Ezekiel 23:41
And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָשַׁבְתְּ֙
And satest
H3427
וְיָשַׁבְתְּ֙
And satest
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִטָּ֣ה
bed
H4296
מִטָּ֣ה
bed
Strong's:
H4296
Word #:
3 of 11
a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
וְשֻׁלְחָ֥ן
and a table
H7979
וְשֻׁלְחָ֥ן
and a table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
5 of 11
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
עָר֖וּךְ
prepared
H6186
עָר֖וּךְ
prepared
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
6 of 11
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
לְפָנֶ֑יהָ
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֑יהָ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְשַׁמְנִ֖י
and mine oil
H8081
וְשַׁמְנִ֖י
and mine oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
9 of 11
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
Cross References
Esther 1:6Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.Isaiah 65:11But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.Jeremiah 44:17But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.Amos 6:4That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;Ezekiel 44:16They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.Isaiah 57:7Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.
Historical Context
Temple incense and anointing oil were specially formulated and consecrated exclusively for worship (Exodus 30:22-38). Using them for diplomatic purposes or personal pleasure was explicitly forbidden under pain of death. Yet Judah's leaders appropriated sacred items for political theater, demonstrating complete disregard for holiness and God's explicit commands.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we profane sacred things by using them for personal benefit?
- What does it mean to treat holy things casually?
- How should proper reverence affect our use of Scripture, prayer, and worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And satest upon a stately bed pictures a royal reception couch, throne-like furniture for entertaining honored guests. And a table prepared before it indicates banquet setting. And hast set mine incense and mine oil upon it reveals shocking detail: items belonging to God (temple incense and sacred oil) were used to honor foreign guests and their gods. What was consecrated to Yahweh was profaned by using it in diplomatic/idolatrous contexts. This is sacrilege—taking holy things and applying them to common or profane use. Treating sacred things casually or using them for personal advantage desecrates them. Many do this with Scripture, prayer, and worship—using sacred elements for selfish purposes rather than God's glory.