Ezekiel 23:35

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Because you have forgotten Me and have cast Me behind your back, you must bear the consequences of your indecency and prostitution.'"

Study Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In the context of Ezekiel, God often speaks directly to His people through the prophet, underscoring the seriousness of the message. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) highlights both His lordship and covenant relationship with Israel.

Because you have forgotten Me:
Forgetting God implies a deliberate neglect of the covenant relationship established at Sinai. This forgetfulness is not merely a lapse in memory but a willful disregard for God's commandments and His role as their deliverer. This theme is recurrent in the Old Testament, where Israel's forgetfulness leads to idolatry and sin (Deuteronomy 6:12, Judges 3:7).

and have cast Me behind your back:
This imagery suggests a conscious rejection and dismissal of God, akin to turning one's back on someone. It indicates a profound disrespect and prioritization of other gods or desires over the true God. This act of casting God aside is symbolic of Israel's spiritual adultery, as they pursued alliances and worship with pagan nations.

you must bear the consequences of your indecency and prostitution:
The consequences refer to the judgment and punishment that Israel will face due to their spiritual unfaithfulness. "Indecency and prostitution" are metaphors for idolatry and alliances with foreign nations, which are seen as acts of betrayal against God. This language is consistent with the prophetic tradition, where idolatry is often depicted as adultery (Hosea 1-3, Jeremiah 3:6-10). The consequences are both immediate, in terms of exile and suffering, and eternal, in terms of spiritual separation from God. This serves as a warning and a call to repentance, highlighting the seriousness of turning away from God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and holy God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel to address the sins of His people.

3. Israel and Judah
Represented as two sisters in Ezekiel 23, symbolizing the divided kingdoms of God's chosen people who have turned to idolatry and immorality.

4. Lewdness and Prostitution
Metaphors for the spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry of Israel and Judah, who have abandoned their covenant with God.

5. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a period of judgment and reflection for the Israelites due to their persistent disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Forgetfulness
Forgetting God leads to spiritual decay and moral compromise. We must actively remember and prioritize our relationship with Him.

Consequences of Idolatry
Spiritual unfaithfulness has real consequences. Just as Israel faced judgment, we too must be aware of the repercussions of placing anything above God.

God's Call to Repentance
Despite judgment, God's desire is for His people to return to Him. Repentance is always an option, and God is ready to restore those who turn back to Him.

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
Our relationship with God is a covenant that requires faithfulness. We must guard against anything that might lead us away from our commitment to Him.

Reflecting on Our Priorities
Evaluate what we have metaphorically "cast behind our back." Are there areas in our lives where we have neglected God?

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "idols" that might cause us to forget God, and how can we guard against them?

2. How does the metaphor of lewdness and prostitution help us understand the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness?

3. In what ways can we actively remember and prioritize our relationship with God in our daily lives?

4. How do the consequences faced by Israel and Judah serve as a warning for us today?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of neglecting God. How did that experience shape your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 2:32
This verse also speaks of Israel's forgetfulness of God, using the metaphor of a bride forgetting her adornments, highlighting the depth of Israel's spiritual amnesia.

Hosea 4:12
Hosea addresses similar themes of spiritual adultery and idolatry, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God.

Deuteronomy 32:18
This verse reminds Israel of their forgetfulness of the Rock who fathered them, paralleling the theme of neglecting God.