Ezekiel 23:48

So I will put an end to indecency in the land, and all the women will be admonished not to imitate your behavior.

Study Bible

So I will put an end
This phrase signifies a decisive action by God, indicating His sovereign power to bring about a conclusion to the sinful practices of the people. The Hebrew root for "put an end" is "שָׁבַת" (shabat), which means to cease or rest. This is the same root used for the Sabbath, a day of rest, symbolizing a complete cessation. Here, it implies God's intervention to stop the idolatry and immorality that plagued Israel, reflecting His holiness and justice.

to lewdness
The term "lewdness" in Hebrew is "זִמָּה" (zimmah), which refers to wickedness or depravity, often associated with sexual immorality. In the context of Ezekiel, it highlights the moral corruption and idolatrous practices that Israel engaged in, akin to spiritual adultery. This word underscores the severity of Israel's sin, which was not just a breach of law but a violation of their covenant relationship with God.

in the land
This phrase emphasizes the geographical and communal aspect of the sin. "The land" refers to the Promised Land, a place meant to be holy and set apart for God's people. The defilement of the land through lewdness is a direct affront to God's purpose for Israel to be a light to the nations. Historically, the land was central to Israel's identity and covenant with God, making its defilement a serious transgression.

so that all women
The mention of "all women" serves as a representative group for the entire community. In ancient Israel, women often symbolized the state of the nation, and their conduct was seen as reflective of the nation's spiritual health. This phrase suggests that the judgment and its lessons are meant for everyone, not just a specific gender, indicating the pervasive nature of the sin and the comprehensive scope of God's corrective action.

may take warning
The Hebrew word for "warning" is "יִסַּר" (yissar), which means to instruct or discipline. This is not merely punitive but educational, aiming to bring about repentance and restoration. God's judgment serves as a cautionary tale, intended to lead the people back to righteousness. It reflects God's desire for His people to learn from their mistakes and return to Him.

and not imitate
The call to "not imitate" underscores the importance of distinctiveness for God's people. The Hebrew root "חָקָה" (chakah) means to mimic or follow. Israel was called to be holy and separate from the surrounding nations, whose practices were often idolatrous and immoral. This phrase is a reminder of the call to holiness and the dangers of conforming to worldly standards.

their lewdness
Reiterating the term "lewdness" emphasizes the specific sin that God is addressing. The repetition serves to highlight the gravity of the offense and the necessity of its eradication. It is a call to purity and faithfulness, urging the people to abandon their sinful ways and return to a covenant relationship with God. This reflects the consistent biblical theme of repentance and renewal.

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, respectively. They are depicted as sisters engaged in spiritual adultery.

3. Babylonian Exile
The context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a period of judgment and reflection for the Israelites.

4. Israel
The chosen people of God, who are being warned and judged for their idolatry and immorality.

5. Lewdness
Refers to the moral and spiritual corruption that had permeated the land, symbolized by the actions of Oholah and Oholibah.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
God takes sin seriously, especially when it involves idolatry and immorality. We must recognize the gravity of sin in our lives and communities.

Call to Repentance
Just as God called Israel to turn from their lewdness, He calls us to repent and seek holiness.

Warning to Others
Our actions serve as a warning to others. We must live in a way that reflects God's standards, not leading others into sin.

God's Judgment and Mercy
While God judges sin, His ultimate desire is for restoration and repentance. We should seek His mercy and strive to live righteously.

Holiness in Community
The call to end lewdness is not just individual but communal. We must encourage and uphold holiness within our communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of Oholah and Oholibah in Ezekiel 23 help us understand the nature of spiritual adultery?

2. In what ways can we identify and address "lewdness" in our own lives and communities today?

3. How do the warnings in Ezekiel 23:48 relate to the call for holiness found in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our actions serve as a positive example to others, rather than a warning?

5. How can we balance the understanding of God's judgment with His mercy when discussing sin and repentance with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18
This chapter outlines laws against sexual immorality, which parallels the lewdness condemned in Ezekiel 23.

Jeremiah 3
Jeremiah also uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness to describe Israel's idolatry, similar to Ezekiel's depiction.

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

Revelation 17
The imagery of the harlot in Revelation echoes the themes of spiritual adultery found in Ezekiel 23.

1 Corinthians 6
Paul warns against sexual immorality, emphasizing the need for purity among believers.