Ezekiel 16:57

Before thy wickedness was discovered, as at the time of [thy] reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all [that are] round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which despise thee round about.

Before thy wickedness {H7451} was discovered {H1540}, as at the time {H6256} of thy reproach {H2781} of the daughters {H1323} of Syria {H758}, and all that are round about {H5439} her, the daughters {H1323} of the Philistines {H6430}, which despise {H7590} thee round about {H5439}.

before your own wickedness was exposed. But now the daughters of Aram mock you, as do her neighbors; and the daughters of the P'lishtim on every side are repulsed by you.

before your wickedness was uncovered? Even so, you are now scorned by the daughters of Edom and all those around her, and by the daughters of the Philistines—all those around you who despise you.

before thy wickedness was uncovered, as at the time of the reproach of the daughters of Syria, and of all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, that do despite unto thee round about.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel chapter 16 presents one of the most vivid and extended allegories in the Old Testament, depicting Jerusalem (representing the nation of Judah) as an abandoned infant rescued and raised by God, who then grew into a beautiful woman, only to become a spiritual prostitute. She committed egregious idolatry and formed unholy alliances with foreign nations, breaking her covenant with God. Verses 56-59 describe the depth of Jerusalem's disgrace, noting that her sin was even worse than that of her "sisters," Samaria and Sodom, whom she had previously disdained. Verse 57 specifically highlights the shame of Jerusalem's wickedness being exposed before her historical adversaries.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Exposure of Sin: The verse underscores God's righteous judgment, which brings hidden sin and unfaithfulness into the open. Jerusalem's spiritual adultery, once seemingly concealed, is now laid bare for all to see.
  • Shame and Reproach: The phrase "reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines" emphasizes the profound humiliation Jerusalem experienced. Her actions led to public scorn, even from nations that were often hostile or morally corrupt themselves. This highlights the severe consequences of breaking covenant with a holy God.
  • Consequences of Unfaithfulness: This verse serves as a stark reminder that unfaithfulness to God, particularly through idolatry and moral corruption, leads to national and personal disgrace. The very nations Jerusalem had once despised or sought alliances with now became witnesses to her downfall.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "discovered" (גָּלָה - galah) often means "uncovered," "revealed," or "exiled." In this context, it signifies the public exposure and revelation of Jerusalem's profound wickedness. The term "reproach" (חֶרְפָּה - cherpah) denotes deep shame, disgrace, or scorn, underscoring the severity of the humiliation Jerusalem faced from her neighbors.

Related Scriptures

This verse fits within the broader prophetic theme of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's subsequent judgment. The preceding verses in Ezekiel 16:44-56 detail Jerusalem's greater guilt compared to Samaria and Sodom. The shame described here is a direct result of the abominations detailed throughout the chapter, such as those mentioned in Ezekiel 16:36. While this verse speaks of judgment, it's important to remember that God's ultimate plan for Jerusalem included a promise of restoration and a new covenant, as seen later in Ezekiel 16:60 and Ezekiel 16:62, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness despite human failure.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 16:57 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that sin, especially against God, eventually leads to exposure and shame. There are no truly hidden sins before God. Secondly, it highlights the importance of spiritual integrity; just as Jerusalem's moral decay was evident to surrounding nations, our actions as individuals and as the Church can impact our witness to the world. Finally, it underscores the sovereign hand of God in judgment, even using external circumstances or adversaries to reveal and address unfaithfulness. This should motivate us to pursue holiness and remain faithful to our covenant with God, knowing that He desires our repentance and restoration, not our perpetual shame.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 16:5 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome [him].

  • 2 Kings 16:7 (4 votes)

    So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I [am] thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

  • Isaiah 7:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, [that] Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:5 (3 votes)

    Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought [them] to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.

  • Ezekiel 16:36 (3 votes)

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

  • Ezekiel 16:37 (3 votes)

    Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all [them] that thou hast loved, with all [them] that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.