Ezekiel 23:32

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.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the message. In Hebrew, "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," underscoring God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel. The use of "says" (Hebrew: "amar") indicates a direct communication from God, highlighting the seriousness and certainty of the prophecy. This introduction sets the tone for the gravity of the message that follows, reminding the audience that these are not mere human words but a divine decree.

You will drink your sister’s cup
The imagery of drinking from a cup is a metaphor for experiencing judgment or wrath. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a cup often symbolized one's fate or destiny, particularly in terms of divine retribution. The "sister" refers to Samaria, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, which had already faced God's judgment. The implication is that Jerusalem (the southern kingdom) will undergo a similar fate due to its comparable sins. This phrase serves as a warning of inevitable consequences for unfaithfulness to God.

which is deep and wide
The description of the cup as "deep and wide" suggests the magnitude and severity of the judgment. In Hebrew, "deep" (Hebrew: "amok") and "wide" (Hebrew: "rachab") convey the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the punishment. This imagery would resonate with the audience, illustrating that the impending judgment is not only vast in scope but also profound in its impact. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments.

You will be an object of scorn and derision
This phrase indicates the social and emotional consequences of the judgment. "Scorn" (Hebrew: "la'ag") and "derision" (Hebrew: "kelimmah") reflect the shame and humiliation that will accompany the punishment. In the ancient world, public disgrace was a severe consequence, often seen as a fate worse than death. This serves as a warning that the judgment will not only be physical but also deeply affect the community's honor and standing among the nations.

for it holds so much
The phrase "for it holds so much" underscores the abundance and intensity of the judgment contained within the cup. The Hebrew root here suggests fullness and completeness, indicating that the punishment is both deserved and comprehensive. This serves as a final reminder of the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that the consequences of sin are not only inevitable but also fully justified by the extent of the transgressions. It calls the audience to reflect on the gravity of their actions and the need for repentance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the exiles in Babylon. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. Oholah and Oholibah
Symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. They are depicted as sisters in Ezekiel 23, engaging in spiritual adultery.

3. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

4. The Lord GOD
The sovereign God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel to pronounce judgment and call for repentance.

5. The Cup
A metaphor for God's judgment, often used in the Bible to symbolize the wrath and consequences of sin.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has severe consequences, and God's judgment is depicted as a cup that must be drunk. This imagery reminds us of the seriousness with which God views sin.

God's Justice
God's judgment is just and measured. The "deep and wide" cup signifies the extent of the judgment that matches the gravity of the sin.

Call to Repentance
The passage serves as a warning and a call to repentance. Recognizing the consequences of sin should lead us to seek God's mercy and forgiveness.

Hope in Redemption
While the passage focuses on judgment, the broader biblical account assures us of God's desire for restoration and redemption for those who turn back to Him.

Learning from History
The experiences of Samaria and Jerusalem serve as lessons for us today. We are called to learn from their mistakes and remain faithful to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the cup in Ezekiel 23:32 help us understand the nature of God's judgment?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of spiritual adultery in our own lives or communities today?

3. How do the themes of judgment and redemption in Ezekiel 23 connect with the message of the Gospel?

4. What practical steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of sin that led to the judgment of Samaria and Jerusalem?

5. How can we use the lessons from Ezekiel 23 to encourage others in their walk with God, especially in times of temptation or spiritual complacency?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 25
This chapter also uses the imagery of a cup to describe the wrath of God that will be poured out on the nations, including Judah.

Isaiah 51
Discusses the cup of God's wrath and the promise of redemption, highlighting the dual themes of judgment and hope.

Revelation 14
The imagery of the cup is used to describe the final judgment, connecting the Old Testament prophecies with the New Testament's eschatological vision.