Ezekiel 23:48

So I will put an end to indecency in the land, and all the women will be admonished not to imitate your behavior.

Study Bible

So I will put an end to indecency in the land
This phrase indicates God's intention to eradicate moral corruption and idolatry among His people. The "indecency" refers to the spiritual adultery and idolatry that Israel and Judah engaged in, often depicted as harlotry in prophetic literature. Historically, this reflects the period when Israel was influenced by surrounding pagan nations, adopting their practices and forsaking the covenant with Yahweh. The land, representing the entire nation, was to be cleansed of these abominations. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and His demand for His people to be set apart (Leviticus 20:26). The prophetic declaration also foreshadows the ultimate purification through Christ, who cleanses His people from sin (Ephesians 5:25-27).

and all the women will be admonished
In the cultural context of ancient Israel, women often symbolized the nation or city, as seen in the personification of Jerusalem as a woman in lamentations and prophecies. The admonishment here serves as a warning to the people of Israel and Judah, represented by the women, to turn away from their sinful practices. This reflects the broader biblical principle of communal responsibility and the impact of individual actions on the community. The admonishment is a call to repentance, aligning with the prophetic tradition of warning and calling God's people back to faithfulness (Jeremiah 3:12-14).

not to imitate your behavior
The behavior in question is the idolatrous and immoral actions of Israel and Judah, which are depicted metaphorically as harlotry in the book of Ezekiel. This serves as a cautionary example for future generations, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God. The imitation of such behavior leads to judgment and separation from God, as seen throughout Israel's history. This warning is consistent with the biblical theme of imitation, where believers are encouraged to imitate Christ and His righteousness (1 Corinthians 11:1). The call to avoid imitation of sinful behavior underscores the importance of holiness and obedience to God's commands.

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, respectively. They are depicted as sisters engaged in spiritual adultery.

3. Babylonian Exile
The context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a period of judgment and reflection for the Israelites.

4. Israel
The chosen people of God, who are being warned and judged for their idolatry and immorality.

5. Lewdness
Refers to the moral and spiritual corruption that had permeated the land, symbolized by the actions of Oholah and Oholibah.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
God takes sin seriously, especially when it involves idolatry and immorality. We must recognize the gravity of sin in our lives and communities.

Call to Repentance
Just as God called Israel to turn from their lewdness, He calls us to repent and seek holiness.

Warning to Others
Our actions serve as a warning to others. We must live in a way that reflects God's standards, not leading others into sin.

God's Judgment and Mercy
While God judges sin, His ultimate desire is for restoration and repentance. We should seek His mercy and strive to live righteously.

Holiness in Community
The call to end lewdness is not just individual but communal. We must encourage and uphold holiness within our communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of Oholah and Oholibah in Ezekiel 23 help us understand the nature of spiritual adultery?

2. In what ways can we identify and address "lewdness" in our own lives and communities today?

3. How do the warnings in Ezekiel 23:48 relate to the call for holiness found in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our actions serve as a positive example to others, rather than a warning?

5. How can we balance the understanding of God's judgment with His mercy when discussing sin and repentance with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18
This chapter outlines laws against sexual immorality, which parallels the lewdness condemned in Ezekiel 23.

Jeremiah 3
Jeremiah also uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness to describe Israel's idolatry, similar to Ezekiel's depiction.

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

Revelation 17
The imagery of the harlot in Revelation echoes the themes of spiritual adultery found in Ezekiel 23.

1 Corinthians 6
Paul warns against sexual immorality, emphasizing the need for purity among believers.