Ezekiel 16:40

KJV

They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall also bring up {H5927} a company {H6951} against thee, and they shall stone {H7275} thee with stones {H68}, and thrust thee through {H1333} with their swords {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will also bring up a mob against you, who will stone you to death and hack you to pieces with their swords.

Berean Standard Bible

They will bring a mob against you, who will stone you and cut you to pieces with their swords.

American Standard Version

They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:40 powerfully depicts the severe judgment awaiting Jerusalem, personified as an unfaithful wife, at the hands of the very nations she illicitly pursued for alliances and idolatry. This verse culminates a lengthy prophetic allegory, illustrating a public and violent execution through stoning and sword, symbolizing the ultimate, humiliating consequences of spiritual adultery and rebellion against God, where divine retribution is meted out by the instruments of her own sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 presents a profound and extended prophetic allegory, portraying Jerusalem's spiritual journey from a helpless, abandoned infant rescued and nurtured by God, to a beautiful bride adorned by Him, who then tragically betrays her covenant vows through rampant idolatry and alliances with pagan nations. Prior to verse 40, God meticulously recounts Jerusalem's escalating unfaithfulness, detailing her "harlotry" with Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, and her abominable sacrifices of children to idols. [Ezekiel 16:38-39](/ezekiel/16-38-39 "Ezekiel 16:38-39 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem's Harlotry") specifically pronounce God's judgment, declaring that Jerusalem will be judged as adulteresses and those who shed blood are judged, leading directly into the specific methods of punishment outlined in verse 40. This verse serves as the climax of the judgment pronouncements, illustrating the public and violent execution of the divine sentence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecy is the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile, a period of immense national trauma for Judah. Ezekiel, prophesying from exile, addresses a people who had repeatedly broken their covenant with Yahweh, adopting the religious practices and political strategies of surrounding pagan cultures. Stoning was a prescribed method of capital punishment under Mosaic Law for severe offenses such as adultery and blasphemy, as detailed in [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Penalty for Adultery") and [Deuteronomy 13:10](/deuteronomy/13-10 "Deuteronomy 13:10 - Penalty for Idolatry"). The use of swords signifies military conquest and violent death, common in ancient warfare. The "company" bringing up a charge against Jerusalem reflects the ancient practice of public accusation and communal execution, often carried out by the very people or nations who felt wronged or betrayed. This judgment would be executed by the very nations Jerusalem had sought to please, highlighting the ironic and humiliating nature of her downfall.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. The primary theme is **Divine Retribution and Justice**, where God's righteous judgment is meted out precisely for Jerusalem's spiritual prostitution and idolatry. It underscores the **Consequences of Covenant Unfaithfulness**, showing that abandoning God for worldly alliances and false gods inevitably leads to destruction and shame, not security. The concept of **Public Shame and Exposure** is also prominent, as Jerusalem's "nakedness" and "abominations" are laid bare before her former "lovers," who now become her executioners. This judgment also highlights the **Futility of Trusting in Worldly Powers**, as the nations Israel relied upon for protection and prosperity ultimately turn against her, a recurring motif seen elsewhere in the prophets, such as in [Lamentations 1:2](/lamentations/1-2 "Lamentations 1:2 - Jerusalem's Treacherous Lovers"). The entire chapter of [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Adultery and Punishment") vividly portrays these themes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Company (Hebrew, _qâhâl'_):** From a root meaning "to assemble," this word (H6951) denotes an "assemblage," "congregation," or "multitude." In this context, it refers to a hostile gathering of nations, specifically those Jerusalem had made alliances with, now united against her to execute divine judgment. It emphasizes the public and collective nature of her condemnation.
* **Stone (Hebrew, _râgam'_):** A primitive root (H7275) meaning "to cast together (stones)," or "to lapidate." This term directly refers to the act of stoning, a method of capital punishment under Mosaic Law for severe moral and religious transgressions, particularly adultery and idolatry. Its use here underscores the legal and covenantal basis for Jerusalem's judgment.
* **Swords (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From a root meaning "drought" (suggesting destructive effect), this noun (H2719) refers to a "cutting instrument" such as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement. It represents the instrument of warfare and execution, symbolizing the military conquest and violent end that awaits Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall also bring up a company against thee":** This clause signifies a formal, public accusation and mobilization of forces. The "company" refers to a multitude, specifically the pagan nations (Babylon, Egypt, etc.) with whom Jerusalem had committed spiritual adultery. They are not merely attacking but are "brought up" by divine orchestration, acting as instruments of God's judgment against her. This highlights God's sovereignty even over the actions of hostile nations.
* **"and they shall stone thee with stones":** This describes a specific, brutal form of execution. Stoning was a legal penalty for capital offenses like adultery and idolatry under the Mosaic Law. Here, it symbolizes the just punishment for Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry and idolatry, emphasizing the public shame and violent nature of her demise. The redundancy ("stone thee with stones") adds emphatic weight to the act, underscoring its certainty and severity.
* **"and thrust thee through with their swords":** This complements the stoning, indicating another method of violent death, likely in the context of military conquest. "Thrust through" implies a fatal piercing, signifying a complete and decisive destruction. The use of "swords" highlights the role of foreign armies in executing God's judgment, bringing about a comprehensive and bloody end to Jerusalem's rebellion, leaving no doubt as to her fate.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:40 employs potent **Imagery** to convey the severity of God's judgment. The vivid descriptions of "stoning with stones" and "thrusting through with swords" create a visceral picture of violent execution and military conquest, designed to shock the audience into understanding the gravity of Jerusalem's sin. This imagery is deeply rooted in the overarching **Allegory** of Ezekiel 16, where Jerusalem is **Personified** as an unfaithful wife. The judgment described is a direct consequence of her "spiritual adultery," making the punishment a symbolic reflection of her crime. There is profound **Irony** in the fact that her former "lovers"—the very nations she sought alliances with and worshipped their idols—are now the instruments of her public humiliation and destruction. This reversal underscores the futility and treacherous nature of abandoning God for worldly security and illicit spiritual pursuits.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness. It reveals that God will not tolerate idolatry and covenant-breaking indefinitely, and that His judgment, though painful, is righteous. The nations, though seemingly acting on their own accord, are ultimately instruments in God's sovereign hand to bring about His purposes. This passage serves as a stark reminder that abandoning the true God for worldly alliances or false idols leads not to security, but to betrayal and ruin, often at the hands of those very entities one trusted. It underscores the principle that sin, particularly spiritual adultery, carries a heavy price, and God's holiness demands a response to such profound rebellion.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49-50 "Foreign Invaders as God's Judgment")
* [Jeremiah 4:30](/jeremiah/4-30 "Jerusalem's Lovers Abandon Her")
* [Hosea 2:9-10](/hosea/2-9-10 "God Exposes Israel's Shame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:40 is a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views spiritual unfaithfulness. For believers today, while we live under a new covenant of grace, the underlying principles of faithfulness and idolatry remain eternally relevant. We are called to exclusive devotion to Christ, recognizing that anything that takes His rightful place in our hearts—be it possessions, power, relationships, or even good causes—becomes an idol. This passage challenges us to examine our allegiances: are we truly trusting in God's provision and guidance, or are we secretly relying on worldly systems, human wisdom, or fleeting pleasures for our security and satisfaction? The "company" that turns against Jerusalem can represent the ultimate emptiness and betrayal of worldly pursuits when they replace God. Understanding the severity of past judgments should cultivate a deep reverence for God's holiness and a renewed commitment to wholehearted obedience, fostering a desire to live a life of unwavering faithfulness, knowing that God's justice is perfect, and His grace is sufficient for true repentance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" or "worldly alliances" in my life that might be subtly competing for the devotion due to God alone?**
* **How does the concept of God's justice in this verse shape my understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might I be relying on human wisdom or worldly systems instead of fully trusting in God's divine provision and guidance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my heart remains exclusively devoted to Christ, avoiding spiritual unfaithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God literally commanded other nations to attack Jerusalem?**

