Ezekiel 23:12
She too lusted after the Assyrians--governors and commanders, warriors dressed in splendor, horsemen riding on steeds, all desirable young men.
She too lusted after the Assyrians—
This phrase refers to the allegorical representation of Jerusalem, depicted as a woman who, like her sister Samaria, pursued alliances and idolatrous practices with foreign nations. The Assyrians were a dominant empire during the time of Ezekiel, known for their military prowess and cultural influence. This lust symbolizes Israel's spiritual adultery, turning away from God to seek security and prosperity through political alliances with pagan nations, which was strictly forbidden (Exodus 34:15-16).

governors and commanders,
The Assyrian Empire was organized with a hierarchical structure of governance, with governors and military commanders holding significant power. These officials were often seen as symbols of strength and authority. Israel's desire for such figures indicates a reliance on human power rather than divine protection, contrasting with the biblical teaching that true security comes from God alone (Psalm 20:7).

warriors dressed in splendor,
The Assyrian army was renowned for its might and the splendor of its military attire, which included elaborate armor and weaponry. This imagery highlights the allure of worldly power and the temptation to admire and covet what appears impressive by human standards. The Bible warns against being captivated by external appearances, emphasizing inner spiritual beauty and faithfulness to God (1 Samuel 16:7).

horsemen riding on steeds,
Horses and chariots were symbols of military strength and speed in ancient times. The Assyrians were known for their cavalry, which played a crucial role in their conquests. Israel's fascination with such military capabilities reflects a misplaced trust in human resources rather than in God's providence and protection (Isaiah 31:1).

all desirable young men.
This phrase underscores the attraction to the physical and youthful vigor of the Assyrian warriors. It serves as a metaphor for Israel's infatuation with the temporal and fleeting allure of foreign powers. The Bible consistently teaches that true desire should be directed towards God and His eternal promises, rather than the transient allure of worldly entities (Psalm 73:25-26).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Oholibah
This is a symbolic name for Jerusalem, representing the southern kingdom of Judah. In Ezekiel 23, Oholibah is depicted as a woman who engages in idolatry and unfaithfulness to God.

2. Assyrians
A powerful empire known for its military might and influence. The Assyrians were often seen as a threat and a temptation for Israel and Judah, representing worldly power and allure.

3. Governors and Commanders
These are the leaders and officials of the Assyrian empire, symbolizing authority and the temptation of political alliances.

4. Warriors Dressed in Blue
The color blue often signifies wealth and status. These warriors represent the allure of military strength and the temptation to rely on human power rather than God.

5. Horsemen Riding on Steeds
This imagery emphasizes the military prowess and the seductive power of the Assyrians, drawing Judah away from reliance on God.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Idolatry
Just as Oholibah lusted after the Assyrians, believers today must guard against idolatry, which can take the form of placing trust in worldly powers or material possessions.

The Allure of Worldly Power
The Assyrians symbolize the temptation to rely on human strength and political alliances. Christians are called to trust in God's power and sovereignty.

Faithfulness to God
Oholibah's unfaithfulness serves as a warning to remain steadfast in our relationship with God, avoiding spiritual adultery.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness
The account of Oholibah illustrates the consequences of turning away from God, reminding believers of the importance of repentance and obedience.

Seeking God's Guidance
In times of trouble, believers should seek God's guidance and wisdom rather than turning to worldly solutions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of Oholibah's lust for the Assyrians challenge us to examine our own lives for areas of idolatry or misplaced trust?

2. In what ways can the allure of worldly power and success distract us from our faithfulness to God?

3. How can we apply the lessons from Oholibah's unfaithfulness to our personal walk with God, especially in terms of repentance and obedience?

4. What are some modern-day "Assyrians" that might tempt us to rely on human strength rather than God's power?

5. How can we actively seek God's guidance in our decision-making processes, especially when faced with difficult choices or temptations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 16
This chapter describes King Ahaz of Judah seeking help from the Assyrians, illustrating the historical context of Judah's reliance on foreign powers.

Isaiah 31:1
This verse warns against relying on Egypt and horses for help, paralleling the warning against trusting in Assyria's military might.

Hosea 7:11
This verse describes Ephraim (Israel) as a silly dove, calling to Egypt and Assyria, highlighting the theme of misplaced trust.
Aholah and AholibahA London MinisterEzekiel 23:1-49
Inexcusable InfidelityJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 23:1-49
People
Aholah, Aholibah, Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Ezekiel
Places
Assyria, Chaldea, Egypt, Jerusalem, Koa, Pekod, Samaria, Shoa
Topics
Armor, Asshur, Assyrians, Attractive, Blue, Captains, Clothed, Commanders, Desirable, Desire, Desired, Doted, Dress, Dressed, Full, Gorgeously, Governors, Handsome, Horsemen, Horses, Lusted, Magnificently, Mounted, Neighbors, Neighbouring, Neighbours, Officials, Ones, Perfection, Prefects, Riding, Rulers, Sons, Warriors
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 23:12

     4040   beauty
     5327   governors

Ezekiel 23:1-21

     8777   lust

Ezekiel 23:1-35

     6239   prostitution
     8705   apostasy, in OT

Ezekiel 23:1-49

     5737   sisters
     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Ezekiel 23:11-15

     5211   art

Ezekiel 23:11-21

     6243   adultery, spiritual

Library
How those are to be Admonished who have had Experience of the Sins of the Flesh, and those who have Not.
(Admonition 29.) Differently to be admonished are those who are conscious of sins of the flesh, and those who know them not. For those who have had experience of the sins of the flesh are to be admonished that, at any rate after shipwreck, they should fear the sea, and feel horror at their risk of perdition at least when it has become known to them; lest, having been mercifully preserved after evil deeds committed, by wickedly repeating the same they die. Whence to the soul that sins and never
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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