Ezekiel 16 The Lord's Anger Against Jerusalem

1 An Allegory of Unfaithful Jerusalem
The word of the Lord came to me:

2 “Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her detestable practices

3 and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says to Jerusalem: Your ancestry and birth were in the land of the Canaanites; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite.

4 On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths.

5 No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised.

6 “‘Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, “Live!”

7 I made you grow like a plant of the field. You grew up and developed and became the most beautiful of jewels. Your breasts were formed and your hair grew, you who were naked and bare.

8 “‘Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.

9 “‘I bathed you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointments on you.

10 I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put leather sandals on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments.

11 I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck,

12 and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.

13 So you were adorned with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth. Your food was fine flour, honey and olive oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be a queen.

14 And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign Lord.

15 “‘But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his.

16 You took some of your garments to make gaudy high places, where you carried on your prostitution. Such things should not happen, nor should they ever occur.

17 You also took the fine jewelry I gave you, the jewelry made of my gold and silver, and you made for yourself male idols and engaged in prostitution with them.

18 And you took your embroidered clothes to put on them, and you offered my oil and incense before them.

19 Also the food I provided for you—the fine flour, olive oil and honey I gave you to eat—you offered as fragrant incense before them. That is what happened, declares the Sovereign Lord.

20 “‘And you took your sons and daughters whom you bore to me and sacrificed them as food to the idols. Was your prostitution not enough?

21 You slaughtered my children and sacrificed them to the idols.

22 In all your detestable practices and your prostitution you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, kicking about in your blood.

23 “‘Woe! Woe to you, declares the Sovereign Lord. In addition to all your other wickedness,

24 you built a mound for yourself and made a lofty shrine in every public square.

25 At the head of every street you built your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty, offering your body with increasing promiscuity to anyone who passed by.

26 You engaged in prostitution with the Egyptians, your lustful neighbors, and provoked me to anger with your increasing promiscuity.

27 So I stretched out my hand against you and reduced your territory; I gave you over to the greed of your enemies, the daughters of the Philistines, who were shocked by your lewd conduct.

28 You engaged in prostitution with the Assyrians too, because you were insatiable; and even after that, you still were not satisfied.

29 Then you increased your promiscuity to include Babylonia, a land of merchants, but even with this you were not satisfied.

30 “‘How weak-willed you are, declares the Sovereign Lord, when you do all these things, acting like a brazen prostitute!

31 When you built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were unlike a prostitute, because you scorned payment.

32 “‘You adulterous wife! You prefer strangers to your own husband!

33 Every prostitute receives a fee, but you give gifts to all your lovers, bribing them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors.

34 So in your prostitution you are the opposite of others; no one runs after you for your favors. You are the very opposite, for you give payment and none is given to you.

35 “‘Therefore, you prostitute, hear the word of the Lord!

36 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because you poured out your wealth and exposed your nakedness in your promiscuity with your lovers, and because of all your detestable idols, and because you gave them your children’s blood,

37 therefore I am going to gather all your lovers, with whom you found pleasure, those you loved as well as those you hated. I will gather them against you from all around and will strip you in front of them, and they will see all your nakedness.

38 I will sentence you to the punishment of women who commit adultery and who shed blood; I will bring upon you the blood vengeance of my wrath and jealous anger.

39 Then I will hand you over to your lovers, and they will tear down your mounds and destroy your lofty shrines. They will strip you of your clothes and take your fine jewelry and leave you naked and bare.

40 They will bring a mob against you, who will stone you and hack you to pieces with their swords.

41 They will burn down your houses and inflict punishment on you in the sight of many women. I will put a stop to your prostitution, and you will no longer pay your lovers.

42 Then my wrath against you will subside and my jealous anger will turn away from you; I will be calm and no longer angry.

43 “‘Because you did not remember the days of your youth but enraged me with all these things, I will surely bring down on your head what you have done, declares the Sovereign Lord. Did you not add lewdness to all your other detestable practices?

44 “‘Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: “Like mother, like daughter.”

45 You are a true daughter of your mother, who despised her husband and her children; and you are a true sister of your sisters, who despised their husbands and their children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an Amorite.

46 Your older sister was Samaria, who lived to the north of you with her daughters; and your younger sister, who lived to the south of you with her daughters, was Sodom.

47 You not only walked in their ways and copied their detestable practices, but in all your ways you soon became more depraved than they.

48 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, your sister Sodom and her daughters never did what you and your daughters have done.

49 “‘Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.

