Ezequiel 16
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Ezequiel 16:1-5
16:2 "Son of man" This phrase is a literary marker of a new topic or new revelation. See note at Ezek. 2:1. SPECIAL TOPIC: SON OF MAN ▣ "make known" The VERB (BDB 393, KB 390, Hiphil IMPERATIVE) means "to announce." The Niphal stem is often used of making YHWH known (cf. Ezek. 20:5,9; 38:23; 35:11) and also in the Hiphil (cf. Ezek. 39:7). However, in this context it means declaring to Jerusalem her "abominations." YHWH made Himself and His will clear to His people, but they would not draw near to Him and follow Him! SPECIAL TOPIC: ABOMINATION (OT) SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PATH, THE WAY 16:3 "origin" This term (BDB 468) occurs only three times in the OT and are all in Ezekiel (cf. Ezek. 16:3; 21:30; 29:14). The etymology is uncertain. The same letters can mean "a kind of weapon" (cf. Gen. 49:5). Some scholars think the meaning is related to the VERB (BDB 468 II) "dig" or "hew" (cf. Ps. 22:16). Others think it is from BDB 500 II, "to get by trade" or "purchase." ▣ "Your origin and your birth are from the land of the Canaanite" This could be understood in several senses. This explains the source of their idolatrous tendencies They were not a people until YHWH chose them and delivered them from Egypt from the land of Canaan (idolatrous tendencies) father was an Amorite, Ezek. 16:45 mother was a Hittite, Ezek. 16:45 refers exclusively to the physical city of Salem, Jebus, and later Jerusalem The term "father" may refer to tribal ancestors (cf. NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 219) and not Abraham, who is called "a wandering Aramean" in Deut. 26:5. This verse is figurative, meaning that Judah's parents were non-Israelite. This was revealed by their idolatrous actions. This is not a text on genealogy, but on idolatry! Israel was unfaithful from the very beginning (cf. Deut. 32:5; Isa. 1:2-3; Jer. 7:24-26; 11:7-8; Ezek. 2:6-8; 3:9,26; 12:2-3; 16:3,45; Hosea 6:7; 9:10; 11:1-4; 13:4-6). SPECIAL TOPIC: MORIAH, SALEM, JEBUS, ZION, JERUSALEM ▣ "Canaanite" See SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PRE-ISRAELITE INHABITANTS OF PALESTINE, C. #8 16:4-5 These verses describe, in birthing symbolism, Israel's predicament at birth without YHWH's help. the umbilical cord was not cut they were not washed with water for cleansing they were not rubbed with salt they were not wrapped in cloths (this was meant to protect the limbs, the opposite of squirming, cf. Ezek. 16:6) no eye looked on them with pity there was no compassion on them they were thrown out into the open field (female babies were sometimes abandoned in the Ancient Near East) Israel was neglected and abandoned by all! None of the traditional birthing rites were observed! Death was certain! Numbers 1-4 detail practices of Arab groups, which are still present in Palestine today. It would have been the expected procedures for a "wanted" child. 16:4 "washed with water for cleansing" The word "cleansing" (BDB 606, KB 650) is found only here and its meaning is unknown. 16:5 "abhorred" This NOUN (BDB 172) appears only here in the OT. However, the VERB is used in Ezek. 16:45 (BDB 171, KB 199, Qal PARTICIPLE and Qal PERFECT) twice. It denotes something hated because it is unclean (i.e. dung or spoilage). Much of Ezekiel's terminology is drawn from Leviticus 26. In this chapter this word is used of both Israel and YHWH. Israel they abhorred YHWH's commandments, Ezek. 16:15 they abhorred YHWH's commandments, Ezek. 16:43 YHWH YHWH will not abhor them, Ezek. 16:11 YHWH abhors them because of their idolatry, Ezek. 16:30 YHWH abhors them because of their covenant disobedience, Ezek. 16:44 Leviticus 26 is parallel to Deut. 28:15-68.
