Ezekiel 16:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus wast thou decked {H5710} with gold {H2091} and silver {H3701}; and thy raiment {H4403} was of fine linen {H8336}{H8336}, and silk {H4897}, and broidered work {H7553}; thou didst eat {H398} fine flour {H5560}, and honey {H1706}, and oil {H8081}: and thou wast exceeding {H3966} beautiful {H3302}, and thou didst prosper {H6743} into a kingdom {H4410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus you were decked out in gold and silver; your clothing was of fine linen, silk and richly embroidered cloth; you ate the finest flour, honey and olive oil. You grew increasingly beautiful - you were fit to be queen.

Berean Standard Bible

So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen.

American Standard Version

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 unto royal estate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:13 stands as a poignant climax within God's extended allegory of Jerusalem, portraying her as an abandoned infant rescued, raised, and lavishly adorned by the Lord Himself. This verse vividly details the unparalleled beauty, opulence, and abundant sustenance God bestowed upon His chosen city, elevating her from utter destitution to a state of magnificent splendor and sovereign prosperity, symbolizing the zenith of Israel's flourishing under divine favor and covenant faithfulness before her tragic descent into idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 unfolds as a powerful and graphic allegory, portraying Jerusalem (representing Israel) as a foundling child discovered in a desolate state, unwashed and abandoned, as described in [Ezekiel 16:4-6](/ezekiel/16-4-6 "Ezekiel 16:4-6 - Jerusalem's Desolate Origin and God's Compassion"). God then enters into a covenant with her, washing, clothing, and adorning her with the finest garments and jewels, transforming her into a queenly bride, as detailed in [Ezekiel 16:7-12](/ezekiel/16-7-12 "Ezekiel 16:7-12 - God's Covenant and Lavish Adornment of Jerusalem"). Verse 13 specifically details the culmination of this divine beautification and provision, highlighting the luxurious materials and rich sustenance that signify Jerusalem's exalted status and prosperity. This verse serves as the peak of the narrative's positive portrayal, setting the stage for the tragic turn where Jerusalem, despite such lavish grace, turns to spiritual prostitution and idolatry, forgetting her divine benefactor, a theme starkly introduced in [Ezekiel 16:15](/ezekiel/16-15 "Ezekiel 16:15 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness and Idolatry").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in [Ezekiel 16:13](/ezekiel/16-13 "Ezekiel 16:13 - God's Lavish Adornment of Jerusalem") draws heavily on ancient Near Eastern customs related to marriage, adoption, and royal status. The "decking" with gold and silver, fine linen, silk, and broidered work speaks to the highest levels of luxury and royal attire, often associated with queens or princesses in that era. Fine linen (Hebrew: *shesh*) was a prized fabric, often reserved for priests and royalty, symbolizing purity and high status, while silk (Hebrew: *meshi*) was an exotic and valuable import, signifying extreme opulence. The diet of "fine flour, honey, and oil" represents a rich and abundant provision, far exceeding basic sustenance and indicative of prosperity and comfort, often found on royal tables. This lavish provision reflects God's desire to elevate Israel among the nations, making her a display of His glory and power, particularly evident during periods of national flourishing like the united monarchy under David and Solomon, when Israel truly "prospered into a kingdom" ([1 Kings 4:20](/1-kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20 - Prosperity under Solomon")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - The Allegory of Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness") and the broader prophetic message of Ezekiel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision and Unmerited Grace**, emphasizing God's boundless generosity and unmerited favor toward Israel. The lavish gifts underscore that Israel's exalted position was not earned but was purely a result of God's covenant love and initiative, as highlighted in [Ezekiel 16:8](/ezekiel/16-8 "Ezekiel 16:8 - God's Covenant Love for Jerusalem"). Another central theme is **Exaltation and Beauty**, as Jerusalem is made "exceeding beautiful" by God's hand, reflecting the glory and honor God intended for His chosen people to display to the world. Finally, the phrase "thou didst prosper into a kingdom" highlights the theme of **Sovereignty and National Destiny**, indicating God's purpose to establish Israel as a prominent and powerful nation among the ancient world, a light to the Gentiles, and a testament to His faithfulness and covenant promises, such as those found in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - Promise to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **decked (Hebrew, _ʻâdâh'_):** From an unused root meaning to advance, i.e., pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e., bring an ornament upon). This word emphasizes God's active and deliberate role in adorning Jerusalem. It signifies a purposeful act of beautification and elevation, suggesting the application of ornaments and finery to transform her appearance and status.
* **beautiful (Hebrew, _yâphâh'_):** A primitive root; properly, to be bright, i.e., (by implication) beautiful. This term highlights the profound aesthetic transformation Jerusalem underwent. It signifies a profound change from a state of desolation to one of radiant attractiveness, directly attributed to God's creative and redemptive work. The accompanying intensive "exceeding" (H3966, *mᵉʼôd*) underscores the extraordinary degree of this divinely bestowed beauty.
