Ezekiel 23:13
Then I saw that she was defiled, that they took both one way,
Original Language Analysis
וָאֵ֖רֶא
Then I saw
H7200
וָאֵ֖רֶא
Then I saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִטְמָ֑אָה
that she was defiled
H2930
נִטְמָ֑אָה
that she was defiled
Strong's:
H2930
Word #:
3 of 6
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
way
H1870
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 6
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Historical Context
Despite theological advantages—Davidic dynasty, Solomonic temple, prophetic ministries of Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, and others—Judah's trajectory matched Israel's. Advantages without heart transformation prove worthless. The same patterns of alliance-seeking, religious syncretism, and covenant violation characterized both kingdoms.
Questions for Reflection
- What advantages or privileges have we relied upon while neglecting heart transformation?
- How does the persistence of sin across different circumstances reveal its deep roots?
- What does it take to break generational and cultural patterns of sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then I saw that she was defiled, that they took both one way acknowledges both kingdoms followed identical paths to destruction. The divine 'I saw' (Hebrew va'ere) indicates judicial observation leading to verdict. Both kingdoms, despite different circumstances and additional warnings given to Judah, chose apostasy. This demonstrates that sin is not primarily environmental but dispositional—changed circumstances don't change hearts. Only divine regeneration transforms the will. Both kingdoms prove Paul's later summary: 'There is none righteous, no, not one' (Romans 3:10). Advantage, privilege, and warning cannot overcome total depravity apart from grace.