Ezekiel 16:33
They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
From the divided monarchy onward, Judah pursued foreign alliances rather than trusting Yahweh. Isaiah condemned King Ahaz for sending temple treasury to Assyria (Isaiah 7:1-13, 2 Kings 16:7-9). Later kings sought Egyptian protection against Babylon (Jeremiah 37:5-10), draining national resources for unreliable allies.
Tribute payments documented in Assyrian and Babylonian records confirm massive wealth transfers. The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III depicts King Jehu bringing tribute. Judah literally paid to be dominated by foreign powers—economic and spiritual prostitution combined. This policy culminated in Jerusalem's destruction (586 BC), proving the bankruptcy of trusting nations over God.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you 'bribing' the world's acceptance by compromising convictions or spending resources?
- How does Jerusalem's reversed prostitution illustrate the degrading, expensive nature of seeking identity apart from God?
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Analysis & Commentary
They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom. This devastating indictment reveals Jerusalem's unprecedented depravity. Normal prostitutes (zonah, זוֹנָה) receive payment; Jerusalem reversed the transaction, bribing nations to accept her advances. The Hebrew shachad (שָׁחַד, "hirest") means to bribe or offer inducements—Jerusalem paid tribute to Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon for political alliances that amounted to spiritual adultery.
"On every side" (מִסָּבִיב) indicates comprehensive unfaithfulness—Jerusalem prostituted herself to every available power. Historically, this refers to King Ahaz's tribute to Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9), alliances with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1-7), and later appeals to Babylon. Jerusalem spent her God-given wealth to purchase idolatrous relationships, inverting the economic logic of prostitution and revealing desperation for validation from pagan powers.
The theological principle transcends historical Judah. When we use God's gifts (wealth, talents, influence) to purchase worldly approval or security apart from Him, we commit the same inversion. We bribe the world to accept us rather than resting in God's acceptance. This passage exposes the frantic, degrading nature of idolatry—it never satisfies but always demands more payment for diminishing returns.