Ezekiel 23:27

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.'

Study Bible

So I will put an end
This phrase signifies God's decisive action to terminate the sinful behaviors of the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "put an end" is "שָׁבַת" (shavat), which means to cease or rest. This is the same root used in the context of the Sabbath, indicating a complete cessation. Here, it reflects God's sovereign power to bring an end to the idolatrous practices that have plagued His people. It is a reminder of God's authority and His ability to cleanse and restore His people to righteousness.

to your lewdness
The term "lewdness" is translated from the Hebrew word "זִמָּה" (zimmah), which implies wickedness or depravity, often in a sexual context. This word underscores the moral corruption that had infiltrated the Israelites' worship and daily life. Historically, this reflects the influence of surrounding pagan cultures, which often included sexual immorality as part of their religious practices. God's intention is to purify His people from such defilement, calling them back to holiness.

and prostitution
The Hebrew word "תַּזְנוּת" (taznut) is used here, which directly refers to harlotry or unfaithfulness. In a spiritual sense, it symbolizes Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry. The imagery of prostitution is frequently used in the Bible to describe Israel's spiritual adultery. This serves as a powerful metaphor for the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the seriousness of their betrayal.

brought from the land of Egypt
This phrase points to the historical context of Israel's idolatrous practices, which began during their time in Egypt. Egypt, in biblical symbolism, often represents bondage and sin. The Israelites' time in Egypt exposed them to various pagan practices, which they carried with them even after their deliverance. This serves as a reminder of the dangers of cultural assimilation and the importance of remaining distinct as God's chosen people.

so that you will not look on these things with longing
The Hebrew word for "longing" is "נָפַשׁ" (nafash), which means to breathe after or to desire. This phrase indicates a deep-seated yearning or desire for past sinful practices. God's intervention aims to change the hearts of His people, removing their desire for sin and redirecting their affections towards Him. It is a call to repentance and transformation, emphasizing the need for a renewed heart and mind.

or remember Egypt anymore
The act of remembering, "זָכַר" (zakar) in Hebrew, involves recalling or bringing to mind. God desires that His people no longer reminisce about their past in Egypt, which symbolizes their former life of sin and bondage. This is an invitation to embrace a new identity and future in God, free from the chains of past transgressions. It is a call to focus on God's promises and the new life He offers, leaving behind the old ways.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. Oholah and Oholibah
Symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel, respectively. They are depicted as sisters engaged in spiritual adultery.

3. Egypt
A place of Israel's past bondage and idolatry. It symbolizes the sinful practices and alliances that Israel longed for and engaged in.

4. God's Judgment
The event where God declares His intention to end Israel's idolatrous practices and reliance on foreign nations, particularly Egypt.

5. Israel's Idolatry
The repeated turning away from God to worship idols and form alliances with pagan nations, which is likened to prostitution.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Jealousy
God demands exclusive worship and is jealous for His people's devotion. Idolatry is a serious offense against His holiness.

The Consequences of Sin
Persistent sin leads to judgment. God will not tolerate ongoing unfaithfulness and will act to purify His people.

Breaking Free from the Past
Just as God promised to end Israel's longing for Egypt, believers are called to leave behind their past sins and not return to them.

The Call to Repentance
God’s judgment is also an invitation to repentance. Turning away from sin and towards God brings restoration and healing.

The Danger of Spiritual Adultery
Engaging in practices or forming alliances that compromise faithfulness to God is akin to spiritual adultery and must be avoided.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of prostitution in Ezekiel 23:27 help us understand the seriousness of idolatry in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we identify and break free from "Egypt" in our personal spiritual journey?

3. How does understanding God's jealousy for our worship impact our daily walk with Him?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that can lead us away from exclusive devotion to God, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can the themes of judgment and repentance in Ezekiel 23:27 encourage us to seek God's forgiveness and restoration today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, highlighting God's desire for exclusive worship and the consequences of spiritual adultery.

Jeremiah 3:6-10
A similar metaphor of Israel's unfaithfulness, where God calls Israel to repentance from idolatry.

Hosea 2:13
Another prophetic book where God addresses Israel's unfaithfulness and promises to remove the allure of idolatry.