Ezekiel 23:1
The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 5
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
The word
H1697
דְבַר
The word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 5
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
Spoken during Babylonian exile (circa 590 BC), this oracle explained why both kingdoms fell. The northern kingdom (Israel) was destroyed by Assyria in 722 BC; Judah was currently facing Babylonian conquest.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the marriage metaphor for God's covenant help you understand the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness?
- What 'idols' compete for the exclusive devotion you owe to Christ?
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Analysis & Commentary
This prophetic formula introduces Ezekiel's most graphic allegory depicting Israel and Judah as adulterous sisters. The shocking sexual imagery serves to reveal the heinousness of spiritual adultery—covenant unfaithfulness toward God. Idolatry is consistently portrayed as spiritual prostitution throughout Scripture (Hosea 1-3, Jeremiah 3), emphasizing the intimate, exclusive nature of covenant relationship.