Ezekiel 16:19

KJV

My meat also which I gave thee, fine flour, and oil, and honey, [wherewith] I fed thee, thou hast even set it before them for a sweet savour: and [thus] it was, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

My meat {H3899} also which I gave {H5414} thee, fine flour {H5560}, and oil {H8081}, and honey {H1706}, wherewith I fed {H398} thee, thou hast even set {H5414} it before {H6440} them for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381}: and thus it was, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and you took my food, which I had given you - my fine flour, olive oil and honey, that I had given you to eat - and set it in front of them to give a pleasant aroma. That is how it was,' says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

And you set before them as a pleasing aroma the food I had given you—the fine flour, oil, and honey that I had fed you. That is what happened, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

My bread also which I gave thee, fine flour, and oil, and honey, wherewith I fed thee, thou didst even set it before them for a sweet savor; and thus it was, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:19 stands as a stark indictment within God's allegorical portrayal of Jerusalem (representing Israel) as an unfaithful bride. This verse powerfully exposes the depth of Israel's spiritual infidelity and profound ingratitude, revealing how she took the very provisions and blessings lavishly bestowed upon her by God—symbolized by fine flour, oil, and honey—and perversely offered them as idolatrous sacrifices to false gods, thereby defiling what was sacred and betraying her covenant Husband.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 is a profound and extended allegory detailing God's relationship with Jerusalem, personified as a foundling child rescued, nurtured, and adorned by God, eventually becoming His beautiful bride. Verses 1-14 meticulously describe God's lavish care, provision, and covenant commitment to Jerusalem, highlighting her transformation from an abandoned infant into a queen. This sets the stage for the shocking betrayal that follows. Verse 19 directly builds upon the description of God's abundant provision (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:10-14](/ezekiel/16-10 "Ezekiel 16:10-14 - God's Lavish Adornment of Jerusalem")), making Israel's sin of idolatry all the more heinous. It is not merely disobedience, but the audacious act of taking God's own gifts—intended for her sustenance and His glory—and offering them to detestable idols, twisting the very essence of worship into an act of spiritual prostitution. The verse underscores the climax of her unfaithfulness, demonstrating the ultimate perversion of divine grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile, a period when the people of Judah were grappling with the consequences of their long history of covenant breaking and idolatry. The imagery in Ezekiel 16 resonates deeply with ancient Near Eastern customs of marriage, adoption, and covenant treaties. Israel's spiritual harlotry was not merely a theological concept but manifested in literal practices of idol worship, including the veneration of Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah, and even the horrific child sacrifices to Molech (e.g., [Ezekiel 16:20-21](/ezekiel/16-20 "Ezekiel 16:20-21 - Child Sacrifice to Idols")). The "fine flour, oil, and honey" were staple provisions and symbols of agricultural prosperity, often used in legitimate offerings to Yahweh. By offering these to other gods, Israel engaged in syncretism and outright apostasy, violating the first commandment. The cultural understanding of "sweet savour" for offerings (as seen in legitimate worship) makes its application here to idolatrous acts a powerful statement of perversion and God's righteous indignation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Grace**, emphasizing that Israel's sustenance and prosperity were entirely gifts from Yahweh, not earned or derived from pagan deities. Secondly, it highlights **Profound Ingratitude and Betrayal**, as Israel's sin is depicted not just as disobedience but as a direct affront to the covenant relationship, a betrayal of the Husband who rescued and provided for her. This betrayal is a recurring motif in the prophets (e.g., [Hosea 2](/hosea/2 "Hosea 2 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and God's Restoration")). Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays **Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry**, using the metaphor of prostitution to describe Israel's pursuit of false gods and foreign alliances. The act of offering God's provisions to idols for a "sweet savour" is the epitome of this spiritual harlotry, a perversion of true worship (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:6-9](/jeremiah/3-6 "Jeremiah 3:6-9 - Israel's Spiritual Harlotry")). Finally, the concluding phrase, "saith the Lord GOD," emphasizes **God's Solemn Accusation and Unquestionable Authority**, affirming the truth and severity of Israel's transgression and leaving no room for denial or excuse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **meat (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** This term, while often translated as "bread," broadly refers to "food" or "sustenance" for man or beast. In this context, "My meat" emphasizes God's ownership and the fact that the very provisions Israel consumed and enjoyed—the fine flour, oil, and honey—were directly from His hand, underscoring His role as the sole provider. The use of this common term for basic sustenance highlights the fundamental nature of God's gifts.
* **fed (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to eat" (literally or figuratively), "to consume," or "to feed." Here, it explicitly states that God Himself was the one who "fed thee," reinforcing the intimate and direct nature of His provision. It signifies a nurturing, life-sustaining relationship that Israel then utterly perverted by offering these very provisions to idols, effectively "feeding" them with God's own sustenance.