* **prosper (Hebrew, _tsâlach'_):** A primitive root; to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive); break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). This word signifies not just material wealth but a successful advancement and flourishing, particularly in the context of achieving a powerful and prominent national entity. It denotes a state of thriving and achieving one's intended purpose, in this case, becoming a recognized and influential kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment [was of] fine linen, and silk, and broidered work":** This clause vividly details the luxurious adornment God bestowed upon Jerusalem. Gold (H2091, *zâhâb*) and silver (H3701, *keçeph*) represent immense wealth, prestige, and royal status. Fine linen (H8336, *shêsh*), silk (H4897, *meshîy*), and broidered work (H7553, *riqmâh*) signify the most exquisite, valuable, and artistically crafted clothing available in the ancient world. This imagery paints a picture of unparalleled royal splendor, transforming the once-naked foundling into a queen, symbolizing God's lavish provision and the immense honor He conferred upon Israel.
* **"thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil":** This part describes the rich and abundant sustenance provided by God. Fine flour (H5560, *çôleth*) was the best quality grain, typically reserved for offerings to God and for the tables of royalty and the wealthy. Honey (H1706, *dᵉbash*) and oil (H8081, *shemen*) were highly valued commodities, symbolizing sweetness, richness, and prosperity, far exceeding basic sustenance. This signifies not just survival, but a life of abundance, comfort, and luxury, a complete reversal from her desolate origins.
* **"and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom":** This final clause summarizes the glorious outcome of God's transformative work. "Exceeding beautiful" (H3302, *yâphâh* with H3966, *mᵉʼôd*) emphasizes the unparalleled aesthetic perfection achieved through divine intervention, making her a wonder to behold. "Prosper into a kingdom" (H6743, *tsâlach* with H4410, *mᵉlûwkâh*) signifies that Jerusalem, through God's blessing, not only became prosperous but achieved national sovereignty, prominence, and political power, fulfilling God's purpose for His chosen people to be a kingdom and a priestly nation among the nations.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:13 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the material blessings—gold, silver, fine linen, silk, broidered work, fine flour, honey, and oil—symbolize God's boundless grace, provision, and the royal status He conferred upon Israel. These are not merely physical items but represent the pinnacle of luxury, sustenance, and honor in the ancient world, signifying the complete transformation from destitution to regal splendor. The entire chapter employs an extended **Allegory**, with Jerusalem personified as a woman, first a foundling child, then a queenly bride. This vivid personification makes the narrative highly relatable and emotionally impactful, allowing the audience to grasp the depth of God's covenant love and the tragic nature of Israel's subsequent betrayal. The phrase "exceeding beautiful" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary degree of transformation and divine aesthetic bestowed upon Jerusalem, highlighting the miraculous nature of God's work in elevating her.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:13 profoundly illustrates God's character as a generous, compassionate, and faithful covenant Lord. It highlights His unmerited grace, demonstrating that Israel's exalted status and prosperity were entirely a gift of divine love, not earned merit or inherent worth. This lavish provision underscores God's desire not merely to sustain His people but to bless them abundantly, elevating them to a position of honor and influence among the nations as a testament to His glory. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that all true beauty, wealth, and success ultimately flow from God's hand. It also foreshadows the tragic human tendency to forget the source of blessings and to turn away from the Giver, a theme that dominates the subsequent verses of [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness"), where Jerusalem's unfaithfulness is starkly contrasted with God's enduring grace and covenant faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 8:17-18](/deuteronomy/8-17-18 "Deuteronomy 8:17-18 - Remembering the Source of Wealth")
* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Righteousness")
* [Hosea 2:8](/hosea/2-8 "Hosea 2:8 - Israel Forgetting God's Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, calling us to reflect deeply on the source of our own blessings, both material and spiritual. Just as God lavishly adorned Jerusalem, He pours out His grace upon us, transforming us from spiritual destitution into children of light, clothed in righteousness and provided for abundantly through Christ. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from above, originating from the benevolent hand of our Heavenly Father. It challenges us to examine whether we, like ancient Israel, might be prone to forgetting God's generosity, taking credit for what He has freely given, or seeking fulfillment in the gifts rather than the Giver. Our appropriate response to God's overwhelming grace should be one of faithful stewardship, humble dependence, and devoted worship, rather than self-reliance, pride, or turning to the idols of our age.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways have I experienced God's "lavish adornment" or abundant provision in my life, both physically and spiritually?**
* **How might I be prone to forgetting the divine source of my blessings and taking credit for what God has freely given, subtly or overtly?**
* **What does it mean for me to "prosper into a kingdom" in a spiritual sense, and how can I steward God's blessings for His glory and the advancement of His eternal purposes?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the specific items mentioned like "fine linen, silk, and broidered work"?**

