Ezekiel 16:59

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.

For thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; I will even deal {H6213} with thee as thou hast done {H6213}, which hast despised {H959} the oath {H423} in breaking {H6565} the covenant {H1285}.

"For here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I will do to you as you have done - you treated the oath with contempt by breaking the covenant.

For this is what the Lord GOD says: I will deal with you according to your deeds, since you have despised the oath by breaking the covenant.

For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will also deal with thee as thou hast done, who hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.

Ezekiel 16:59 delivers a stern declaration from the Lord GOD to Jerusalem, personified as an unfaithful wife. This verse encapsulates the principle of divine justice, where God promises to repay Israel according to her deeds, specifically for her blatant disregard of the solemn covenant made with Him.

Context

Chapter 16 of Ezekiel is a powerful and extended allegory detailing Jerusalem's history as a foundling rescued and raised by God, adorned with blessings, and brought into a covenant relationship (verse 8). Despite God's lavish care and commitment, Jerusalem (representing Israel/Judah) engaged in spiritual idolatry and political alliances with foreign nations, likened to prostitution (verses 15-34). This unfaithfulness culminated in abhorrent practices, including child sacrifice (verse 21). Verse 59 serves as a direct consequence of this betrayal, highlighting the broken promises and the despised oath that defined their relationship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution and Justice: The phrase "I will even deal with thee as thou hast done" underscores God's commitment to righteous judgment. It's a foundational principle in scripture, emphasizing that actions have consequences and God's justice ensures accountability for disobedience. Romans 2:6 reiterates this truth in the New Testament.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: The core accusation is "despised the oath in breaking the covenant." This refers to the Mosaic Covenant established at Mount Sinai, where Israel vowed faithfulness to God. Their repeated idolatry and alliances with pagan nations were a direct violation of this sacred bond. This theme highlights the sanctity of God's covenants and the seriousness of breaking them.
  • Israel's Unfaithfulness: The chapter vividly portrays Israel's spiritual adultery and ingratitude. Despite being elevated and blessed by God, they turned to other gods and relied on foreign powers, demonstrating a profound lack of loyalty and trust in their divine Husband.

Linguistic Insights

The term "oath" (Hebrew: shevu'ah) signifies a solemn vow or promise, often accompanied by an appeal to God, making its violation an extremely serious offense against the divine. The "covenant" (Hebrew: berith) refers to the binding agreement God initiated with Israel, outlining their relationship and responsibilities. To "despise" (Hebrew: bazah) such an oath implies treating it with contempt and utter disregard, not merely forgetting it but actively rejecting its authority and sacredness.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 16:59 serves as a timeless reminder of the seriousness of our commitments, especially those made before God. For believers, it speaks to the importance of faithfulness in our relationship with God, living out the new covenant established through Christ. Just as God held ancient Israel accountable for their broken vows, He expects integrity and loyalty from His people today. This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for areas where we might be despising God's word or breaking our commitments to Him, and to seek repentance and restoration.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 24:5

    The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

  • Ezekiel 17:19

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

  • Deuteronomy 29:10

    ¶ Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, [with] all the men of Israel,

  • Deuteronomy 29:15

    But with [him] that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, and also with [him] that [is] not here with us this day:

  • Ezekiel 7:4

    And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 2:19

    Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that [it is] an evil [thing] and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear [is] not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

  • Exodus 24:1

    ¶ And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.

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