Ezequiel 16:6-7
16:6-14 This describes YHWH's loving acts toward Israel. saw her predicament and commanded life (two Qal IMPERATIVES, BDB 310, KB 309), Ezek. 16:6 made her numerous, like the plants of the field, Ezek. 16:7 Israel grew like a young woman to maturity (full height, full breasts, long hair or pubic hair), but was uncared for (i.e. naked and bare). YHWH proposed to her and made promises to her (i.e. marriage covenant), Ezek. 16:7-8 bathed with water, Ezek. 16:9 anointed with oil, Ezek. 16:9 clothed, Ezek. 16:10 put shoes on her feet, Ezek. 16:10 wrapped in fine shawl, Ezek. 16:10 gave jewelry, Ezek. 16:11-13a gave good food, Ezek. 16:13b her beauty was renowned because of YHWH's care and gifts, Ezek. 16:14 She was nothing, yea despised, until YHWH chose her, cared for her, and married her (i.e. "swore," BDB 989, KB 1396, Niphal IMPERFECT). 16:6 NASB, TEV "squirming" "struggling" "flailing about" NJB, REB, NET "kicking" Peshitta, JPSOA "wallowing" "polluted" The term (BDB 100, KB 115, Hithpolel PARTICIPLE) normally means "to tread down" or "trample," but in the Hithpolel stem (here and v. 22) it seems to refer to the random movement of an infant's limbs. 16:7 "numerous" "thrive" NRSV, LXX "grow up" TEV, NJB, JPSOA "grow" "multiply" "A myriad" (BDB 914) literally refers to ten thousand, but it is often used in a figurative sense (i.e. Gen. 24:60; Ps. 3:6; Song of Songs 5:10). ▣ "You grew up" (BDB 915, KB 1176, Qal IMPERFECT with waw) means "become a numerous people" (i.e. Gen. 1:28; 9:1-7; Exod. 1:10,12,20; Deut. 6:3; 8:1; 30:16). BDB suggests that here it means "grow great" or "grow strong," from an Aramean root (NASB, Peshitta) KB suggests "grow up" for the meaning here (NRSV, TEV, NJB, LXX) It is a word play on "numerous" (רבה, BDB 915), which means "myriad" (רבבה, BDB 914), found at the beginning of v. 7 "reached the age for fine ornaments" "became very beautiful" NRSV, REB "arrived at full womanhood" "became a young woman" "reached marriageable age" "your tiime for love had arrived" "your had reached marriage age" This is literally "with ornament of ornaments" (BDB 725 CONSTRUCT BDB 725). This phrase and the next two mean she had reached an age to be married (RSV, NEB). The UBS Text Project, p. 40, gives two translation options based on textual variants. "to the beauty of beauties" (lit. "jewellery" doubled, BDB 725, KB 791 II) "in the time of menstruations" (emendation) JPSOA footnote, "meaning of Hebrew uncertain"
Ezequiel 16:8-14
"I spread My skirt over you" NKJV, LXX "I spread My wing over you" "I spread the edge of my cloak over you" "I covered your naked body with my cloak" "I spread my cloak over you" "I spread My robe over you" "I spread my hand over you" "I spread the shirt of my robe over you" This was a gesture of proposal (cf. Ruth 3:9) or an idiom for marriage (cf. Deut. 22:30). The term "skirt" (BDB 489) literally means "wing," but here it refers to the corner of one's robe (cf. Deut. 22:12; Ezek. 5:3). The prophets often used the intimate covenant of marriage as imagery for the relationship between YHWH and His covenant people (cf. Isa. 66:7-14; Jeremiah 2-3; Ezekiel 16; 23; Hosea 1-3; Zeph. 3:14-20). ▣ "entered into a covenant with you" See SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT 16:9 This describes what the prospective husband (YHWH) did for His wife-to-be. bath of cleansing, still done before the wedding rite blood washed off, this refers to her menstrual period, denoting she is of marriageable age and not pregnant (this may also be implied in Ezek. 16:7) anointed with oil, preparation for the wedding feast SPECIAL TOPIC: ANOINTING IN THE BIBLE 16:10 "embroidered cloth" This term (BDB 955) is used several times in Ezekiel of expensive multi-colored or embroidered cloth (cf. Ezek. 16:10,13,18; 26:16; 27:7,16,24). It is used in Ezek. 17:3 to describe a multi-colored great eagle. "porpoise skin" "badger skin" NRSV, NJB, NET "fine leather" "of the best leather" "dugong-hide" "dolphin leather" The term (BDB 1065, KB 1720 I) refers to a type of animal skin. Exactly which animal is uncertain. dolphin, Arabic (JPSOA, NASB in Exod. 25:5) sheep, conjecture leather, Egyptian (NRSV, NJB, NET, "fine leather," KB's best guess) seal, NASB, Exod. 35:23 Elsewhere, this term is used for the construction of the tabernacle (cf. Exod. 25:5; 26:14; 35:7,23; 36:19; 39:34; Num. 4:6,8). The best choices seem to be #1 or #4, both found in the Red Sea in large numbers having skins large enough to make durable sheeting for the