Ezekiel 23:28
For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will deliver thee into the hand of them whom thou hatest, into the hand of them from whom thy mind is alienated:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֤ה
H3541
כֹ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוִ֔ה
H3068
יְהוִ֔ה
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נֹֽתְנָ֔ךְ
Behold I will deliver
H5414
נֹֽתְנָ֔ךְ
Behold I will deliver
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְּיַ֛ד
into the hand
H3027
בְּיַ֛ד
into the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּיַ֛ד
into the hand
H3027
בְּיַ֛ד
into the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
11 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Jeremiah 34:20I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.Ezekiel 23:17And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them.Ezekiel 16:37Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.Ezekiel 23:22Therefore, O Aholibah, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy mind is alienated, and I will bring them against thee on every side;
Historical Context
By siege time, Judah thoroughly hated Babylon—their oppressive vassal requirements, heavy tribute, and military threats made them despised enemies. Yet hatred couldn't prevent Babylonian conquest. Emotion doesn't alter historical necessity when God has decreed judgment. Zedekiah's rebellion expressed this hatred but only brought fiercer punishment.
Questions for Reflection
- Why doesn't our hatred of enemies prevent God using them as His instruments?
- How does God's sovereignty transcend our preferences and emotions?
- What does this teach about the independence of divine justice from human opinion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will deliver thee into the hand of them whom thou hatest, into the hand of them from whom thy mind is alienated repeats verse 22's pronouncement with emphasis. Repetition underscores certainty and irrevocability. God will deliver (natan—give) indicates active divine causation, not passive permission. Judah's hatred and alienation from Babylon doesn't protect her—it intensifies judgment. The very people she came to despise will dominate her. Personal feelings don't alter divine justice. Our opinions about enemies don't influence whom God uses as instruments. This is sobering: God isn't constrained by our preferences or affections. He uses even those we hate to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating absolute sovereignty.