Ezekiel 23:26

They will strip off your clothes and take your fine jewelry.

Study Bible

They will strip off your clothes
This phrase is a vivid depiction of humiliation and exposure. In the Hebrew context, the act of stripping someone of their clothes symbolizes shame and vulnerability. Clothes in ancient Israel were not just practical garments but also represented one's status and dignity. The stripping away of clothes signifies the removal of honor and protection, leaving the individual exposed to disgrace. This imagery is used by Ezekiel to convey the severity of judgment that God is pronouncing on the people for their unfaithfulness. It serves as a metaphor for the stripping away of false securities and the exposure of sin.

and take your fine jewelry
The mention of "fine jewelry" highlights the wealth and adornments that were often associated with idolatry and alliances with foreign nations. In the ancient Near East, jewelry was not only a sign of wealth but also of cultural and religious identity. The taking of jewelry signifies the loss of these alliances and the stripping away of the false gods and idols that the people had adorned themselves with. Historically, this reflects the invasions and plundering by foreign powers, which were seen as instruments of divine judgment. Spiritually, it represents the removal of all that the people had placed their trust in, apart from God. This serves as a call to return to the true source of beauty and worth, which is found in a faithful relationship with God.

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 in Ezekiel 23, engaging in spiritual adultery.

3. Babylonian Exile
The context of Ezekiel's prophecies, where the Israelites were taken captive due to their disobedience and idolatry.

4. Judgment
The event described in this passage, where God pronounces judgment on Jerusalem for her unfaithfulness.

5. Idolatry
The sin that led to the judgment, as Israel pursued alliances and worship with foreign nations and their gods.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Adultery
Just as Israel was judged for her unfaithfulness, believers today must guard against idolatry and spiritual compromise.

Consequences of Sin
Sin leads to exposure and shame. We must remember that our actions have consequences, both spiritually and physically.

God's Righteous Judgment
God's judgment is just and righteous. He disciplines those He loves to bring them back to Himself.

Repentance and Restoration
While judgment is severe, God always offers a path to repentance and restoration for those who turn back to Him.

Value of Spiritual Adornment
True adornment comes from a life of holiness and obedience to God, not from external appearances or worldly possessions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of being stripped of clothes and jewelry in Ezekiel 23:26 relate to the concept of spiritual exposure and shame?

2. In what ways can modern believers fall into the trap of spiritual adultery, similar to Oholah and Oholibah?

3. How does the judgment described in Ezekiel 23:26 reflect God's character and His desire for holiness among His people?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid the consequences of sin and remain faithful to God?

5. How can the themes of repentance and restoration in Ezekiel's message encourage us in our personal walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18
Discusses the laws against idolatry and immoral practices, which Israel violated, leading to their judgment.

Jeremiah 13
Jeremiah uses the imagery of a ruined loincloth to symbolize the shame and exposure of Judah due to their unfaithfulness.

Revelation 17
The imagery of a harlot is used to describe spiritual unfaithfulness, similar to the depiction of Oholah and Oholibah.