Ezekiel 16:23

The prophets often described idolatry (worshiping false gods) as adultery (being unfaithful in marriage). For example, Hosea uses this picture to explain Israel’s sin (see Hosea 2). This comparison helped people understand that turning away from the Lord was like breaking a marriage promise.

Ezekiel, however, gives much more detail than the other prophets. He does not describe Jerusalem as only confused or mistaken. He describes her as deeply corrupt. Her unfaithfulness took place openly, on every street corner.

Ezekiel also says that her desire for sin had no limit. She kept seeking more sinful and shameful practices. His strong language shows how serious her idolatry had become.

In Ezekiel 16, Jerusalem is described as an unfaithful wife and a prostitute. This language is very strong. Even in English, the chapter can be difficult to read. In its ancient setting, it would have sounded even more shocking.

Ezekiel used graphic language to show how serious Judah’s sin was. He did not try to make his message softer or more polite. He spoke in a direct and forceful way.

This strong language is the main point of the chapter. Ezekiel wanted the people to feel how terrible their sin was in God’s sight. The shocking description helped them understand that God’s judgment was not unfair.

If Ezekiel had used softer words, the people might not have understood the full seriousness of their sin. The strong picture was necessary to show why God’s judgment was justified (that is, right and fair).

This section includes eight metaphors, each showing from a different angle the certainty of Jerusalem's upcoming judgment. The images are of:

1. a worthless vine (Ezekiel 15);

2. a faithless wife (Ezekiel 16);

3. a vine and two eagles (Ezekiel 17);

4. Sour grapes (Ezekiel 18);

5. a lion and her cubs (Ezekiel 19);

6. a sword (Ezekiel 21);

7. two corrupt sisters (Ezekiel 23); and

8. a cooking pot (Ezekiel 24).