Compare Ezekiel 23:17 with Exodus 20:3. What consistent message is conveyed?

The Passages at a Glance

• Ezekiel 23:17: “So the Babylonians came to her, into the bed of love, and in their lust they defiled her; and after she had been defiled by them, she turned away from them in disgust.”

• Exodus 20:3: “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

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Key Observations

• Ezekiel portrays Israel and Judah as two sisters committing spiritual adultery with foreign nations and their gods.

• Exodus records the very first commandment, establishing the exclusive worship owed to the Lord.

• Both texts address covenant unfaithfulness—Ezekiel through vivid imagery, Exodus through direct command.

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The Consistent Message

God demands exclusive, undivided allegiance. Any flirtation with other “lovers” (idols, alliances, worldly trusts) is spiritual adultery that defiles the relationship with Him.

Supporting passages:

• Deuteronomy 6:14-15 — “Do not follow other gods… for the LORD your God in your midst is a jealous God.”

• Hosea 2:2 — “She is not my wife… let her remove her adulterous look.”

• James 4:4 — “Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?”

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Application for Today

• Guard your heart: examine anything that competes with God’s rightful place (Matthew 6:24).

• Remember His covenant love: He redeemed us to be His own (1 Peter 2:9).

• Live distinctly: loyalty to the Lord shapes choices in work, relationships, and worship (Romans 12:1-2).