Ezekiel 23:30
I will do these things unto thee, because thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and because thou art polluted with their idols.
Original Language Analysis
עָשֹׂ֥ה
I will do
H6213
עָשֹׂ֥ה
I will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בִּזְנוֹתֵךְ֙
these things unto thee because thou hast gone a whoring
H2181
בִּזְנוֹתֵךְ֙
these things unto thee because thou hast gone a whoring
Strong's:
H2181
Word #:
4 of 10
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
אַחֲרֵ֣י
after
H310
אַחֲרֵ֣י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
גוֹיִ֔ם
the heathen
H1471
גוֹיִ֔ם
the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
6 of 10
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
עַ֥ל
H5921
עַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Judah's adoption of Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Canaanite religious practices thoroughly polluted temple worship. Josiah's reforms (2 Kings 23) revealed syncretism's extent, but reforms proved temporary. Within two decades of Josiah's death (609 BC), Judah returned to comprehensive idolatry under Jehoiakim and Zedekiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does our sin pollute us and separate us from God?
- What does God's holiness require regarding our defilement?
- How does Christ provide the cleansing judgment would otherwise require?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I will do these things unto thee, because thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen directly links punishment to crime. The causal 'because' establishes moral order: specific sins produce specific consequences. Because thou art polluted with their idols specifies contamination requiring judgment. Pollution language comes from priestly purity codes—what is defiled cannot approach God's holiness without cleansing. Since Israel/Judah wouldn't cleanse herself, God imposes purgation through judgment. This reflects God's holiness: He cannot fellowship with defilement. Either sin is cleansed or the sinner is removed. Christ provides cleansing through His blood; judgment removes those refusing cleansing. There is no third option in God's economy.