Ezekiel 16:35

Commentary on Ezekiel 16:35

Ezekiel 16:35 marks a pivotal turning point in a powerful and disturbing prophetic allegory. In this chapter, God uses the vivid imagery of a foundling child, raised and adorned by Him, who then becomes a beautiful woman—representing Jerusalem (and by extension, Israel). This woman, however, turns from her covenant faithfulness to spiritual prostitution, engaging in idolatry and forming illicit alliances with foreign nations. After detailing her shocking unfaithfulness and egregious acts, this verse introduces the pronouncement of judgment.

Context

The book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile, and the prophet Ezekiel delivers messages from God to the exiled Israelites. Chapter 16 is one of the most extended and graphic allegories in the Bible, laying bare Jerusalem's spiritual adultery. God recounts how He found Jerusalem as an abandoned infant, showed her great compassion, and entered into a covenant relationship with her, adorning her with splendor (Ezekiel 16:6-14). However, instead of remaining faithful, she used His blessings to pursue idolatry and foreign alliances, acting worse than her "sisters" Sodom and Samaria. Verse 35 transitions from the detailed indictment of her past sins to the declaration of the consequences.

Key Themes

• Divine Indictment and Confrontation: The direct address, "O harlot," is a stark, shocking, and deeply personal accusation from God. It underscores the severity of Jerusalem's betrayal and God's righteous anger. This is not merely a description but a direct, authoritative confrontation.
• Spiritual Harlotry: The core accusation against Jerusalem is spiritual infidelity. This imagery, common in prophetic literature, represents Israel's abandonment of the one true God for idols and reliance on pagan nations. This concept of spiritual harlotry highlights the breaking of the covenant relationship.
• The Call to Hear God's Word: Despite the harshness of the address, the command "hear the word of the LORD" is crucial. It signifies that what follows is not mere accusation but a divine decree. It demands attention and acknowledgment of God's authority and the truth of His pronouncements.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "harlot" is zonah (זֹנָה), which literally means a prostitute. Its use here is a powerful metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness. It emphasizes the scandalous and debased nature of Jerusalem's actions, portraying her as having willingly prostituted herself to false gods and foreign powers, in stark contrast to the sacred covenant she had with Yahweh. The phrase "hear the word of the LORD" (שִׁמְעִי דְּבַר יְהוָה, shim'i devar YHVH) is a common prophetic formula, highlighting the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message about to be delivered.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 16:35 serves as a potent reminder of the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness in any age. For believers today, it highlights:

• The Danger of Idolatry: While overt idol worship might be less common, anything that takes the place of God in our lives—be it wealth, power, pleasure, or even self—can become an idol. This verse calls us to examine our loyalties and ensure our hearts are fully devoted to God.
• The Importance of Listening to God: Even when God's message is confrontational or uncomfortable, it is vital to "hear the word of the LORD." His words, though sometimes corrective, are always for our ultimate good and spiritual discernment.
• God's Justice: This verse foreshadows divine judgment on unfaithfulness. It reminds us that God is righteous and holy, and while He is merciful, He also holds His people accountable for their covenant obligations and spiritual fidelity.