tabernacle. ▣ "fine linen" The etymology of this word (BDB 1058, KB 1663 III, B) is uncertain (JPSOA). Most scholars relate it to an Egyptian word for fine woven linen JPSOA. for fine garments, Gen. 41:42; Prov. 31:22 for sails, Ezek. 16:10,13; 27:7 for priestly garments, Exod. 28:5,39 for hangings in the tabernacle, Exod. 27:9,16,18; 38:9,16,18 for curtains in the tabernacle, Exod. 26:1,31,36; 36:8,35,37 16:12-13a This is a list of jewelry expressing YHWH's love and care for Israel. ornaments, Ezek. 16:11, BDB 725 bracelets, Ezek. 16:11, BDB 855 chain (necklace), Ezek. 16:11, BDB 914, cf. Gen. 41:42 ring in your nose, Ezek. 16:12, BDB 633, cf. Gen. 24:47; Isa. 3:21 earrings, Ezek. 16:12, BDB 722, cf. Num. 31:50 crown of beauty, Ezek. 16:12, BDB 742 adorned with gold and silver, Ezek. 16:13 16:13 "exceedingly beautiful" The ADVERB "exceedingly" comes from a repetition of BDB 547, cf. Ezek. 9:9; Gen. 17:2,6,20; Exod. 1:7. ▣ "advanced to royalty" This orphan child (i.e. Israel) is elevated to the royal family status, both by adoption and marriage. 16:14 "it was perfect" This ADJECTIVE (BDB 483) is used in the sense of wholeness or an entire state of completion. It is used of the report of Jerusalem's beauty, 16:14; Ps. 50:2; Lam. 2:15 of the King of Tyre, 27:3; 28:12
Ezequiel 16:15-22
16:15 "you trusted in your beauty" This VERB (BDB 105, KB 120, Qal IMPERFECT with waw) basically meant "trust" or "rely upon." In this context it denotes Judah's reliance on fertility idolatry (cf. Ps. 115:4-8; 135:15-18; Isa. 42:17; Jer. 13:25; 48:7). ▣ "played the harlot" This VERB (BDB 275, KB 275, Qal IMPERFECT with waw) means "commit fornication." Idolatry is imagery for sexual unfaithfulness (cf. Ezek. 16:28; 23:30; Jer. 3:1). Israel and Judah were married to YHWH (cf. Ezek. 16:8), but they pursued the gods of Egypt, Canaan, Assyria, and Babylon. This could have been done in one of two ways. official governmental relations (i.e. treaties) which were done in the name of these national gods (cf. Ezek. 16:26,28; 23:5,7; Isa. 23:17) the worship of these foreign gods (cf. chapter 8; Exod. 34:15-16; Lev. 20:5; Deut. 31:16) This sexual (marriage, cf. Hosea 1-3; Eph. 5:21-31) imagery is used because of the personal nature of faith. Marriage is often used as a way of referring to intimacy. Faith is a spiritual intimacy! YHWH takes human commitment (i.e. free will) seriously. See a brief discussion of prostitution in the ANE in IVP Bible Background Commentary, p. 702. 16:16-21 The apostasy of Jerusalem took Judah's beauty and wealth given to her by YHWH (cf. Ezek. 16:10-14) and turned it into pagan shrines and worship practices. decorated shrines ("high places," cf. Ezek. 16:24,31,39) of multi-colored cloth, given by YHWH, used as a place to commit adultery made idols with ornaments and jewels given by YHWH, Ezek. 16:17 offered YHWH's oil and incense, Ezek. 16:18 offered YHWH's food, Ezek. 16:19 offered the fruit of the womb (i.e. children, Ezek. 16:36), which YHWH had bestowed, Ezek. 16:20-22. SPECIAL TOPIC: MOLECH 16:17 "made for yourself male images" These could refer to phallic statues (i.e. Ba'al) or jewelry. The gold and silver were YHWH's gifts to His bride (Israel). They turned these gifts into fertility idols (like the golden calf of Exodus 32), just as they turned the beautiful clothing given by YHWH into mats and blankets on which to fornicate (cf. Ezek. 16:16). They took other clothing (Ezek. 16:18) and dressed up their images and took YHWH's oil, incense, and food and offered it to these lifeless fertility idols (cf. Ezek. 16:18-19). They were so caught up in their commitment and superstition that they sacrificed their own children to Molech to insure the fertility of land, cattle, and the human population (cf. Ezek. 16:20-21; 20:26,31; 23:37). SPECIAL TOPIC: FERTILITY WORSHIP OF THE ANE 16:19 "a soothing aroma" This is an idiomatic way of referring to an accepted sacrifice. Again Ezekiel is influenced by Leviticus 26, where this terminology is used in a threat (cf. Lev. 26:30-31). Ezekiel uses this idiom mostly in connection with pagan idolatries (cf. Ezek. 6:13; 16:19; 20:28), however, Ezek. 20:41 is a future-oriented exception (i.e. the Messianic temple). SPECIAL TOPIC: A SOOTHING AROMA 16:22 "you did not remember the days of your youth" The VERB "remember" (BDB 269, KB 219, Qal PERFECT) occurs twice. Jerusalem's idolatries are more egregious because she was chosen by YHWH she was blessed by YHWH she was married to YHWH It was a violation of love as well as law!
