Ezekiel 23:17

Then the Babylonians came to her, to the bed of love, and in their lust they defiled her. But after she had been defiled by them, she turned away in disgust.

Study Bible

Then the Babylonians came to her
This phrase refers to the historical context of the Babylonian Empire's influence over Judah. The Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, were a dominant power in the ancient Near East during the 6th century BC. This period saw the Babylonian exile, a significant event in Jewish history. The "coming" of the Babylonians symbolizes political alliances and the subsequent subjugation of Judah, which is metaphorically depicted as a woman in this passage. The Babylonians are often seen as instruments of God's judgment against Israel for their idolatry and unfaithfulness.

to the bed of love
The "bed of love" is a metaphor for the alliances and treaties that Judah sought with foreign nations, including Babylon, instead of relying on God. In the prophetic literature, such alliances are often depicted as acts of spiritual adultery. This imagery is consistent with the prophetic tradition of using marriage as a metaphor for the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The "bed" signifies intimacy and covenant, which Judah misused by turning to pagan nations.

and in their lust they defiled her
The defilement here represents the spiritual and moral corruption that resulted from Judah's alliances with pagan nations. The "lust" of the Babylonians can be seen as their desire for power and control, which led to the exploitation and degradation of Judah. This defilement is not just physical but also spiritual, as it led Judah away from their covenant with God. The prophets often warned against such alliances, as they led to idolatry and the adoption of foreign customs.

But after she had been defiled by them
This phrase indicates a turning point where the consequences of Judah's actions become apparent. The defilement is complete, and the reality of their unfaithfulness is undeniable. Historically, this reflects the period after the initial Babylonian invasions, where the people of Judah experienced the repercussions of their political and spiritual decisions. The defilement also signifies the loss of purity and the breaking of the covenant relationship with God.

she turned away in disgust
The turning away in disgust suggests a realization and rejection of the consequences of their actions. This can be seen as a moment of repentance or at least an acknowledgment of the futility of their alliances. In the broader biblical narrative, this turning away can be linked to the prophetic calls for repentance and return to God. It highlights the theme of God's people recognizing their sin and the emptiness of relying on anything other than God. This moment of disgust can be seen as a precursor to the eventual restoration and renewal that God promises to His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Babylonians
A powerful empire known for its conquest of Judah and Jerusalem. In this context, they symbolize the foreign nations with whom Israel and Judah formed unholy alliances.

2. The Bed of Love
A metaphorical expression representing the intimate and idolatrous relationships that Israel and Judah engaged in with foreign nations, contrary to their covenant with God.

3. Defilement
This term signifies the spiritual and moral corruption that resulted from Israel and Judah's alliances and idolatries, leading them away from God.

4. Turning Away in Disgust
This reflects the eventual realization and rejection of the emptiness and shame of their idolatrous practices, though often too late to avoid consequences.

5. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Just as Israel and Judah were led astray by foreign alliances, Christians today must guard against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from God.

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Spiritual adultery has serious consequences, both in the immediate sense of separation from God and in the long-term impact on our spiritual lives.

Repentance and Restoration
Even when we turn away from God, He calls us back to Himself. True repentance involves recognizing our sin, turning away from it, and returning to God.

The Illusion of Worldly Alliances
Trusting in worldly powers or systems instead of God can lead to spiritual defilement and disappointment.

God's Faithfulness
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful and continues to call His people back to a covenant relationship with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "Babylonians" or idols that can lead us away from our relationship with God?

2. How can we identify and avoid forming "unholy alliances" in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. In what ways does the metaphor of spiritual adultery challenge us to examine our own faithfulness to God?

4. How does the theme of repentance in Ezekiel 23:17 encourage us to respond to our own spiritual failings?

5. How can we apply the lessons of Israel's unfaithfulness to strengthen our commitment to God in today's world?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 3
This chapter also uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness in marriage to describe Israel's idolatry and spiritual adultery.

Hosea 2
Hosea's marriage to Gomer serves as a living parable of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's enduring love and call to repentance.

Revelation 17
The imagery of Babylon as a harlot in Revelation echoes the themes of spiritual adultery and judgment found in Ezekiel.