Ezekiel 16:38
And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Torah prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22) and murder (Genesis 9:6, Exodus 21:12, Numbers 35:16-21). Jerusalem's double crime demanded double judgment. The Babylonian siege (588-586 BC) resulted in massive bloodshed—war casualties, famine deaths, executions, and deportations reduced Judah's population by approximately 75%.
The principle "blood in fury and jealousy" was fulfilled literally. Ezekiel 9 depicts angelic executioners slaughtering idolaters within Jerusalem, beginning at the temple. Lamentations describes mothers eating their children during the siege (Lamentations 2:20, 4:10). The blood of innocents demanded justice; divine fury and jealousy executed it. Yet even judgment contained redemptive purpose—purging idolatry to preserve a remnant for future restoration (Ezekiel 36-37).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's jealousy as covenant love rather than petty possessiveness change your view of His discipline?
- What does the severity of judgment for adultery and bloodshed teach about God's valuation of covenant faithfulness and human life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. The Hebrew shaphat (שָׁפַט, "judge") indicates legal verdict and execution, not mere accusation. The comparison "as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged" references Leviticus 20:10 (death penalty for adultery) and Numbers 35:33 (blood guilt requires blood atonement). Jerusalem faces capital punishment for dual crimes: covenant adultery and innocent bloodshed.
"I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy" uses dam (דָּם, blood) to indicate violent death—Jerusalem would experience bloodshed proportionate to the innocent blood she spilled through child sacrifice and judicial murder. "Fury and jealousy" (chemah veqinah, חֵמָה וְקִנְאָה) describes God's covenant passion—not arbitrary anger but righteous wrath defending His exclusive marriage relationship with Israel.
Divine jealousy is positive when directed toward preserving covenant faithfulness (Exodus 20:5, 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24). God's jealousy stems from love, not insecurity—He brooks no rivals for His bride's affection because He alone can satisfy and save. Paul expresses godly jealousy for the Corinthian church as Christ's betrothed (2 Corinthians 11:2). The severity of judgment demonstrates the preciousness of the violated relationship.