Ezekiel: For His Gloryഉദാഹരണം

This chapter forms a pair with chapter 16. Now Ezekiel cranks up the shock-o-meter a notch. 

Although both chapters describe idolatry (e.g. vv. 36–42) and foreign alliances, the emphasis in this chapter is on the latter. Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem) are married to Yahweh (v. 4; cf. 16:8). Yet they are unfaithful to their husband; even in the honeymoon period, they run off with Egypt (v. 3). This is followed by dalliances with Assyria, Babylon, and then Egypt again. 

These couplings symbolize the alliances between Israel or Judah and these nations throughout their histories. To be sure, politically these alliances are expedient. Israel feels she needs assistance against military threats. But God views these agreements as a betrayal against Him, the one with whom they had entered an exclusive covenant relationship. 

Indeed, God is disgusted (v. 18). To Him both the northern and southern cities are shameless: they play the whore; they openly flaunt their nakedness; they present their breasts to be fondled (vv. 3, 18–19, 21). One of their paramours is described as having genitals like donkeys and emissions like stallions (v. 20). This graphic sexual imagery is not for titillation. It is to shock and shame Ezekiel’s audience into realizing the nature and degree of their offense before God. This is how God views their adultery. 

For these acts of infidelity, we expect God’s judgment, and it is pronounced (vv. 22–49). Jerusalem’s ‘lovers’ will be the executors, with punishment including mutilation and death (vv. 22–27), and also nakedness and humiliation (vv. 28–30). Both cities will drink the bitter cup of God’s judgment (vv. 31–35). This judgment will be a deterrent to other cities and towns and will reveal, once again, who God is and what He is like (vv. 46–49).

Reflection

As Israel’s husband, God is jilted, angry and disgusted at Israel’s adultery. We, as the church, are in an exclusive covenant relationship with Christ. May we always seek to be faithful to Him and Him alone. And may we remain firmly devoted to our husband or wife, since this earthly relationship reflects that of Christ and the church (Eph. 5:22–33).