Ezekiel 16:10

KJV

I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk.

KJV (with Strong's)

I clothed {H3847} thee also with broidered work {H7553}, and shod {H5274} thee with badgers' skin {H8476}, and I girded {H2280} thee about with fine linen {H8336}, and I covered {H3680} thee with silk {H4897}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I also clothed you with an embroidered gown, gave you fine leather sandals to wear, put a fine linen headband on your head and covered you with silk.

Berean Standard Bible

I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk.

American Standard Version

I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with sealskin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and covered thee with silk.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:10 is a pivotal moment within God's extended allegory, vividly portraying Jerusalem (symbolizing Israel) as an abandoned infant rescued and lavishly adorned by divine grace. This verse specifically details the opulent garments and adornments God bestowed upon her, symbolizing the immense blessings, dignity, and elevated status He granted His chosen people. It underscores God's boundless grace, transformative power, and covenant faithfulness, setting the stage for the subsequent tragic account of Israel's profound unfaithfulness despite such extraordinary favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 16 unfolds as a powerful and extended allegory, portraying Jerusalem as a foundling, abandoned and left to die, whom God discovers, cleanses, nurtures, and ultimately takes as His bride. The preceding verses establish this dramatic rescue: God finds her in a desolate, blood-soaked state, declaring, "Live!" ([Ezekiel 16:6](/ezekiel/16-6 "Ezekiel 16:6 - God Finds Jerusalem and Commands Her to Live")). He then enters into a covenant with her, signifying His commitment and love, stating, "I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine" ([Ezekiel 16:8](/ezekiel/16-8 "Ezekiel 16:8 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem")). Verse 10 is an integral part of the subsequent description of her lavish adornment, which elevates her from destitution to royal splendor, making her "exceeding beautiful" ([Ezekiel 16:13](/ezekiel/16-13 "Ezekiel 16:13 - Jerusalem's Exceeding Beauty")). This detailed account of divine provision serves as a stark and poignant contrast to the subsequent narrative of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry and idolatry, highlighting the magnitude of her betrayal against such immense and unmerited grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the act of adopting and adorning a foundling was a powerful symbol of elevation from destitution to dignity and status. The specific items mentioned in Ezekiel 16:10—broidered work, badgers' skin shoes, fine linen, and silk—were not merely practical garments but potent symbols of wealth, royalty, and high social standing. **Broidered work** (Hebrew: *riqmâh*) indicated intricate craftsmanship and luxury, often reserved for nobility or sacred purposes. **"Badgers' skin"** (Hebrew: *tachash*) was a durable and valuable leather, notably used for the outer covering of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 26:14](/exodus/26-14 "Exodus 26:14 - Tabernacle Coverings")), signifying both resilience and sacredness. **Fine linen** (*shêsh*) was a highly prized fabric, associated with priestly garments and royalty, denoting purity, high value, and often worn by figures like Pharaoh's chief minister ([Genesis 41:42](/genesis/41-42 "Genesis 41:42 - Joseph Clothed in Fine Linen")). **Silk** (*meshîy*) was an exotic and extremely expensive fabric, likely imported from distant lands, emphasizing the unparalleled opulence of God's gifts. These adornments collectively communicated a profound transformation from utter disgrace to unparalleled honor and renown in the eyes of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 16:10 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the chapter and the broader book of Ezekiel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision and Abundance**, showcasing God's incredible generosity and His desire to bless His people beyond mere survival, elevating them to a position of honor and beauty. This verse also highlights **Covenant Blessings**, as these luxurious gifts are a tangible manifestation of the blessings that flowed from God's covenant relationship with Israel, positioning her as His special treasure and a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Transformation from Destitution to Dignity**, as God takes a despised and abandoned entity and bestows upon her a splendor that makes her renowned among the nations, as stated in [Ezekiel 16:14](/ezekiel/16-14 "Ezekiel 16:14 - Jerusalem's Fame Among the Nations")). This serves as a foundational premise against which Israel's subsequent unfaithfulness and spiritual harlotry are tragically measured, emphasizing the depth of her ingratitude.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **clothed (Hebrew, _lâbash'_):** From H3847, a primitive root meaning "to wrap around," or "to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively." This word emphasizes God's direct and active role in adorning Jerusalem. It signifies not merely a superficial covering but an act of bestowing identity, status, and protection through the garments, transforming her outward appearance and perceived worth.