Ezequiel 16:23-29
16:23-29 This is a list of the nations with which Judea made political alliances and, thereby, introduced their gods into its culture. Egypt, Ezek. 16:26 Philistia, Ezek. 16:27 Assyria, Ezek. 16:28 Babylon, Ezek. 16:29 16:23 "(Woe, woe to you!' declares the Lord God)" This INTERJECTION (BDB 17) implies "grief and despair to you" (cf. Ezek. 24:6,9). It is used mostly by Jeremiah (cf. Ezek. 4:13,31; 6:4; 10:19; 13:27; 15:10; 45:3; 48:46). There are consequences of human choices! Infidelity brings a sharp response from a faithful, loving God! Judgment is painful for Judah and for YHWH! 16:24 NASB, NKJV "a shrine. . .a high place" "a platform. . .a lofty place" "places to worship" "a mound. . .a high place" "a couch. . .a shrine" "a house of idols. . .altars" "an eminence. . .your mound" "a house of fornication. . .a public place" These two terms denote a raised platform. "shrine," BDB 146, literally "mound" (in this sense only in this chapter, Ezek. 16:24,31,39) "high place," BDB 928, in this chapter (Ezek. 16:24,25,31,39) are the only occurrences of this term in the sense of a manmade, raised platform. It is used in 1 Sam. 22:6 as a natural height. These same Hebrew letters (BDB 941 II) form the VERB "to deal treacherously" (in Piel stem). This might be a wordplay. מרום ‒ "high place" מרמה ‒ "deal treacherously" Fertility worship was usually performed on hills, but Israel and Judah moved the worship onto man-made platforms in every town square. 16:25 NASB, LXX, JPSOA "you spread your legs" NRSV, TEV "you offered yourself" "offering yourself" "opening your legs" "offering your body" "exposed yourself" The VERB (BDB 832, KB 979, Piel IMPERFECT) is used as a female sexual position euphemism (i.e. "feet," BDB 919, KB 1148) to refer to genitalia (cf. NIDOTTE, vol. 3, p. 1048). male, Exod. 4:25; Jdg. 3:24; Ruth 3:4,7; 1 Sam. 24:3; Isa. 7:20 female, Deut. 28:57; Ezek. 16:25 possibly angels (Seraphim), Isa. 6:2 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: "Sons of God" in Genesis 6 16:26 NASB, NKJV, TEV, REB "your lustful neighbors" "your very fleshly neighbors" "your big-membered neighbors" "great in flesh" "who have large male organs" "the lustful Egyptians" "sexually aroused neighbors" The Hebrew construct (BDB 152 CONSTRUCT 142) literally means "great of flesh," which in this context, would refer to aroused male genitalia (i.e. of animals, cf. Ezek. 23:20). ▣ "to make Me angry" The VERB (BDB 494, KB 491, Hiphil INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) is often used of the covenant community provoking YHWH by covenant infidelity, 8:17; Jdg. 2:12; 1 Kgs. 14:9,15; 16:33; 22:54; 2 Kgs. 17:11; 23:19; Isa. 65:3; Jer. 7:18-19; 11:17; 32:29,32; 44:3. This is where the imagery of YHWH as "jealous" begins (cf. Deut. 32:16,21)! Idolatry is a violation of faithful love. It is personal and purposeful! Notice these emotional words. wrath, Ezek. 16:38,42; (BDB 404) jealousy, Ezek. 16:38,42 (BDB 888) enraged, Ezek. 16:43 (BDB 919, KB 1182) SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD DESCRIBED AS HUMAN SPECIAL TOPIC: JEALOUS/ZEALOUS 16:27 "I have stretched out My hand" This is an idiom for action. SPECIAL TOPIC: HAND ▣ "who are ashamed of your lewd conduct" Even the pagans were ashamed (i.e. "humiliated," BDB 483, KB 480, Niphal PARTICIPLE) by Judah's idolatry, cf. Ezek. 16:57; 5:14-15; 22:4. Instead of being a light to the