What is the meaning of Ezekiel 23:35? Therefore - This single word links God’s verdict to everything Ezekiel has just exposed about Samaria (Oholah) and Jerusalem (Oholibah). Judgment is never random; it flows from clear, documented rebellion (Ezekiel 23:1-34). - It signals a turning point: patient warnings have ended, and divine action follows. Compare the same pivot in Romans 2:2—“We know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.” This is what the Lord GOD says - The double title underscores absolute authority: “Lord” (Master) and “GOD” (Yahweh, covenant name). Every verdict, promise, or mercy stands on His unchallenged sovereignty (Isaiah 46:9-10). - In Amos 3:8 the prophet declares, “The Lord GOD has spoken—who can but prophesy?” Ezekiel is simply relaying the King’s decree, not offering personal opinion. Because you have forgotten Me - Spiritual amnesia opens the door to every other sin. Israel neglected God’s mighty acts, His covenant, and His daily provision. Deuteronomy 8:11 warns, “Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God.” - Forgetting in Scripture is willful, not accidental. Jeremiah 2:32 pictures a bride abandoning her wedding attire: “Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.” And have cast Me behind your back - More than forgetting, this is deliberate rejection—tossing God aside to pursue idols. 2 Kings 17:15 says they “followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless.” - Nehemiah 9:26 laments, “They threw Your Law behind their backs,” showing contempt for God’s voice. The image is of shoving Him out of sight so conscience won’t interfere. You must bear the consequences - Divine justice requires that choices carry weight. Galatians 6:7 echoes the principle: “God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” - Ezekiel 18:30 affirms personal responsibility: “I will judge each of you according to his ways… Repent and turn.” Mercy is available, but if refused, the sentence stands. Of your indecency and prostitution - “Indecency” highlights shameless acts; “prostitution” pictures covenant infidelity. Israel traded exclusive devotion for alliances with pagan nations and gods (Jeremiah 3:6; Hosea 4:12). - James 4:4 applies the metaphor to believers today: “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.” Spiritual adultery is as serious now as then. summary Ezekiel 23:35 delivers God’s final word to a people who chose oblivion over obedience. Forgetting Him led to outright rejection; rejection invited moral and spiritual corruption; corruption demanded just consequences. The verse is a sober reminder that our covenant-keeping God will not be treated casually. He longs for wholehearted faithfulness, and when we push Him behind our backs, we must face the results of that decision. |
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