Answer: Yes, in a theological sense. While the nations acted according to their own political and military ambitions, the prophetic message consistently portrays them as instruments of God's divine judgment. God, in His sovereignty, uses human actions and historical events to bring about His righteous purposes, including the punishment of His unfaithful people. The "company" bringing up a charge against Jerusalem signifies that these nations were divinely appointed to execute the judgment for her spiritual harlotry and covenant breaking, as seen in other prophetic books like [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-5 - Assyria as God's Instrument").

**What is "spiritual adultery" as described in Ezekiel 16?**

Answer: "Spiritual adultery" is a pervasive metaphor throughout the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic books like Ezekiel and Hosea. It describes Israel's unfaithfulness to her covenant relationship with Yahweh, who is depicted as her husband. This unfaithfulness manifested primarily through idolatry (worshipping other gods) and forming political alliances with pagan nations instead of trusting in God alone. Just as physical adultery breaks the sacred bond of marriage, spiritual adultery breaks the sacred covenant between God and His people, as detailed throughout [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Adultery and Punishment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:40, with its graphic depiction of judgment for spiritual unfaithfulness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a similar judgment upon believers, but in the radical transformation and redemption offered through Jesus Christ. While Jerusalem faced stoning and the sword for her harlotry, Christ, the true Israel and faithful Bridegroom, willingly endured the ultimate judgment for the sins of His people. He was "thrust through" for our transgressions, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ Wounded for Our Transgressions"), bearing the full weight of God's wrath against sin, including spiritual idolatry. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, the penalty of death and public shame that unfaithful Israel deserved was absorbed by the spotless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, the "company" that brought judgment against Jerusalem foreshadows the ultimate gathering of all nations before Christ, not for their judgment of His bride, but for His righteous judgment of all sin and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as described in [Matthew 25:31-32](/matthew/25-31-32 "Matthew 25:31-32 - The Son of Man Judges the Nations"). In Christ, the new covenant is established, where the Spirit writes God's law on hearts, enabling a faithfulness impossible under the old covenant, fulfilling the promise in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"). Thus, Ezekiel 16:40, while a grim warning of judgment, ultimately points to the profound grace of Christ, who bore our judgment so that we, His Church, might be presented as a pure and spotless bride, forever faithful to Him, as envisioned in [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Presents the Church Spotless").

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 23:47

And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.

Habakkuk 1:6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

Habakkuk 1:10

And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

Ezekiel 24:21

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Ezekiel 23:10

These discovered her nakedness: they took her sons and her daughters, and slew her with the sword: and she became famous among women; for they had executed judgment upon her.

John 8:5

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?