Ezekiel 23:20

and lusted after their lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of stallions.

Study Bible

She lusted after their lovers
This phrase highlights the intense and unrestrained desire that the Israelites had for the idolatrous practices and alliances with foreign nations. The Hebrew root for "lusted" is "עָגַב" (agab), which conveys a sense of passionate longing or infatuation. Historically, Israel's repeated turning to other nations for political and military alliances, instead of relying on God, is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. This phrase serves as a metaphor for spiritual adultery, where Israel's covenant relationship with God is compromised by their pursuit of pagan practices.

Whose genitals were like those of donkeys
This vivid imagery is used to describe the perceived power and allure of the foreign nations that Israel pursued. In the ancient Near Eastern context, donkeys were often symbols of strength and virility. The use of such graphic language underscores the extent of Israel's infidelity and the depth of their spiritual corruption. It serves as a stark reminder of how far they had strayed from their covenant with God, choosing instead to be captivated by the apparent might and allure of other nations.

And whose emission was like that of stallions
The comparison to stallions further emphasizes the excessive and unrestrained nature of Israel's idolatry. Stallions, known for their vigor and potency, symbolize the overwhelming and consuming nature of the sinful practices that Israel engaged in. This phrase highlights the futility and destructiveness of seeking fulfillment outside of God's provision and design. In a broader scriptural context, it serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing worldly desires to overshadow one's commitment to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Oholah and Oholibah
These are symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. They are depicted as two sisters who engage in idolatry and unfaithfulness to God.

2. Assyrians and Babylonians
These nations are the foreign lovers with whom Israel and Judah commit spiritual adultery. They symbolize the political alliances and idolatrous practices that the Israelites pursued instead of remaining faithful to God.

3. Ezekiel
The prophet who delivers God's message of judgment and calls for repentance. He uses vivid and shocking imagery to convey the seriousness of Israel's unfaithfulness.

4. Idolatry
The central sin being addressed, where Israel and Judah turn away from God to worship idols and form alliances with pagan nations.

5. Judgment
The consequence of Israel and Judah's unfaithfulness, leading to their eventual downfall and exile.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but includes anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. We must examine our lives for modern-day idols.

Faithfulness to God
Just as a marriage requires fidelity, our relationship with God demands our exclusive devotion. We are called to be faithful in our worship and obedience.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness
The vivid imagery in Ezekiel serves as a warning of the severe consequences of turning away from God. It reminds us that sin leads to spiritual and sometimes physical destruction.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite the harsh judgment, God's desire is for His people to return to Him. Repentance opens the door to restoration and renewed relationship with God.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Ezekiel are God's messengers, calling His people back to righteousness. We should heed the warnings and teachings of Scripture as God's guidance for our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What modern-day idols might we be tempted to pursue, and how can we guard against them in our lives?

2. How does the imagery used in Ezekiel 23:20 help us understand the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness to God in our daily lives, similar to the faithfulness expected in a marriage?

4. How do the themes of judgment and repentance in Ezekiel 23 relate to the message of the Gospel?

5. What role do you think prophetic warnings play in our spiritual growth, and how can we apply them to our current context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 3
This chapter also uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness and adultery to describe Israel's idolatry, emphasizing God's call for repentance.

Hosea 2
Hosea's marriage to Gomer is a living parable of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's enduring love, paralleling the themes in Ezekiel 23.

Revelation 17
The imagery of the harlot in Revelation draws on the Old Testament symbolism of spiritual adultery, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God.