* **sweet savour (Hebrew, _nîychôwach'_ and _rêyach'_):** The phrase combines _rêyach_ (odor, scent, smell) with _nîychôwach_ (properly, restful; abstractly, delight; sweet odour). In numerous Old Testament contexts, "sweet savour" (or "pleasing aroma") describes an offering that is acceptable and pleasing to God, signifying a sacrifice made in obedience and faith (e.g., [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Offering") after the flood). Its use in Ezekiel 16:19 is deeply ironic and damning. Israel took God's provisions, meant to sustain her and perhaps be offered back to Him in thanks, and presented them as a "pleasing aroma" to pagan deities. This highlights the absolute perversion of worship and the audacious nature of her spiritual betrayal, turning an act of devotion into an act of abomination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My meat also which I gave thee, fine flour, and oil, and honey, [wherewith] I fed thee":** This opening clause meticulously details God's generous and personal provision. The repetition of "I gave thee" and "I fed thee" emphasizes God's direct involvement and ownership of these life-sustaining elements. "Fine flour, and oil, and honey" represent the staples of a prosperous and abundant life in ancient Israel, signifying not just basic sustenance but a lavish supply, far beyond mere survival. This highlights the immense grace extended to Israel, setting the stage for the profound ingratitude that follows.
* **"thou hast even set it before them for a sweet savour":** This is the core of the indictment. "Thou hast even set it before them" refers to Israel's act of offering these divinely provided gifts to "them," meaning the idols or pagan gods. The phrase "for a sweet savour" is employed with biting irony. What should have been an offering pleasing to Yahweh, or simply sustenance for His people, was instead offered as a pleasing aroma to false gods. This act represents the ultimate perversion of worship and a blatant act of spiritual adultery, where God's own blessings are used to honor His rivals.
* **"and [thus] it was, saith the Lord GOD":** This concluding phrase serves as a divine affirmation and solemn declaration. "Saith the Lord GOD" (Hebrew: _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih_) is a powerful formula of divine authority, indicating that this accusation is not merely a prophet's lament but the undeniable, authoritative word of the sovereign God. It underscores the certainty and severity of Israel's transgression, leaving no room for denial or mitigation of their guilt. It is a pronouncement of judgment based on undeniable facts.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The entire chapter functions as an **Allegory**, where Jerusalem is personified as an unfaithful bride, and her actions represent the nation of Israel's spiritual infidelity to God. Within this allegory, the verse employs powerful **Irony** through the phrase "sweet savour." In other biblical contexts, this term denotes an offering pleasing to God, but here, it is used for offerings to idols, highlighting the perverse and abominable nature of Israel's worship. The **Personification** of Jerusalem as a woman who takes her Husband's gifts and offers them to lovers vividly conveys the depth of betrayal. Furthermore, the detailed enumeration of "fine flour, and oil, and honey" serves as **Synecdoche**, where these specific provisions represent the entirety of God's lavish care and blessing bestowed upon Israel, making her subsequent ingratitude all the more shocking. The direct address "thou hast" also functions as a powerful **Apostrophe**, directly accusing Jerusalem and emphasizing her personal culpability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:19 profoundly illustrates the nature of covenant infidelity and the abhorrence of idolatry in God's eyes. It reveals that Israel's sin was not merely a failure to obey a set of rules, but a deeply personal betrayal of a relationship founded on God's unconditional love and lavish provision. The theological implication is clear: God's gifts are meant to draw His people into deeper worship and dependence on Him, not to be diverted for self-gratification or the veneration of false gods. This verse underscores God's holiness, His jealousy for His exclusive worship, and the severe consequences of spiritual harlotry. It serves as a timeless reminder that true worship involves acknowledging God as the sole source of all blessings and directing all gratitude and devotion back to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 32:15](/deuteronomy/32-15 "Deuteronomy 32:15 - Jeshurun Grew Fat and Kicked")
* [Hosea 2:8](/hosea/2-8 "Hosea 2:8 - Israel Did Not Know God Was Her Provider")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Exchange of God's Glory for Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:19 serves as a potent mirror for believers today, challenging us to introspectively examine our own lives and priorities. Just as God provided abundantly for Israel, He continues to pour out His grace and blessings upon us—our talents, resources, time, relationships, and even our very breath. The critical question for us is how we are stewarding these divine gifts. Are we, like ancient Israel, subtly or overtly diverting God's provisions towards "idols" in our modern context? These idols might not be statues, but rather materialism, career advancement, social status, self-gratification, entertainment, or even spiritual pursuits that subtly replace God with our own desires or achievements. This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our affections, reminding us that true worship is not merely about what we do on Sunday, but how we use every aspect of our lives—every "fine flour, oil, and honey"—to honor the One who provides all. It's a call to profound gratitude and unwavering faithfulness, ensuring that our ultimate devotion and thanksgiving are directed solely to the Lord, who is our life and our all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I identify "my meat... which I gave thee" in my own life today, recognizing God's specific provisions and blessings?**
* **In what ways might I be, subtly or overtly, setting God's blessings before "them" (modern idols like wealth, comfort, reputation, or self-worship) for a "sweet savour"?**
* **What does Ezekiel 16:19 teach me about the true nature of worship, and how can I cultivate a heart of unwavering gratitude and faithfulness in response to God's grace?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of 'sweet savour' in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "sweet savour" (Hebrew: _rêyach nîychôwach_) typically describes an offering that is pleasing or acceptable to God, signifying a sacrifice made in obedience and faith (e.g., [Noah's offering in Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Offering")). In Ezekiel 16:19, its use is profoundly ironic and damning. Israel took the very provisions given by God, meant to sustain her and perhaps be offered back to Him in thanks, and instead presented them as a "pleasing aroma" to pagan idols. This highlights the absolute perversion of worship and the audacious nature of her spiritual betrayal, turning an act of devotion into an act of abomination. It underscores the depth of her ingratitude and the severity of her spiritual harlotry.

