Ezekiel 23:43
Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them?
Original Language Analysis
עַתָּ֛
H6258
יִזְנ֥הּ
Will they now commit
H2181
יִזְנ֥הּ
Will they now commit
Strong's:
H2181
Word #:
5 of 7
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
Historical Context
By Ezekiel's time, Judah had centuries of idolatry, multiple warnings from prophets (Isaiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Jeremiah), the example of Israel's fall (722 BC), and current exile of elites (597 BC). Yet rebellion continued. Those remaining in Jerusalem persisted in false confidence and idolatry despite overwhelming evidence of God's displeasure. Irrationality of sin is starkly demonstrated.
Questions for Reflection
- What makes sin persist despite clear warnings and consequences?
- Why are external pressures insufficient to produce lasting change?
- What does sin's irrational persistence teach about the necessity of regeneration?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries marks Jerusalem as experienced, habitual, persistent in sin. Not a novice or one-time offender but a veteran adulteress, practiced and shameless. Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them? expresses divine astonishment—even now, after all this exposure, will she continue? The question format emphasizes the irrational persistence of sin. Despite exposure, warning, and approaching judgment, Jerusalem continues adultery. This reveals sin's addictive, irrational nature. It persists against self-interest, reason, warning, and consequence. Only grace breaks sin's power; natural consequences alone don't reform the heart. Apart from regeneration, we persist in destroying ourselves despite every rational and experiential reason to stop.