Keraia
Ezekiel 23

Ezekiel 23:12

The Two Adulterous Sisters · Ezekiel 23:1–21
Read Ezekiel 23

Translations

Modern
She too lusted after the Assyrians—governors and commanders, warriors dressed in splendor, horsemen riding on steeds, all desirable young men.
Traditional
She doted upon the Assyrians her neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men.
Literal
She lusted after the sons of Assyria—governors and commanders, warriors clothed in perfection, horsemen riding on horses, young men of desire all of them.
Latin
…ad filios Assyriorum præbuit impudenter, ducibus et magistratibus ad se venientibus, indutis veste varia, equitibus qui vectabantur equis, et adolescentibus forma cunctis egregia.

Original

Hebrew
English
She too lusted after the Assyrians—governors and commanders, warriors dressed in splendor, horsemen riding on steeds, all desirable young men.

Notes

Ezekiel 23:11–18

Samaria’s reputation and punishment were known to everyone in Ezekiel’s time. Her sister, Oholibah (Jerusalem), followed the same pattern of life and was even worse than her sister. The kings of Judah thought it was wise to form alliances with Babylon and Assyria. However, the prophet saw this as a pattern of ongoing spiritual unfaithfulness.

Ezekiel 23:1–49

This chapter, like chapter 16, tells the history of the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It does this through an extended metaphor (a comparison that continues through many verses).

In this comparison, Samaria and Jerusalem, the capital cities, are described as two immoral women. The language is strong and direct.

This metaphor shows that their judgment was certain and deserved.

Events

Places

Assyria: A powerful ancient empire, often in conflict with Israel

Glossary

Aholah Aholibah Ezekiel, Book of Oholah and Oholibah

Topics

Armies: March in Ranks: Uniforms of Assyria: Chief Men of, Described Idolatry: Wicked Practices of Licentiousness of