50 They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.

51 Samaria did not commit half the sins you did. You have done more detestable things than they, and have made your sisters seem righteous by all these things you have done.

52 Bear your disgrace, for you have furnished some justification for your sisters. Because your sins were more vile than theirs, they appear more righteous than you. So then, be ashamed and bear your disgrace, for you have made your sisters appear righteous.

53 “‘However, I will restore the fortunes of Sodom and her daughters and of Samaria and her daughters, and your fortunes along with them,

54 so that you may bear your disgrace and be ashamed of all you have done in giving them comfort.

55 And your sisters, Sodom with her daughters and Samaria with her daughters, will return to what they were before; and you and your daughters will return to what you were before.

56 You would not even mention your sister Sodom in the day of your pride,

57 before your wickedness was uncovered. Even so, you are now scorned by the daughters of Edom and all her neighbors and the daughters of the Philistines—all those around you who despise you.

58 You will bear the consequences of your lewdness and your detestable practices, declares the Lord.

59 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant.

60 Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.

61 Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both those who are older than you and those who are younger. I will give them to you as daughters, but not on the basis of my covenant with you.

62 So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord.

63 Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

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Analysis of Ezekiel Chapter 16

The Book of Ezekiel is a rich tapestry of prophecies that address the spiritual state and future restoration of Israel. Chapter 16 is one of the more poignant chapters as it employs powerful imagery and allegory to depict the relationship between God and Jerusalem. This extended metaphor highlights themes of betrayal, repentance, and divine love.

Introduction: The Allegory of Jerusalem as an Adulterous Wife

In Ezekiel Chapter 16, God commands the prophet to relay a vivid allegory portraying Jerusalem as an adulterous wife. This chapter falls within the larger context of Ezekiel’s prophecies of judgment against Israel but uniquely serves as a detailed reflection on Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness to God. The extensive allegory can be broken into several distinct parts: Jerusalem’s origin and transformation, her infidelity, the resulting consequences, and, finally, the hope for future restoration.

Verses 1-7: Jerusalem’s Humble Beginnings

The chapter begins with God instructing Ezekiel to “make known to Jerusalem her detestable practices” (Ezekiel 16:2). Verses 1-7 recount Jerusalem’s metaphorical birth and early life. The imagery used here is stark: Jerusalem is depicted as an abandoned infant, neglected and left to die in an open field. “On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to cleanse you” (Ezekiel 16:4).

This depiction speaks to the origin of the nation of Israel, which was not chosen for its greatness or merit, but purely out of God’s love and grace. Here, the emphasis is on God’s compassionate nature. Despite Jerusalem’s desolate state, God intervened, saying, “Live!” (Ezekiel 16:6), symbolizing His choice to enter into a covenant relationship with this seemingly insignificant nation.

Verses 8-14: God’s Covenant and Jerusalem’s Transformation

In verses 8-14, the allegory transitions to God’s covenant with Jerusalem. This relationship is depicted as God entering into a marriage with Jerusalem, clothed in splendor and adorned in beauty. “I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your naked body” (Ezekiel 16:8), signifies God’s protective and sanctifying actions.

Jerusalem is described as being adorned with fine clothes, jewelry, and becoming exceedingly beautiful, to the point where her fame spreads among the nations (Ezekiel 16:10-14). This transformation reflects Israel’s elevation among the nations under God’s blessings. The splendor of Jerusalem here is not of her own making but is portrayed entirely as a gift from God.

Verses 15-34: The Unfaithfulness of Jerusalem

Verses 15-34 take a drastic turn as the allegory shifts to explore Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness. Despite all the blessings and honor bestowed upon her, Jerusalem prostitutes herself to other nations and gods, an act of blatant spiritual adultery. “But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by” (Ezekiel 16:15).

The imagery here is jarring and explicit, deliberately so to convey the gravity of Jerusalem’s sins. Idolatry, political alliances, and foreign entanglements are described in terms of prostitution and infidelity. These actions signify a breach of covenant, where Jerusalem turns away from God, the ultimate provider and protector, to foreign idols and powers.

Verse 20-21 highlight one of the most grievous sins: the sacrifice of children to foreign gods, “You took your sons and daughters whom you bore to me and sacrificed them as food to the idols” (Ezekiel 16:20). This act is emphasized to show how far Jerusalem has strayed, engaging in practices forbidden and abhorrent to God.

Verses 35-43: Consequences of Unfaithfulness

In verses 35-43, the allegory moves to describe the consequences Jerusalem faces due to her infidelity. The language becomes judicial as God declares judgment on Jerusalem for breaching the covenant. “Therefore, you prostitute, hear the word of the Lord!” (Ezekiel 16:35).