* **broidered work (Hebrew, _riqmâh'_):** From H7553, meaning "variegation of color" or "embroidery." This term denotes garments of intricate design and rich, diverse colors, indicating high craftsmanship, luxury, and artistic value. It speaks to the beauty, detailed care, and personal investment God made in Jerusalem's adornment, making her visually stunning and distinct among other nations.
* **silk (Hebrew, _meshîy'_):
From H4897, meaning "silk (as drawn from the cocoon)." This refers to a highly prized, luxurious, and expensive fabric, likely an imported commodity of immense value. Its inclusion signifies the ultimate level of opulence and preciousness of the covering God provided, underscoring the unparalleled favor and wealth bestowed upon Jerusalem, elevating her to a position of regal splendor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I clothed thee also with broidered work":** This initial clause emphasizes God's personal initiative and lavish generosity in providing the first layer of luxurious clothing. "Broidered work" signifies garments of exquisite craftsmanship and vibrant, intricate patterns, immediately elevating Jerusalem's status from a naked, abandoned infant to one adorned with rich, artistic splendor, a mark of royalty and high esteem.
* **"and shod thee with badgers' skin":** God's provision extends to footwear, which in ancient times was a mark of status, protection, and readiness for movement. "Badgers' skin" (or *tachash* leather) was a durable and valuable material, often associated with sacred items like the Tabernacle's coverings. This detail highlights not only the preciousness but also the practical care and resilience God provided, ensuring her steps were protected and dignified, enabling her to walk in honor.
* **"and I girded thee about with fine linen":** The act of "girding" implies securing and preparing for activity, while "fine linen" (*shêsh*) was a fabric of purity, wealth, and high status, often worn by priests and royalty. This suggests God not only adorned her outwardly but also provided an inner garment of purity and readiness, signifying her elevated position and perhaps her intended role in His service, prepared for a life of dignity and purpose.
* **"and I covered thee with silk":** This final clause describes the outermost and most luxurious covering. "Silk" was an exotic and extremely valuable fabric, symbolizing the ultimate opulence and preciousness of God's provision. It completes the picture of Jerusalem's transformation into a figure of unparalleled beauty, wealth, and regal dignity, fully arrayed in divine splendor, making her a spectacle of God's grace to all who beheld her.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:10 is rich with **Symbolism**, where each item of clothing—broidered work, badgers' skin, fine linen, and silk—serves as a tangible representation of the spiritual and material blessings God bestowed upon Israel. These are not merely garments but potent symbols of dignity, wealth, purity, and the elevated status God granted His people. The entire chapter functions as an extended **Allegory**, with Jerusalem personified as a woman, allowing for a deeply emotional and vivid portrayal of God's relationship with Israel, making the abstract concept of divine covenant and national history relatable and impactful. The lavishness described in the verse employs a degree of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of God's generosity and the extent of His transforming grace. This dramatic exaggeration serves to highlight the stark contrast between Israel's initial destitution and her divinely appointed splendor, making her subsequent unfaithfulness all the more egregious and inexcusable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:10 profoundly illustrates the initiating and transformative grace of God. It is a powerful theological statement about divine election and covenant faithfulness, showing that God's love and provision for His people are not earned but flow entirely from His sovereign choice and abundant mercy. The adornment of Jerusalem symbolizes God's desire to bless His chosen people with dignity, beauty, and a place of honor among the nations. This physical beautification foreshadows the spiritual adornment God provides for His people, transforming them from spiritual nakedness and destitution into righteousness and glory through His grace, preparing them for a life of purpose and communion with Him.

* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Righteousness")
* [Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - The Bride's Fine Linen of Righteousness")
* [Zechariah 3:4](/zechariah/3-4 "Zechariah 3:4 - Clean Garments for Joshua the High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:10 serves as a profound reminder of God's boundless grace and the depth of His love for His people. It challenges us to recognize that our spiritual standing, our dignity, and any beauty we possess in God's eyes are not self-generated but are entirely the result of His gracious initiative. Just as God found Jerusalem in her desolate state and lavished her with splendor, so too does He find us in our spiritual nakedness and adorn us with His righteousness and blessings. This passage calls us to a deep sense of gratitude, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. However, the broader context of Ezekiel 16 also serves as a sober warning: despite such lavish blessings, Jerusalem became proud and unfaithful, misusing God's gifts for idolatry. This compels us to examine our own hearts, ensuring we do not take God's grace for granted or use His blessings for selfish or unholy purposes. Instead, we are called to live in humble gratitude, faithfully stewarding His gifts, and remembering the true source of all our spiritual and material adornment, living lives that reflect His glory rather than our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezekiel 16:10 challenge our understanding of God's grace and His initiative in our salvation and spiritual transformation?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Israel, be tempted to take God's blessings for granted or use them for self-glory rather than for His glory?**
* **Considering the spiritual "garments" God provides, how can we cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and humility in our daily lives and faithfully steward His gifts?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the specific materials mentioned in Ezekiel 16:10?**

Answer: The materials mentioned—broidered work, badgers' skin, fine linen, and silk—were highly significant in the ancient world, symbolizing immense wealth, high status, and even sacredness. "Broidered work" (Hebrew: *riqmâh*) indicated intricate, multi-colored embroidery, a mark of luxury and artistry often associated with royalty and priestly garments. "Badgers' skin" (Hebrew: *tachash*) referred to a durable, fine leather, possibly from a marine mammal or a specially processed hide, notably used for the outer covering of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 26:14](/exodus/26-14 "Exodus 26:14 - Tabernacle Coverings")), signifying both resilience and sacred value. "Fine linen" (Hebrew: *shêsh*) was a prized fabric, associated with purity and worn by priests and royalty, indicating high social standing and often used in sacred contexts. "Silk" (Hebrew: *meshîy*) was an extremely rare and expensive import, representing the pinnacle of opulence and exotic luxury. Together, these materials underscore the unparalleled and extravagant nature of God's provision, transforming Jerusalem from an outcast into a figure of regal splendor and beauty, a testament to His abundant grace.

**How does this verse relate to God's covenant with Israel?**

Answer: Ezekiel 16:10 is a powerful illustration of the blessings and privileges that flowed directly from God's covenant relationship with Israel. After finding Jerusalem in a state of utter destitution and entering into a covenant with her, declaring, "I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine" ([Ezekiel 16:8](/ezekiel/16-8 "Ezekiel 16:8 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem")), God proceeds to adorn her with these lavish garments. These adornments symbolize the elevated status, dignity, and unique identity God bestowed upon Israel as His chosen people and His covenant bride. They represent the spiritual and material blessings, protection, and honor that were a direct result of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The verse highlights that Israel's exalted position among the nations was not due to her own merit or works, but solely to God's gracious initiative and covenant love, making her a display of His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:10, with its depiction of God's lavish adornment of Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and His relationship with the Church. Just as God found Jerusalem in her nakedness and clothed her with splendor, so too does Christ find humanity in its spiritual destitution, nakedness, and sin, and through His atoning sacrifice, He clothes believers with His perfect righteousness. We are called to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" ([Romans 13:14](/romans/13-14 "Romans 13:14 - Put on the Lord Jesus Christ")), effectively being "clothed with Christ" through baptism and faith ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ in Baptism")). The Church, as the bride of Christ, is being prepared and adorned by Him, not with earthly finery, but with "fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints" ([Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - The Bride's Fine Linen")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), provides the ultimate "garments of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Righteousness")), transforming us from outcasts into a "royal priesthood, an holy nation" ([1_peter/2-9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood and Holy Nation")), making us beautiful and blameless before God, "without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Glorious Church")). Thus, the physical adornment in Ezekiel foreshadows the spiritual beautification and elevation of believers in union with Christ, the true source of all our dignity, glory, and eternal worth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 16:13

Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment [was of] fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.

Ezekiel 16:18

And tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them: and thou hast set mine oil and mine incense before them.

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Exodus 26:36

And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

Ezekiel 27:16

Syria [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

Genesis 41:42

And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

Psalms 45:13

The king's daughter [is] all glorious within: her clothing [is] of wrought gold.