Ezekiel 23:20

and lusted after their lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of stallions.

Study Bible

and lusted after their lovers
This phrase highlights the spiritual adultery of Israel and Judah, symbolized by the sisters Oholah and Oholibah, representing Samaria and Jerusalem. The lusting after lovers signifies the nations' pursuit of alliances and idolatry with foreign powers, particularly Egypt and Assyria. This reflects a recurring theme in the Old Testament where Israel is often depicted as an unfaithful spouse to God (Jeremiah 3:6-10, Hosea 2:2-5). The imagery underscores the depth of their infidelity and the betrayal of their covenant relationship with God.

whose genitals were like those of donkeys
The comparison to donkeys emphasizes the extreme and unnatural nature of Israel's idolatry and alliances. In ancient Near Eastern culture, donkeys were often associated with strength and virility, but also with stubbornness and foolishness. This metaphor serves to illustrate the degrading and excessive nature of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. It also reflects the biblical theme of the consequences of turning away from God, as seen in the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:15-68.

and whose emission was like that of stallions
Stallions are known for their powerful and uncontrollable nature, symbolizing the overwhelming and destructive influence of the foreign nations with whom Israel and Judah allied themselves. This imagery conveys the idea of being overwhelmed by the consequences of their choices, leading to spiritual and moral corruption. The use of such vivid and graphic language serves to shock the audience into recognizing the severity of their sin. This aligns with the prophetic tradition of using stark imagery to convey the seriousness of Israel's apostasy (Isaiah 1:21, Jeremiah 2:20-25).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Oholah and Oholibah
These are symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. They are depicted as two sisters who engage in idolatry and unfaithfulness to God.

2. Assyrians and Babylonians
These nations are the foreign lovers with whom Israel and Judah commit spiritual adultery. They symbolize the political alliances and idolatrous practices that the Israelites pursued instead of remaining faithful to God.

3. Ezekiel
The prophet who delivers God's message of judgment and calls for repentance. He uses vivid and shocking imagery to convey the seriousness of Israel's unfaithfulness.

4. Idolatry
The central sin being addressed, where Israel and Judah turn away from God to worship idols and form alliances with pagan nations.

5. Judgment
The consequence of Israel and Judah's unfaithfulness, leading to their eventual downfall and exile.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but includes anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. We must examine our lives for modern-day idols.

Faithfulness to God
Just as a marriage requires fidelity, our relationship with God demands our exclusive devotion. We are called to be faithful in our worship and obedience.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness
The vivid imagery in Ezekiel serves as a warning of the severe consequences of turning away from God. It reminds us that sin leads to spiritual and sometimes physical destruction.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite the harsh judgment, God's desire is for His people to return to Him. Repentance opens the door to restoration and renewed relationship with God.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Ezekiel are God's messengers, calling His people back to righteousness. We should heed the warnings and teachings of Scripture as God's guidance for our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What modern-day idols might we be tempted to pursue, and how can we guard against them in our lives?

2. How does the imagery used in Ezekiel 23:20 help us understand the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness to God in our daily lives, similar to the faithfulness expected in a marriage?

4. How do the themes of judgment and repentance in Ezekiel 23 relate to the message of the Gospel?

5. What role do you think prophetic warnings play in our spiritual growth, and how can we apply them to our current context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 3
This chapter also uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness and adultery to describe Israel's idolatry, emphasizing God's call for repentance.

Hosea 2
Hosea's marriage to Gomer is a living parable of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's enduring love, paralleling the themes in Ezekiel 23.

Revelation 17
The imagery of the harlot in Revelation draws on the Old Testament symbolism of spiritual adultery, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God.