Ezekiel 23:43

Then I said of her who had grown old in adulteries: 'Now let them use her as a prostitute, for that is all she is!'

Study Bible

Then I said
This phrase indicates a direct speech from God through the prophet Ezekiel. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used to denote a declaration or proclamation. In the context of prophetic literature, it underscores the authority and divine origin of the message. God is speaking directly to the situation, emphasizing His active involvement and judgment.

of her who was worn out by adultery
The phrase "worn out by adultery" uses the Hebrew word "נִבְלָה" (niblah), which conveys a sense of being defiled or exhausted through immoral acts. Historically, this reflects the spiritual state of Israel and Judah, who are symbolized by the two sisters in Ezekiel 23. Their repeated unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and alliances with pagan nations has left them spiritually depleted and morally bankrupt.

Now let them use her as a prostitute
This phrase is a stark depiction of judgment. The Hebrew word for "prostitute" is "זוֹנָה" (zonah), which not only refers to physical prostitution but also symbolizes spiritual unfaithfulness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prostitution was often linked to temple rituals of pagan religions, highlighting the depth of Israel's infidelity. God's pronouncement here is not an endorsement of further sin but a declaration of the consequences of their actions—being given over to the very practices they pursued.

for that is all she is!
This concluding phrase is a sobering assessment of the state of the nation. The Hebrew construction emphasizes the inevitability of their condition due to persistent rebellion. It serves as a divine lament over the loss of identity and purpose that comes from abandoning God. In a broader scriptural context, it echoes the theme of Romans 1, where God gives people over to their desires as a form of judgment. It is a call to recognize the gravity of sin and the need for repentance and restoration.

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 who engage in spiritual adultery.

3. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

4. Adultery
Used metaphorically to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and alliances with pagan nations.

5. Prostitution
A metaphor for Israel's spiritual infidelity and pursuit of foreign gods and alliances.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Adultery
Just as Israel was unfaithful to God, believers today must guard against idolatry and spiritual compromise.

Consequences of Sin
The passage highlights the inevitable consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against God.

God's Righteous Judgment
God's judgment is just and serves as a warning to turn back to Him in repentance.

Call to Holiness
Believers are called to live lives set apart for God, avoiding the spiritual pitfalls that led to Israel's downfall.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite the harsh imagery, God's desire is for His people to return to Him and be restored.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of adultery in Ezekiel 23:43 help us understand the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness?

2. In what ways can modern believers fall into the trap of spiritual adultery, and how can we guard against it?

3. How do the themes of judgment and mercy in Ezekiel 23 relate to the broader account of God's relationship with Israel?

4. What parallels can we draw between the spiritual state of Israel in Ezekiel's time and the church today?

5. How can the call to repentance in Ezekiel 23 inspire us to examine our own lives and seek God's forgiveness and restoration?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Hosea 1-3
Hosea's marriage to Gomer serves as a living parable of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's enduring love.

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