nations Judah was a stumbling block. The term "lewd" (BDB 273) is a term used several times in Leviticus to denote improper sexual partners (cf. Lev. 18:17; 19:29; 22:11). This lewdness would result in exile from the Promised Land (cf. Lev. 18:24-30; 20:22-23). Ezekiel uses this priestly terminology (i.e. he was a priest of the line of Zadok) to shock Judah about her sins (cf. Ezek. 16:27,43,58; 22:9,11; 23:21,27,29,35,44,48[twice],49; 24:13; see NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 1113). 16:29 NASB, NRSV, TEV, REB, NET "merchants" NKJV, REB, JPSOA "traders" This term "merchants" (BDB 488 II) is related to the term Canaan or Canaanite (BDB 488 II, LXX, Peshitta). Its basic meaning was "trader" (cf. Ezek. 17:4 [BDB 488 II]; Zeph. 1:11 [BDB 489 II]; Zech. 14:21 [BDB 489 II]). However, in the OT it has a negative connotation because of the idolatries of the ten tribes of Canaan. When God's people act like unfair traders, they are characterized as Canaanites (cf. Hosea 12:8). SPECIAL TOPIC: PRE-ISRAELITE INHABITANTS OF PALESTINE
Ezequiel 16:30-34
16:30-34 Judah was so desperate for political alliances that she pursued the surrounding nations for help. She never felt secure (i.e. "never satisfied," cf. Ezek. 16:28,29). She was an unusual harlot in that she paid to be loved (cf. Ezek. 16:41, i.e. protected)! This is possibly a reference to Tiglath-pileser III being bribed by King Ahaz in 2 Kgs. 16:8. SPECIAL TOPIC: KINGS OF ASSYRIA, #19 16:30 "How languishing in your heart" "How degenerate is your heart" NRSV, JPSOA, NET "How sick is your heart" "how lovesick is your heart" "How you anger me!" "How simple-minded you are" JPSOA (footnote) "How furious I was with you" (revocalization of "heart" with Akkadian root) This is the only occurrence of this VERB (BDB 51, KB 63, Qal PARTICIPLE) in the Qal stem in the MT. Its basic meaning is "weak," implying weak-willed. The NASB translates this as "languishing." The UBS Text Project, p. 42, gives this an "A" rating. But some say this does not fit the context of the next phrase. Some early copies of the Hebrew Bible were found in a hidden room behind the shelves that contained the Scripture scrolls in the synagogue of Cairo, Egypt. These copies have "How inflamed was your heart," which fits the context much better and may be the source of the Septuagint and Vulgate translations of "how strong" (cf. NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 426). KB (63 II) asserts there is another use of this root in the Qal stem that means "hot with fever." "a bold-faced harlot" "a brazen harlot" "a brazen whore" "a shameless prostitute" "a professional prostitute" "headstrong harlot" "self-willed whore" "a whore and a rebellious woman" "arrogant prostitute" The ADJECTIVE (BDB 1020) is used only here in this sense. The term's basic meaning is "domineering" (cf. Gen. 42:6). The sense of "hard headed" or "hard hearted" is found in Jer. 3:3. 16:33 NASB, NRSV, JPSOA "your gifts" NKJV, LXX "your payments" REB, NJB, TEV "presents" "you pay a price" "receive payment" There are two roots translated "gift." BDB 622, KB 673, נדה ‒ an Arabian root only in Ezek. 16:33 for gift or payment BDB 673 I, KB 674 II, נדן BDB, an Assyrian loan word only in Exek. 16:33 KB, an Akkadian root denoting a marriage dowry or the cost of a prostitute Judah was the prostitute but she paid lovers (i.e. political alliances) for protection!
