Ezekiel 23:22

Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will incite your lovers against you, those from whom you turned away in disgust. And I will bring them against you from every side--

Study Bible

Therefore, Oholibah
The name "Oholibah" is symbolic, representing the southern kingdom of Judah. In Hebrew, "Oholibah" means "My tent is in her," signifying God's presence in Jerusalem through the temple. This name is used to personify Judah's unfaithfulness to God, as the nation engaged in idolatry and alliances with foreign powers. The use of "therefore" indicates a conclusion or judgment based on previous actions, emphasizing the consequences of Judah's spiritual adultery.

this is what the Lord GOD says
The phrase underscores the authority and sovereignty of God. "Lord GOD" in Hebrew is "Adonai Yahweh," a combination that emphasizes both God's lordship and His covenantal relationship with Israel. This declaration is not merely a human opinion but a divine pronouncement, carrying the weight of God's ultimate authority and justice.

I will incite your lovers against you
The term "lovers" refers to the foreign nations with whom Judah formed alliances, often at the expense of their covenant with God. In a historical context, these nations include Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. The Hebrew root for "incite" suggests stirring up or provoking, indicating that God will use these nations as instruments of His judgment against Judah. This reflects the biblical principle that God can use even those who are opposed to Him to fulfill His purposes.

those from whom you turned in disgust
This phrase highlights Judah's fickle nature in their political and spiritual alliances. Historically, Judah often sought help from these nations but later rejected them when they proved unreliable or when circumstances changed. The word "disgust" implies a strong aversion, showing Judah's disdain for their former allies once they no longer served their purposes. This mirrors the spiritual adultery of turning away from God after seeking Him only for personal gain.

and I will bring them against you from every side
The imagery of being surrounded "from every side" conveys a sense of inescapable judgment. Historically, this was fulfilled when Babylon besieged Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall. The phrase underscores the completeness of God's judgment, as there would be no refuge or escape for Judah. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of forsaking God and relying on worldly powers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Oholibah
A symbolic name representing the southern kingdom of Judah. In Ezekiel 23, Oholibah is depicted as an unfaithful woman who has turned away from God to pursue alliances with foreign nations.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and righteous God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Ezekiel to pronounce judgment on Judah for her unfaithfulness.

3. Lovers
Refers to the foreign nations with whom Judah sought alliances, such as Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. These nations are depicted as former allies who will now turn against Judah.

4. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the exiles in Babylon. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope to the people of Israel.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the focus of God's judgment in this passage due to its idolatry and political alliances with pagan nations.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Just as Judah faced consequences for her unfaithfulness, believers today must recognize that turning away from God leads to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences.

The Futility of Worldly Alliances
Judah's reliance on foreign nations serves as a warning against placing our trust in worldly powers or solutions instead of God.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's ability to use even Judah's former allies as instruments of judgment demonstrates His sovereignty and control over all nations and events.

Repentance and Restoration
While this passage focuses on judgment, it also serves as a call to repentance, reminding us that God desires restoration and faithfulness from His people.

The Importance of Spiritual Fidelity
The metaphor of an unfaithful spouse underscores the importance of remaining spiritually faithful to God, avoiding idolatry in all its forms.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of Oholibah as an unfaithful wife help us understand the nature of Judah's sin?

2. In what ways do we, like Judah, sometimes seek security in worldly alliances rather than in God? How can we correct this tendency?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty in judgment affect our view of current world events and personal challenges?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we remain spiritually faithful to God in our daily lives?

5. How do the themes of judgment and repentance in Ezekiel 23:22 relate to the broader message of the Gospel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 2:18-19
This passage also addresses Judah's reliance on foreign nations instead of God, highlighting the futility and consequences of such alliances.

Hosea 2:5-13
Similar to Ezekiel, Hosea uses the metaphor of an unfaithful wife to describe Israel's idolatry and the resulting judgment.

Isaiah 30:1-5
Isaiah warns against forming alliances with Egypt, emphasizing trust in God rather than in human powers.