Answer: The items mentioned in [Ezekiel 16:13](/ezekiel/16-13 "Ezekiel 16:13 - God's Lavish Adornment of Jerusalem")—gold, silver, fine linen, silk, and broidered work—are not arbitrary. They represent the pinnacle of luxury, wealth, and royal status in the ancient Near East. "Fine linen" (Hebrew: *shesh*) was a highly prized fabric, often associated with priestly garments and royalty, denoting purity and high status, as seen in the attire of the high priest in [Exodus 28:39](/exodus/28-39 "Exodus 28:39 - High Priest's Tunic of Fine Linen"). "Silk" (Hebrew: *meshi*) was an exotic and rare import, signifying extreme wealth and opulence, often brought from distant lands. "Broidered work" (Hebrew: *riqmâh*) refers to richly embroidered garments, often with intricate designs and vibrant colors, further enhancing the sense of royal splendor and artistry. Collectively, these items symbolize God's intention to elevate Jerusalem (and by extension, Israel) to a position of unparalleled beauty, honor, and prominence among the nations, transforming her from a desolate foundling into a glorious queen, a display of His power and faithfulness.

**Does "thou didst prosper into a kingdom" imply a literal political kingdom?**

Answer: Yes, "thou didst prosper into a kingdom" (Hebrew: *tsâlach mᵉlûwkâh*) refers to Israel's historical and political elevation to a position of sovereignty and influence. This is not merely a spiritual metaphor but reflects the periods in Israel's history, particularly during the reigns of King David and King Solomon, when the nation achieved significant power, wealth, and territorial expansion, becoming a prominent kingdom in the ancient world. God's covenant with Abraham promised a great nation and kings would come from him ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "Genesis 17:6 - Kings from Abraham")). His covenant with David established an eternal dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - Davidic Covenant")). Thus, the phrase in [Ezekiel 16:13](/ezekiel/16-13 "Ezekiel 16:13 - God's Lavish Adornment of Jerusalem") speaks to the historical fulfillment of these promises, where God actively enabled Israel to thrive and establish itself as a powerful kingdom, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant people and His overarching plan for their national destiny.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:13, while describing God's lavish provision for Old Testament Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The "exceeding beauty" and "prosperity into a kingdom" bestowed upon Jerusalem foreshadow the spiritual transformation and royal status granted to believers through Christ. We, who were once spiritually "dead in trespasses and sins" ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")) and utterly destitute, are found by God in our desolate state and, through His unmerited grace, are cleansed, clothed in the righteousness of Christ ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Righteousness")), and adorned with the imperishable spiritual riches of His kingdom. The gold, silver, fine linen, and silk symbolize the precious and eternal spiritual blessings we receive in Christ: His divine nature, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life and glory. We are made "beautiful" in God's sight, not by our own merit or works, but by His grace through faith, becoming part of a "royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race and Royal Priesthood"))—a spiritual kingdom that prospers eternally in Him. The ultimate "fine flour, honey, and oil" is Christ Himself, the true Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the source of living water, who nourishes us for eternal life and spiritual abundance, fulfilling God's promise to provide ultimate sustenance and flourishing to His people. This divine beautification and exaltation culminate in the Church, the Bride of Christ, presented without stain or wrinkle, glorious and holy ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")).

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

Deuteronomy 32:13

He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

Deuteronomy 32:14

Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

Psalms 50:2

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

1 Kings 4:21

And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Psalms 48:2

Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

Psalms 45:13

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

Psalms 45:14

She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.