Ezequiel 16:35-43
6:36 "because of the blood of your sons which you gave to idols" This refers to the worship of Molech. SPECIAL TOPIC: BLOOD SPECIAL TOPIC: MOLECH 16:37 "I shall gather" This VERB (BDB 867, KB 1062, Piel PARTICIPLE and Piel PERFECT with waw) is used twice in this verse. It is YHWH who brings the mercenary Neo-Babylonian army into Judah (Ezek. 16:40). All of Judah's political alliances are useless. Most of the surrounding nations are now part of the Neo-Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar II. The theological tragedy is that this word is often used of YHWH gathering His people as a flock from exile (cf. Isa. 40:11; Jer. 31:10; Ezek. 34:13; 37:21)but here, because Judah would not repent, her enemies are gathered to attack her! 16:39 "into the hands" See SPECIAL TOPIC: HAND ▣ "and will leave you naked and bare" The innocent imagery of Ezek. 16:7 has now been replaced with the violent treatment by the invaders sent by YHWH to punish His unfaithful bride (Ezek. 16:48). The rabbis developed this contrast between a time of innocence and a time of responsibility by their theological concept of the two yetzers ("intents"). Until the age of knowledge and commitment (i.e. Bar Mitzvah, males, age 13 or Bat Mitvah, females, age 12) children were not responsible for keeping the Law, but after study and vows, they were responsible. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY 16:40 This verse makes clear that it is YHWH behind the judgment. Two judgments are mentioned. stoning was a way for the community to remove evil from its midst worship of Molech by child sacrifice, Lev. 20:2 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: MOLECH) mediums, Lev. 20:27 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: MAGIC) blasphemer, Lev. 24:23 false prophets, Deut. 13:5 idolaters, Deut. 13:9; 17:5 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: IDOLATRY) rebellious son, Deut. 21:21 adultery or fornication, Deut. 22:21 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: ADULTERY) rape, Deut. 22:24 death by the sword to idolatrous cities, Deut. 13:15 SPECIAL TOPIC: STONE TO DEATH SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEATH PENALTY IN ISRAEL 16:42 This is the first note of hope (cf. Ezek. 16:60-63). YHWH's jealousy will pass! I shall calm My fury, BDB 628, KB 679, Hiphil PERFECT with waw My jealousy will depart, BDB 693, KB 747, Qal PERFECT with waw I shall be pacified, BDB 1052, KB 1641, Qal PERFECT I will no more be angry, BDB 494, KB 491, Qal IMPERFECT This is similar to Ezek. 5:13! 16:43 "you have not remembered" This VERB (BDB 269, KB 269, Qal PERFECT) is a recurrent theme (cf. Ezek. 16:22,43; 23:19). Judah's violation of YHWH's love was very painful for Him! He chose them but they chose idols!
Ezequiel 16:44-52
16:44-59 This is another parable in a series of parables (i.e. Ezekiel chapters 15-18). 16:44 "like mother, like daughter" This denotes that the children take on the characteristics of the families in which they are raised (note Exod. 20:5; Deut. 5:9). 16:46 This verse specifies that Ezekiel is talking about three sinful capital cities that experienced the judgment of God. Samaria (i.e. Israel), taken captive for her unfaithfulness by Assyria in 722 B.C. Sodom (and Gomorrah), destroyed for their wickedness in Genesis 18 Jerusalem (i.e. Judah), who has been (i.e. 605, 597 B.C.) and would be, taken captive (i.e. 586 B.C.) by Neo-Babylon (even another exile in 582 B.C.) This comparison is very similar to chapter 23 (Oholah/Samaria and Oholibah/Jerusalem). Also note Jer. 3:6-10,11. ▣ "and her daughters" This phrase (cf. Ezek. 16:49,55,57,61) refers to the surrounding villages, socially and economically connected to these large walled cities. 16:49 In Genesis 19 Sodom is described as a city of sexual deviation (i.e. homosexuality) and is destroyed by God. But here, she is later condemned for her lack of care for the poor and needy. She could help, but she would not! YHWH cares for the poor, alien, outcast, orphaned, and socially disenfranchised (cf. Deut. 10:18; 14:29; 24:17-22; 26:13; 27:19)! SPECIAL TOPIC: HOMOSEXUALITY 16:50 "abominations" See SPECIAL TOPIC: ABOMINATION (OT) and SPECIAL TOPIC: LIFTED UP 16:51-52 Judah's sins were even more egregious than the other two! Judah should have known better because of the judgments of God that befell the other two (i.e. Sodom and Samaria) because of the presence of the temple in Jerusalem with its leadership 16:52 There is a series of IMPERATIVES of judgment. bear your disgrace, BDB 669, KB 724, Qal IMPERATIVE be ashamed, BDB 101, KB 116, Qal IMPERATIVE #1 is repeated Jerusalem's sins are so base that they make Sodom and Samaria appear righteous (cf. Ezek. 16:54b)!