**How does this verse relate to God's character?**

Answer: This verse reveals several aspects of God's character. Firstly, it showcases His **boundless generosity and provision**, as He lavished Israel with sustenance and blessings. Secondly, it highlights His **holiness and righteous indignation** against idolatry and unfaithfulness. God is a jealous God who will not share His glory with another (e.g., [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God Will Not Give His Glory to Another")). Thirdly, it demonstrates His **covenant faithfulness**, even in His judgment, as He holds His people accountable to the terms of the covenant He graciously established with them (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Finally, it underscores His **authority** as "the Lord GOD," whose pronouncements are certain and whose justice is unwavering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:19, with its vivid portrayal of Israel's unfaithfulness and perversion of God's gifts, finds its ultimate resolution and reversal in Jesus Christ. While Israel, the unfaithful bride, took God's provisions and offered them to idols, Jesus, the true Israel and the perfectly obedient Son, perfectly lived out a life of complete dependence on and devotion to the Father. He is the ultimate "meat" or provision from God, the "bread of life" (e.g., [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), given by the Father to sustain His people eternally. Where Israel offered corrupted sacrifices, Christ offered Himself as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice, a truly "sweet savour" and "fragrant offering" to God (e.g., [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). His death on the cross atoned for the very spiritual adultery and idolatry depicted in Ezekiel, establishing a new covenant (e.g., [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")) where believers, by grace through faith, are reconciled to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of true worship and faithfulness, using all God's provisions for His glory rather than for self or idols. In Christ, God's promise of a faithful bride is ultimately fulfilled, not through human effort, but through His perfect work.

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.

Hosea 2:8

For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, [which] they prepared for Baal.

Hosea 2:13

And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.

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.

Deuteronomy 32:17

They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new [gods that] came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.

Genesis 8:21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.