Ezekiel 23:40

Furthermore, you sisters sent messengers for men who came from afar; and behold, when they arrived, you bathed for them, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with jewelry.

Study Bible

Furthermore
This word serves as a continuation of the narrative, indicating that the actions described are part of a larger pattern of behavior. In the context of Ezekiel 23, it connects the current verse to the preceding verses, which describe the spiritual adultery of Jerusalem and Samaria. The Hebrew word used here, "וְאַף" (ve'af), suggests an addition to the already grievous sins, emphasizing the persistent unfaithfulness of God's people.

you sent for men
This phrase highlights the proactive nature of the sin being described. The Hebrew root "שָׁלַח" (shalach) means to send or dispatch, indicating intentionality. In the historical context, this refers to the alliances and treaties made with foreign nations, which were often accompanied by idolatrous practices. Spiritually, it symbolizes seeking fulfillment and security outside of God's provision.

who come from far away
The men coming from a distance signifies foreign nations, often associated with pagan practices and idolatry. Historically, Israel and Judah sought alliances with distant nations like Egypt and Assyria, contrary to God's command to rely solely on Him. This phrase underscores the extent to which God's people were willing to go to pursue their unfaithfulness.

When a messenger was sent to them, they came
This indicates the eagerness and readiness of these foreign nations to respond to Israel's overtures. The Hebrew word for messenger, "מַלְאָךְ" (mal'akh), can also mean angel, but here it refers to a human envoy. The quick response of these nations highlights the allure and temptation of worldly alliances, which often led Israel away from their covenant with God.

And you bathed yourself for them
Bathing here symbolizes preparation and purification, but in this context, it is a preparation for sin rather than holiness. The act of bathing, "רָחַץ" (rachatz), is often associated with ritual cleansing in the Hebrew Bible, but here it is a perversion of that practice, indicating a readiness to engage in idolatrous relationships.

painted your eyes
This phrase refers to the application of cosmetics, a practice often associated with seduction and allure. The Hebrew word "כָּחַל" (kachal) means to paint or adorn, particularly around the eyes. In the ancient Near East, eye painting was a common practice among women to enhance beauty, but in this context, it symbolizes the seductive nature of Israel's idolatry.

and adorned yourself with jewelry
Adorning with jewelry signifies the act of making oneself attractive, often for the purpose of seduction. The Hebrew word "עָדָה" (adah) means to adorn or decorate. In the biblical context, jewelry can symbolize wealth and status, but here it represents the spiritual adultery of Israel, as they sought to make themselves appealing to foreign gods and nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Oholah and Oholibah
These are symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. In Ezekiel 23, they represent the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah, depicted as sisters who engage in idolatry and unfaithfulness to God.

2. Messengers
These are representatives sent by the sisters (symbolizing Israel and Judah) to foreign nations, seeking alliances and engaging in idolatrous practices.

3. Men from Afar
These are the foreign nations and their leaders with whom Israel and Judah sought alliances, often leading to spiritual adultery and idolatry.

4. Adorning with Jewelry and Makeup
This symbolizes the preparation and allure used by Israel and Judah to attract foreign nations, representing their unfaithfulness to God.

5. Ezekiel
The prophet who delivers God's message of judgment and calls for repentance, using vivid imagery to convey the spiritual adultery of God's people.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Adultery
Just as Israel and Judah sought alliances with foreign nations, Christians today must guard against forming allegiances with worldly values that lead us away from God.

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can include anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God.

Repentance and Restoration
God calls His people to repentance, offering restoration and forgiveness despite their unfaithfulness.

The Allure of Sin
Sin often presents itself attractively, much like the adornment described in the verse, but ultimately leads to spiritual destruction.

Faithfulness to God
Believers are called to remain faithful to God, resisting the temptation to seek fulfillment in anything other than Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of adornment and preparation in Ezekiel 23:40 relate to the way sin can appear attractive in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we identify and avoid forming "alliances" with worldly values that lead us away from God?

3. How does the message of repentance in Ezekiel 23 compare to the call for repentance in the New Testament, such as in James 4:4?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our relationship with God, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can we apply the lessons of faithfulness and repentance from Ezekiel 23 to strengthen our walk with God in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 3
This chapter also uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness and adultery to describe Israel's idolatry, emphasizing God's call for repentance.

Hosea 2
Hosea uses the imagery of an unfaithful wife to depict Israel's idolatry and God's desire for restoration and faithfulness.

James 4:4
This New Testament passage warns against friendship with the world, equating it with spiritual adultery, similar to the message in Ezekiel 23.