Ezekiel 23:22

Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will incite your lovers against you, those from whom you turned away in disgust. And I will bring them against you from every side--

Study Bible

Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says:
Oholibah represents Jerusalem, as explained earlier in Ezekiel 23. The name means "My tent is in her," symbolizing God's presence in the city. The phrase "this is what the Lord GOD says" emphasizes the divine authority and certainty of the message. In the context of Ezekiel, God often speaks directly to His people through the prophet, underscoring the seriousness of the message. This introduction sets the stage for a pronouncement of judgment, a common theme in prophetic literature.

I will incite your lovers against you,
The "lovers" refer to the foreign nations with whom Jerusalem (Oholibah) formed alliances, often involving idolatry and political entanglements contrary to God's commands. These alliances were seen as acts of unfaithfulness to God, akin to adultery. The incitement of these nations against Jerusalem is a reversal of fortunes, where those once considered allies become adversaries. This reflects the biblical principle that reliance on worldly powers rather than God leads to downfall (Isaiah 31:1).

those from whom you turned away in disgust.
This phrase indicates a history of broken alliances and failed relationships. Jerusalem's turning away "in disgust" suggests a rejection or betrayal of these nations after using them for political gain. Historically, Judah often vacillated between alliances with Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, leading to instability and eventual judgment. This turning away also symbolizes the spiritual adultery of abandoning God for idols, only to later reject those idols when they proved untrustworthy.

And I will bring them against you from every side—
The comprehensive nature of the impending judgment is highlighted here. The phrase "from every side" suggests a total encirclement and inescapable siege, historically fulfilled in the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. This reflects the Deuteronomic curses for covenant unfaithfulness (Deuteronomy 28:49-52). Theologically, it underscores the inevitability of divine judgment when God's people persist in sin. The imagery of being surrounded also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and need for redemption, pointing to the necessity of a savior, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Oholibah
A symbolic name representing the southern kingdom of Judah. In Ezekiel 23, Oholibah is depicted as an unfaithful woman who has turned away from God to pursue alliances with foreign nations.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and righteous God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Ezekiel to pronounce judgment on Judah for her unfaithfulness.

3. Lovers
Refers to the foreign nations with whom Judah sought alliances, such as Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. These nations are depicted as former allies who will now turn against Judah.

4. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the exiles in Babylon. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope to the people of Israel.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the focus of God's judgment in this passage due to its idolatry and political alliances with pagan nations.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Just as Judah faced consequences for her unfaithfulness, believers today must recognize that turning away from God leads to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences.

The Futility of Worldly Alliances
Judah's reliance on foreign nations serves as a warning against placing our trust in worldly powers or solutions instead of God.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's ability to use even Judah's former allies as instruments of judgment demonstrates His sovereignty and control over all nations and events.

Repentance and Restoration
While this passage focuses on judgment, it also serves as a call to repentance, reminding us that God desires restoration and faithfulness from His people.

The Importance of Spiritual Fidelity
The metaphor of an unfaithful spouse underscores the importance of remaining spiritually faithful to God, avoiding idolatry in all its forms.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of Oholibah as an unfaithful wife help us understand the nature of Judah's sin?

2. In what ways do we, like Judah, sometimes seek security in worldly alliances rather than in God? How can we correct this tendency?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty in judgment affect our view of current world events and personal challenges?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we remain spiritually faithful to God in our daily lives?

5. How do the themes of judgment and repentance in Ezekiel 23:22 relate to the broader message of the Gospel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 2:18-19
This passage also addresses Judah's reliance on foreign nations instead of God, highlighting the futility and consequences of such alliances.

Hosea 2:5-13
Similar to Ezekiel, Hosea uses the metaphor of an unfaithful wife to describe Israel's idolatry and the resulting judgment.

Isaiah 30:1-5
Isaiah warns against forming alliances with Egypt, emphasizing trust in God rather than in human powers.