Ezekiel 23:45

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.

Study Bible

But righteous men will sentence them
In the context of Ezekiel 23, the "righteous men" refer to those who uphold God's law and justice. This phrase suggests a divine judgment executed through human agents. In biblical history, God often used nations or leaders to carry out His judgments, as seen with the Assyrians and Babylonians. The concept of righteous judgment aligns with passages like Proverbs 21:15, which speaks of justice bringing joy to the righteous.

to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed
Adultery and bloodshed are serious offenses in the biblical law, both punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10, Numbers 35:33). In Ezekiel 23, these sins symbolize Israel and Judah's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, equated with adultery, and their violence and injustice, equated with bloodshed. The punishment reflects the severity of their covenant breach with God, reminiscent of the consequences outlined in Deuteronomy 28 for disobedience.

because they are adulteresses
The imagery of adultery is frequently used in the Bible to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God (Jeremiah 3:8-9, Hosea 2:2). This metaphor highlights the intimate covenant relationship between God and His people, akin to a marriage. Their pursuit of other gods and alliances with foreign nations is seen as spiritual infidelity, breaking the first commandment (Exodus 20:3).

with blood on their hands
This phrase indicates guilt and responsibility for violence and injustice. In biblical terms, having "blood on their hands" signifies culpability for murder or oppression (Isaiah 59:3). It underscores the moral and ethical corruption of the people, who have not only turned from God but have also engaged in acts that defile the land and violate His commandments. This imagery is echoed in Psalm 106:38, where the shedding of innocent blood is condemned.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. Oholah and Oholibah
Symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively, representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. They are depicted as sisters who commit spiritual adultery by worshiping idols and forming alliances with pagan nations.

3. Righteous Men
Individuals who uphold God's standards and execute His judgments. In this context, they are tasked with delivering God's sentence upon the unfaithful.

4. Adultery and Bloodshed
Metaphors for Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and their involvement in violent acts, including child sacrifice and unjust killings.

5. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon as a consequence of their persistent disobedience and idolatry.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Spiritual Adultery
Spiritual unfaithfulness is akin to adultery in God's eyes. Just as marital infidelity breaks a covenant, idolatry breaks our covenant with God.

The Role of Righteous Judgment
God appoints righteous individuals to execute His judgments. This reminds us of the importance of upholding God's standards in our communities.

Consequences of Sin
Sin, particularly idolatry and violence, leads to severe consequences. We must be vigilant in our walk with God to avoid such pitfalls.

Repentance and Restoration
While judgment is pronounced, God's desire is for repentance and restoration. We should seek God's forgiveness and turn from our sinful ways.

The Call to Holiness
As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart from the world. This involves rejecting idolatry and embracing God's commandments.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of adultery in Ezekiel 23:45 help us understand the nature of Israel's sin?

2. In what ways can we identify and avoid modern forms of idolatry in our lives?

3. How does the role of "righteous men" in executing judgment challenge us to uphold God's standards today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we remain faithful to God amidst a culture that often promotes spiritual unfaithfulness?

5. How can the themes of judgment and repentance in Ezekiel 23:45 inspire us to seek God's mercy and strive for holiness in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 20:10
This verse outlines the punishment for adultery, which is death. It connects to Ezekiel 23:45 by highlighting the severity of spiritual adultery.

Jeremiah 3:8
Jeremiah speaks of Israel's spiritual adultery and God's response, paralleling Ezekiel's message of judgment.

Revelation 17:1-6
The imagery of a harlot representing a corrupt city or system echoes the symbolism of Oholah and Oholibah, showing the continuity of this theme in Scripture.