Ezekiel 16:18
And tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them: and thou hast set mine oil and mine incense before them.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּקְחִ֛י
And tookest
H3947
וַתִּקְחִ֛י
And tookest
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 9
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רִקְמָתֵ֖ךְ
thy broidered
H7553
רִקְמָתֵ֖ךְ
thy broidered
Strong's:
H7553
Word #:
4 of 9
variegation of color; specifically, embroidery
וַתְּכַסִּ֑ים
and coveredst
H3680
וַתְּכַסִּ֑ים
and coveredst
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
וְשַׁמְנִי֙
mine oil
H8081
וְשַׁמְנִי֙
mine oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
6 of 9
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
Historical Context
During Manasseh's reign (697-642 BC) and the decades before Babylon's invasion, Jerusalem's temple precincts hosted Asherah poles, astral cult altars, and syncretistic worship. Archaeological evidence from Tel Arad and Lachish confirms oil and incense were central to both legitimate and illicit worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What gifts from God might you be using for purposes contrary to His glory and worship?
- How does the misuse of sacred things (time, talents, resources meant for God) constitute spiritual adultery in the New Covenant?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou hast set mine oil and mine incense before them—The Hebrew shemen (שֶׁמֶן, oil) and qetoreth (קְטֹרֶת, incense) were sacred items reserved exclusively for YHWH's worship (Exodus 30:22-33). Jerusalem's spiritual adultery reached its nadir by taking covenant gifts—broidered garments (רִקְמָה, elaborate embroidered vestments)—and using them to adorn idols. This wasn't mere apostasy but covenant betrayal using the very symbols of God's provision.
The prophetic imagery intensifies: Jerusalem dressed her idol-lovers with garments God provided, burned incense meant for His altar, and offered His oil to false gods. Paul's warning against using 'liberty for an occasion to the flesh' (Galatians 5:13) echoes this principle—perverting divine gifts into instruments of rebellion.