Ezequiel 16:53-59
16:55 "daughters" See full notes at Jer. 46:11 and Amos 5:2. 16:57 NASB, NJB, Peshitta "Edom" NKJV, LXX "Syria" NRSV, REB, JPSOA, Vulgate, NET "Aram" "Edomites" The Masoretic Hebrew text has a similar word "Aram" (BDB 74, ארם, which denotes Syria), as do the Septuagint and Vulgate, but some Hebrew manuscripts and the old Syriac and the Peshitta have "Edom" (BDB 10, אדם), which fits the context better, but "Aram" is the best textual option (UBS Text Project, p. 48, "B" rating). The Rotherham's Emphasized Bible, in a footnote, p. 801, mentions that some MSS have "daughters of men" (Adam, אדם, BDB 9, instead of Aram). SPECIAL TOPIC: EDOM AND ISRAEL 16:59 "you who have despised the oath by breaking the covenant" These are serious charges! "despised," BDB 102, KB 117, Qal PERFECT, cf. Ezek. 17:16,18,19; Isa. 24:5 "breaking," BDB 830, KB 924, Hiphil INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT Covenants were confirmed by a sacrifice (i.e. cutting an animal) and an oath of obedience to its obligations. In the Ancient Near East, breaking an oath (BDB 46)/covenant (BDB 136) resulted in the curses and negative consequences spelled out in the covenant (cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). Israel had reaped these curses and now Judah! SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT SPECIAL TOPIC: HITTITE (SUZERAIN) TREATIES
Ezequiel 16:60-63
16:60-63 YHWH will remember His covenant and restore His people (cf. Gen. 17:7,19; Lev. 26:11,44-45; Deut. 4:31) because of His eternal plan of redemption (SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN) Notice the reciprocal actions God's sovereign choices (notice the number of "I's" like Ezek. 36:22-36). "I will remember My covenant with you," Ezek. 16:60, BDB 269, KB 209, Qal PERFECT with waw, cf. Lev. 26:42,45 "I will establish an everlasting covenant with you," Ezek. 16:60, BDB 877, KB 1086, Hiphil PERFECT with waw. This is referring to the "new covenant" of Jer. 31:31-34, which is described in Ezek. 36:22-38 "when I have forgiven you for all that you have done," Ezek. 16:63, BDB 497, KB 493, Piel INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT the covenant people's actions you will remember your ways, Ezek. 16:62,63; 20:43; 36:31 you will be ashamed, Ezek. 16:62,63; 36:32 Both divine initiative and human repentance are required for covenant! SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam) 16:60 "I will establish an everlasting covenant" This is surprising because the Mosaic covenant was meant to be perpetual. However, it was also conditional on human obedience (as well as a circumcized heart, cf. Lev. 26:41; Deut. 10:16; 30:6; Jer. 4:4; 9:25-26; Rom. 2:28-29). It was the inability for obedience on the part of fallen mankind (cf. Genesis 3; see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND), even covenant people, that necessitated a "new" different approach. The "new" covenant would be based on divine performance (cf. Isaiah 53 and Ezek. 36:22-36). It would provide internal motivation for obedience (cf. Jer. 31:31-34). The contrast can be seen by comparing Ezek. 18:30-32 with Ezek. 36:26-27. God still wants a righteous people who will reflect His character to the nations, but now the focus has shifted from human performance-based covenant to a divine performance-based covenant. Gratitude and family love replace the wages of a hireling! We serve and obey because we are already accepted! Obedience is not what makes us accepted, but the evidence that we have been accepted (cf. Eph. 1:4; 2:8-10; James 2:14-26). The goal for new covenant believers is Christlikeness! SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN SPECIAL TOPIC: THE SUPERIORITY OF THE NEW COVENANT SPECIAL TOPIC: ETERNAL SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam and aiōnios)