◄ 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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 23:17? 2. How does Ezekiel 23:17 illustrate the consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness to God? 3. What does Ezekiel 23:17 reveal about God's view on idolatry and alliances? 4. How can we avoid the spiritual pitfalls described in Ezekiel 23:17 today? 5. Compare Ezekiel 23:17 with Exodus 20:3. What consistent message is conveyed? 6. How should Ezekiel 23:17 influence our choices in relationships and commitments? 7. What is the historical context of Ezekiel 23:17? 8. How does Ezekiel 23:17 reflect Israel's relationship with foreign nations? 9. What is the theological significance of Ezekiel 23:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 23? 11. Do any ancient sources outside the Bible corroborate the nations' interventions described in Ezekiel 23, or is the account solely a theological narrative? 12. How can the severe judgment imagery in Ezekiel 21 be reconciled with teachings elsewhere in Scripture about God's mercy? 13. How can Ezekiel 17:6's description of the vine thriving and then withering be verified historically or archaeologically, if at all? 14. How can 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 speak of an eternal throne for David's line when the historical monarchy in Judah ended? Discussion 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? Ezekiel 23 Bible Study Questions 1. How does the allegory of the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, illustrate the dangers of idolatry? 2. Reflect on a time you witnessed consequences resulting from unfaithfulness. How does that correlate with the fate of Samaria and Jerusalem in this chapter? 3. What lessons can be derived from Oholibah continuing down the path of infidelity despite witnessing the punishment of her sister? 4. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 23 in dealing with temptations in our lives today? 5. What does this chapter reveal about God's feelings towards spiritual infidelity? 6. Discuss the consequences of forgetting God and focusing on worldly desires as illustrated in the chapter. 7. How can we guard against spiritual adultery in our own lives? 8. How does this chapter demonstrate God's righteous judgment? 9. Discuss the meaning of the verse 23:49, "You will bear the consequences of your lewdness and your detestable practices, declares the LORD." 10. How can we use the example of Oholah and Oholibah to teach others about faithfulness? 11. How does the narrative of the two sisters help us understand the historical relationship between Israel, Assyria, and Babylon? 12. Why do you think God chose to use such a vivid and graphic allegory in Ezekiel 23 to convey His message? 13. How might we reconcile the harsh punishments outlined in this chapter with our understanding of God’s love and mercy? 14. How can we practically reject modern forms of idolatry in our lives today, drawing lessons from Ezekiel 23? 15. In what ways do you think the society we live in today struggles with the same issues Samaria and Jerusalem did? 16. What does this chapter teach about the importance of remembering past lessons and mistakes? 17. How can we ensure that we remember and acknowledge God in our daily lives? 18. How might the events in Ezekiel 23 serve as a warning to nations today? 19. How can we maintain a consistent and unwavering relationship with God amidst the distractions of the world? 20. How does the chapter of Ezekiel 23 challenge you personally in your spiritual journey? Links Ezekiel 23:17 NIV Ezekiel 23:17 NLT Ezekiel 23:17 ESV Ezekiel 23:17 NASB Ezekiel 23:17 KJV Ezekiel 23:17 Commentaries Bible Hub