Ezekiel 23:9

Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians for whom she lusted.

Study Bible

Therefore I delivered her
The phrase "Therefore I delivered her" signifies a divine judgment and action taken by God. The Hebrew root for "delivered" is "נָתַן" (nathan), which means to give, to hand over, or to allow. This indicates a purposeful and sovereign act by God, emphasizing His control over the events. In the context of Ezekiel, this delivery is a consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness, symbolized by the allegory of the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representing Samaria and Jerusalem. The use of "delivered" underscores the seriousness of Israel's spiritual adultery and God's righteous response.

into the hand of her lovers
The "hand" in Hebrew, "יָד" (yad), often symbolizes power or control. "Lovers" here is a metaphor for the foreign nations with whom Israel formed alliances, contrary to God's commands. Historically, these alliances were political and military, but spiritually, they represented Israel's infidelity to God. The term "lovers" is used ironically, as these nations ultimately became oppressors rather than protectors. This phrase highlights the futility and danger of relying on worldly powers instead of trusting in God.

the Assyrians
The Assyrians were a dominant empire during the time of Ezekiel, known for their military prowess and expansionist policies. Archaeological findings, such as the annals of Assyrian kings, provide insight into their interactions with Israel and Judah. The Assyrians are often depicted in the Bible as instruments of God's judgment against His people for their disobedience. This historical context underscores the reality of the threat they posed and the consequences of Israel's alliances with them.

for whom she lusted
The word "lusted" in Hebrew is "עָגַב" (agab), which conveys a sense of strong desire or infatuation. This term is used to describe Israel's idolatrous attraction to foreign nations and their gods. It reflects a deep-seated spiritual corruption and a turning away from the covenant relationship with God. The use of "lusted" emphasizes the intensity and inappropriateness of Israel's desires, drawing a parallel to the unfaithfulness in a marriage covenant. This serves as a warning against the dangers of spiritual adultery and the importance of remaining faithful to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Oholah and Oholibah
Symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. Oholah (Samaria) is the focus in this verse.

2. Assyrians
A powerful empire known for its military might and cruelty, which God used as an instrument of judgment against Israel.

3. God's Judgment
The act of God delivering Oholah into the hands of her lovers signifies His judgment due to her unfaithfulness and idolatry.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Adultery
Just as Oholah lusted after the Assyrians, believers must guard against spiritual adultery by remaining faithful to God and avoiding idolatry.

Consequences of Sin
This passage serves as a sobering reminder that sin has consequences, and God's judgment is a reality for persistent unfaithfulness.

God's Sovereignty
Even in judgment, God is sovereign, using nations like Assyria to accomplish His purposes. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan and justice.

Call to Repentance
The account of Oholah is a call to repentance, urging believers to turn away from sin and return to a faithful relationship with God.

Faithfulness in Relationships
The imagery of unfaithfulness in marriage can be applied to human relationships, emphasizing the importance of fidelity and trust.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of Oholah's unfaithfulness challenge us to examine our own spiritual fidelity to God?

2. In what ways can we identify modern-day "Assyrians" that tempt us away from our commitment to God?

3. How does understanding the historical context of Assyria's conquest of Samaria enhance our interpretation of Ezekiel 23:9?

4. What lessons can we learn from God's use of other nations to execute judgment, and how does this apply to our understanding of current world events?

5. How can we apply the call to repentance found in Ezekiel 23 to our personal lives and communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 17
This chapter details the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians, providing historical context to the prophetic imagery in Ezekiel.

Hosea 2
Hosea uses similar imagery of unfaithfulness and judgment, emphasizing God's relationship with Israel as a covenant marriage.

Jeremiah 3
Jeremiah speaks of Israel's spiritual adultery and God's call for repentance, paralleling the themes in Ezekiel 23.