Ezekiel 16:31
In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Archaeological excavations in Israel have uncovered high places, Asherah poles, and household idols throughout Judean cities, confirming Ezekiel's accusation. Jeremiah similarly condemned altars "on every high hill and under every green tree" (Jeremiah 2:20, 3:6). The practice was so normalized that even God-fearing King Asa couldn't fully eradicate it (1 Kings 15:14). The public nature of these shrines shows how completely idolatry had infiltrated society—not fringe behavior but mainstream practice. This made the coming judgment inevitable; God would not share His bride with other lovers forever.
Questions for Reflection
- What idols do you pursue so publicly and shamelessly that everyone can see your divided loyalty?
- How does Israel's willingness to pay for what should be received freely from God convict you of working for salvation/blessing rather than receiving grace?
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Analysis & Commentary
In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire. The indictment continues: Jerusalem built gab (גַּב, "eminent place," a platform or shrine) at "the head of every way" (every crossroads) and ramah (רָמָה, "high place," pagan worship site) in "every street." This wasn't hidden idolatry but flagrant, public spiritual adultery displayed at every intersection and plaza—shameless, pervasive, ubiquitous.
The final phrase delivers the crushing blow: "hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire." Common prostitutes at least receive payment, maintaining some vestige of transaction. Jerusalem was worse—she paid her lovers (foreign nations/idols) for the privilege of being used! The Hebrew qalas (קָלַס, "scornest" or "despise") means to mock or make light of. She didn't even value herself enough to demand compensation. This depicts sin's ultimate degradation: not only abandoning God but despising one's own dignity, throwing oneself at idols that cannot love or satisfy, becoming less than human in pursuit of substitutes for the divine.