Translations
Modern
And I saw that she too had defiled herself; both of them had taken the same path.
Traditional
Then I saw that she was defiled, that they took both one way,
Literal
And I saw that she was defiled; one way is unto the two of them,
Latin
Et vidi quod polluta esset via una ambarum.
Original
Hebrew
English
And I saw that she too had defiled herself; both of them had taken the same path.
Notes
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.
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
- Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC