Translations
Modern
But righteous men will sentence them to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed, because they are adulteresses with blood on their hands.
Traditional
And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands.
Literal
And righteous men, they will pass judgment on them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of those shedding blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands!
Latin
Viri ergo justi sunt: hi judicabunt eas judicio adulterarum, et judicio effundentium sanguinem: quia adulteræ sunt, et sanguis in manibus earum.
Original
Hebrew
English
But righteous men will sentence them to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed, because they are adulteresses with blood on their hands.
Notes
The sisters' enemies would attack them with stones and swords, like an invading army. In a typical invasion, not only would the prostitutes die, but their sons and daughters would also die. The enemy would burn their homes. Those who rebelled against the Lord and followed false gods would face death as punishment.
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