God’s response is measured and just: “I will gather all your lovers with whom you took pleasure…I will gather them against you from every side and will strip you bare in front of them, and they will see all your nakedness” (Ezekiel 16:37). This stripping bare recalls the earlier imagery of God clothing and adorning Jerusalem, now reversing in judgment.

The punishments described also involve public humiliation, violence, and the taking away of Jerusalem’s blessings. These are metaphorically represented as acts of stripping away the adornments and exposing her to the derision of former allies and lovers. This section ends with a promise of continued wrath until Jerusalem acknowledges her sins (Ezekiel 16:42-43).

Verses 44-52: Comparisons to Other Cities

In an unexpected but insightful turn, verses 44-52 compare Jerusalem with her “sisters,” Sodom and Samaria. Both cities are infamously known for their wickedness and subsequent destruction. This comparison serves to underscore the severity of Jerusalem’s sins.

“Your elder sister was Samaria, who lived with her daughters to the north of you, and your younger sister, who lived to the south of you, was Sodom with her daughters” (Ezekiel 16:46). By mentioning sister cities and their daughters (satellite towns), the focus is on the comprehensive nature of their collective sin and its repercussions.

Remarkably, Jerusalem’s conduct is declared worse than both Sodom and Samaria: “You not only followed their ways and copied their detestable practices, but in all your ways you soon became more depraved than they” (Ezekiel 16:47). This highlights the depth of Jerusalem’s betrayal, despite having divine laws and closer guidance from God.

Verses 53-63: Promise of Restoration

Despite the damning accusations and harsh judgments, the final section of the chapter offers a hopeful message of restoration and reconciliation. God declares an intention to restore not just Jerusalem but also Sodom and Samaria, establishing a new covenant marked by atonement and renewal.

“I will restore their fortunes, the fortunes of Sodom and her daughters and the fortunes of Samaria and her daughters, and I will restore your own fortunes along with them” (Ezekiel 16:53). This comprehensive restoration reflects God’s unfailing mercy and desire for relationship.

The future covenant is portrayed as an everlasting and unbreakable bond, “I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 16:62). The final verses reaffirm God’s desire for Jerusalem’s repentance and acknowledges the shame of past sins, leading to a renewed and humbler relationship.

Conclusion: Deep Insights and Theological Implications

Ezekiel Chapter 16 is a profound exploration of themes such as divine grace, human frailty, judgment, and redemption. Its allegorical style provides deep emotional and spiritual resonance. Several key insights can be drawn from this chapter:

The Nature of Divine Grace: Jerusalem’s humble beginnings and transformation underscore that God’s relationship with Israel is founded on grace and unmerited favor. This stresses the theme of God’s initiating love and mercy.
Human Unfaithfulness: The chapter is an unflinching portrayal of Israel’s infidelity, representing the broader human condition prone to spiritual adultery and idolatry.
Consequences and Accountability: God’s judgment and the consequences of unfaithfulness are articulated clearly, reflecting divine justice. However, the aim is not punitive vengeance but redemptive correction.
Ultimate Restoration: Despite the severity of judgment, the promise of restoration affirms God’s unfailing love. The mention of restoring Sodom and Samaria alongside Jerusalem signifies the breadth of God’s redemptive plan.

Thus, Ezekiel Chapter 16 not only offers a historical critique of Jerusalem but also serves as a timeless mirror reflecting the complexities of the human-divine relationship. It calls readers to recognize their own vulnerabilities, the seriousness of turning away from God, and the boundless capacity for divine forgiveness and restoration.

In sum, the chapter encapsulates the paradox of divine love: a love that is both fiercely jealous and endlessly forgiving, seeking not only to chastise but ultimately to bring about a renewed and eternal communion.

Understanding the Key Messages in Ezekiel 16: Insights and Explanation

In this chapter, Ezekiel prophesies the Lord's anger against Jerusalem and the consequences of their rebellion and idolatry. The Lord commands Ezekiel to set his face against Jerusalem and deliver a message of judgment. The chapter highlights the evils committed by Jerusalem, including idol worship and the shedding of innocent blood. The Lord vows to pour out his wrath upon the city and bring destruction upon it. However, a remnant will be spared and return to the land as a sign of hope.

Notes

This chapter uses vivid language and metaphors to depict the severe judgment of Jerusalem due to their unfaithfulness to the Lord. It emphasizes the need for repentance and the promise of restoration for the remnant.