Ezekiel 23:32

This is what the Lord GOD says: 'You will drink your sister's cup, a cup deep and wide. It will bring scorn and derision, for it holds so much.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. In the prophetic books, this introduction underscores that the message is not from the prophet himself but from God. It reflects the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, as seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah 1:10, Jeremiah 1:4).

‘You will drink your sister’s cup,
The imagery of drinking a cup is often used in the Bible to symbolize experiencing God's judgment or wrath (Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17). The "sister" refers to Samaria, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had already faced judgment and exile. This indicates that Jerusalem (the Southern Kingdom) will undergo a similar fate due to its idolatry and unfaithfulness.

a cup deep and wide.
The description of the cup as "deep and wide" suggests the magnitude and severity of the judgment. It implies that the consequences will be extensive and overwhelming. This can be connected to the comprehensive nature of God's judgment as seen in other prophetic warnings (Jeremiah 25:15-29).

It will bring scorn and derision,
The result of drinking the cup is public shame and humiliation. This reflects the cultural context where defeat and suffering were often accompanied by mockery from surrounding nations. The theme of scorn is prevalent in the prophetic literature, highlighting the disgrace that comes with turning away from God (Lamentations 2:15-16).

for it holds so much.
The phrase underscores the abundance of judgment contained within the cup. It suggests that the punishment is not only severe but also justified due to the extent of the people's sins. This aligns with the biblical principle of reaping what one sows (Galatians 6:7-8) and serves as a warning of the consequences of persistent disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the exiles in Babylon. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. Oholah and Oholibah
Symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. They are depicted as sisters in Ezekiel 23, engaging in spiritual adultery.

3. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

4. The Lord GOD
The sovereign God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel to pronounce judgment and call for repentance.

5. The Cup
A metaphor for God's judgment, often used in the Bible to symbolize the wrath and consequences of sin.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has severe consequences, and God's judgment is depicted as a cup that must be drunk. This imagery reminds us of the seriousness with which God views sin.

God's Justice
God's judgment is just and measured. The "deep and wide" cup signifies the extent of the judgment that matches the gravity of the sin.

Call to Repentance
The passage serves as a warning and a call to repentance. Recognizing the consequences of sin should lead us to seek God's mercy and forgiveness.

Hope in Redemption
While the passage focuses on judgment, the broader biblical account assures us of God's desire for restoration and redemption for those who turn back to Him.

Learning from History
The experiences of Samaria and Jerusalem serve as lessons for us today. We are called to learn from their mistakes and remain faithful to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the cup in Ezekiel 23:32 help us understand the nature of God's judgment?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of spiritual adultery in our own lives or communities today?

3. How do the themes of judgment and redemption in Ezekiel 23 connect with the message of the Gospel?

4. What practical steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of sin that led to the judgment of Samaria and Jerusalem?

5. How can we use the lessons from Ezekiel 23 to encourage others in their walk with God, especially in times of temptation or spiritual complacency?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 25
This chapter also uses the imagery of a cup to describe the wrath of God that will be poured out on the nations, including Judah.

Isaiah 51
Discusses the cup of God's wrath and the promise of redemption, highlighting the dual themes of judgment and hope.

Revelation 14
The imagery of the cup is used to describe the final judgment, connecting the Old Testament prophecies with the New Testament's eschatological vision.