Chaldea, Egypt, Jerusalem, Koa, Pekod, Samaria, Shoa
Topics
A-whoring, Behaviour, Calling, Early, Egypt, Harlot, Harlotries, Harlotry, Increased, Keeping, Loose, Mind, Multiplied, Multiplieth, Played, Promiscuous, Prostitute, Prostitution, Prostitutions, Recalled, Remember, Remembering, Remembrance, Wherein, Whoredoms, Yet, Youth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 23:1-21

     8777   lust

Ezekiel 23:1-35

     6239   prostitution
     8705   apostasy, in OT

Ezekiel 23:1-49

     5737   sisters
     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Ezekiel 23:11-21

     6243   adultery, spiritual

Ezekiel 23:19-21

     5746   youth

Library
How those are to be Admonished who have had Experience of the Sins of the Flesh, and those who have Not.
(Admonition 29.) Differently to be admonished are those who are conscious of sins of the flesh, and those who know them not. For those who have had experience of the sins of the flesh are to be admonished that, at any rate after shipwreck, they should fear the sea, and feel horror at their risk of perdition at least when it has become known to them; lest, having been mercifully preserved after evil deeds committed, by wickedly repeating the same they die. Whence to the soul that sins and never
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Ezekiel 23:19 NIV
Ezekiel 23:19 NLT
Ezekiel 23:19 ESV
Ezekiel 23:19 NASB
Ezekiel 23:19 KJV

Ezekiel 23:19 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Ezekiel 23:18
Top of Page
Top of Page