Ezekiel 23:12
She doted upon the Assyrians her neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵי֩
upon the Assyrians
H1121
בְּנֵי֩
upon the Assyrians
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אַשּׁ֨וּר
H804
אַשּׁ֨וּר
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
3 of 15
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
לְבֻשֵׁ֣י
clothed
H3847
לְבֻשֵׁ֣י
clothed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
מִכְל֔וֹל
most gorgeously
H4358
מִכְל֔וֹל
most gorgeously
Strong's:
H4358
Word #:
9 of 15
perfection (i.e., concrete adverbial, splendidly)
פָּרָשִׁ֖ים
horsemen
H6571
פָּרָשִׁ֖ים
horsemen
Strong's:
H6571
Word #:
10 of 15
a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry
רֹכְבֵ֣י
riding
H7392
רֹכְבֵ֣י
riding
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
11 of 15
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
בַּח֥וּרֵי
young men
H970
בַּח֥וּרֵי
young men
Strong's:
H970
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
Historical Context
Despite witnessing Assyria devastate Israel (722 BC), Judah's king Ahaz sought Assyrian help against Syria and Israel during the Syro-Ephraimite War (2 Kings 16:7-18), paying tribute and adopting Assyrian religious elements. Later kings Hezekiah and Manasseh also negotiated with Assyria, bringing Assyrian cultic practices into Jerusalem.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do we think we're exempt from historical patterns of cause and effect?
- How does pride prevent us from learning from others' mistakes?
- What makes us repeat behaviors that destroyed those before us?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
She doted upon the Assyrians her neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously shows Judah repeated Israel's error despite witnessing Samaria's destruction. Horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men uses identical language as verse 6, emphasizing parallel folly. Judah learned nothing from Israel's example—seeing Assyria destroy Israel yet thinking, 'It will be different for us.' Pride convinces us we're exceptions to historical patterns. We won't face consequences others faced because we're wiser, chosen, or special—the very delusion preceding every fall. Judah's repetition of Israel's sin despite clear warning demonstrates the depth of human depravity and self-deception.