Ezekiel 23:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 23:35
35 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast forgotten me, and cast me behind thy back, therefore bear thou also thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 23 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, judgment. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 23:35
35 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast forgotten me, and cast me behind thy back, therefore bear thou also thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.
Analysis
The covenant curse formula 'because thou hast forgotten me' identifies spiritual amnesia as the root of idolatry. Forgetting God doesn't mean intellectual doubt but practical neglect—living as if God's character, commands, and promises don't matter. 'Cast me behind thy back' depicts deliberate rejection, treating God's revelation as irrelevant. Such unfaithfulness brings inevitable judgment.
Historical Context
Despite possessing the Torah, temple worship, and prophetic ministry, Judah functionally abandoned Yahweh for Baal, Asherah, and foreign gods. The phrase 'bear thy lewdness' means experiencing the full consequences of sin without divine intervention.
Reflection
- In what practical ways might you be 'forgetting' God while maintaining religious appearances?
- How do regular spiritual disciplines help prevent the gradual drift toward practical atheism?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Ezekiel 22:12, 1 Kings 14:9, Isaiah 17:10, Jeremiah 3:21
- Parallel theme: Numbers 14:34, Jeremiah 2:32, 32:33, Hosea 8:14, 13:6