Ezekiel 23:47

The mob will stone them and cut them down with their swords. They will kill their sons and daughters and burn down their houses.

Study Bible

And the host
The term "host" refers to a large group or army. In the context of Ezekiel, this often symbolizes the instruments of God's judgment. Historically, the Babylonians were the "host" used by God to execute judgment on Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for "host" can also imply a divinely appointed force, emphasizing that this is not merely a human army but one fulfilling God's sovereign will.

will stone them
Stoning was a common method of execution in ancient Israel, prescribed in the Law of Moses for certain transgressions (e.g., Leviticus 20:2). It symbolizes communal judgment and the seriousness of sin. In Ezekiel, it represents the collective judgment against the spiritual adultery of Samaria and Jerusalem, highlighting the severity of their idolatry and betrayal of God.

and cut them down with their swords
The sword is a frequent biblical symbol of divine judgment and warfare. The Hebrew root for "cut down" implies a decisive and violent action. This phrase underscores the totality of the judgment—both a physical and spiritual severance from life and covenant with God. Historically, it reflects the brutal reality of ancient warfare and the consequences of turning away from God.

They will kill their sons and daughters
This phrase is a stark reminder of the generational impact of sin. In the ancient Near East, the destruction of families was a common consequence of conquest. Spiritually, it signifies the loss of future generations due to the sins of the present, emphasizing the biblical principle that sin affects not just the individual but the community and future lineage.

and burn down their houses
Burning was a method of complete destruction, leaving nothing behind. In biblical terms, fire often symbolizes purification and judgment. The destruction of houses signifies the loss of security, identity, and legacy. Historically, this reflects the Babylonian practice of burning conquered cities, and spiritually, it represents the consuming nature of God's judgment against unfaithfulness.

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 two sisters who have committed spiritual adultery.

3. The Assembly
Refers to the nations or groups that God uses as instruments of judgment against Israel for their idolatry and unfaithfulness.

4. Sons and Daughters
Represents the future generations of Israel who suffer the consequences of their ancestors' sins.

5. Judgment
The event of divine retribution executed through foreign nations as a consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of false gods but includes any form of unfaithfulness to God. It leads to severe consequences, as seen in the judgment upon Israel.

God's Use of Nations for Judgment
God can use even those outside His covenant people to execute His judgment. This reminds us of His sovereignty over all nations and events.

Generational Consequences of Sin
The sins of one generation can have devastating effects on the next. This calls for personal and communal repentance and a return to faithfulness.

The Call to Repentance
Despite the harshness of judgment, God's desire is for His people to turn back to Him. Repentance can avert disaster and restore relationship with God.

The Holiness of God
God's judgment underscores His holiness and intolerance of sin. Believers are called to reflect His holiness in their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of stoning and cutting down with swords in Ezekiel 23:47 reflect the seriousness of Israel's sin?

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

3. How does understanding God's use of foreign nations for judgment in Ezekiel help us comprehend His sovereignty today?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our actions today do not negatively impact future generations spiritually?

5. How can the themes of judgment and repentance in Ezekiel 23:47 inspire us to live lives that honor God's holiness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 20:2-5
Discusses the punishment for idolatry, specifically the worship of Molech, which includes stoning. This connects to the judgment described in Ezekiel 23:47.

Jeremiah 19:7-9
Describes the destruction and judgment upon Jerusalem, similar to the fate of Oholibah in Ezekiel.

Revelation 17:1-6
The imagery of a harlot and the judgment upon her parallels the symbolic representation of Oholah and Oholibah as unfaithful women.