Chapter 785 of 1163

EZEKIEL 23

Because the Jewish nation was wedded to Jehovah, idolatry was the same as infidelity. They were giving themselves to foreign gods and committing harlotry and adultery. That is why God brought judgment on His people.

Oholah (“her tent”) represents Samaria, the northern kingdom; and Oholibah (“My tent is in her”) represents the southern kingdom of Judah. The Samaritans had devised their own religion, but God dwelt in Judah because of His covenant with David. What they did in His temple grieved Him greatly (vv. 36–39; 1 Cor. 6:19–20). God judged Samaria in 722 b.c. when He permitted Assyria to take them captive, but Judah did not profit from that lesson. Judah persisted in sin, so God had to judge them.

When God judges sin in others, never say, “That will never happen to me! I can get away with my sin!” God waits for us to repent, and we must not try His patience (Eccles. 8:11). In the end, our sins punish us, and we learn afresh that He is the Lord (v. 49). God wants single-hearted devotion from His bride (2 Cor. 11:1–4; James 4:1–10).

↑ Back to top