Ezekiel 23:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

These discovered {H1540} her nakedness {H6172}: they took {H3947} her sons {H1121} and her daughters {H1323}, and slew {H2026} her with the sword {H2719}: and she became famous {H8034} among women {H802}; for they had executed {H6213} judgment {H8196} upon her.

Complete Jewish Bible

They exposed her private parts, took her sons and daughters, and put her to death with the sword; so that she became notorious among women for the judgments executed against her.

Berean Standard Bible

They exposed her nakedness, seized her sons and daughters, and put her to the sword. Thus she became a byword among women, and they executed judgment against her.

American Standard Version

These uncovered her nakedness; they took her sons and her daughters; and her they slew with the sword: and she became a byword among women; for they executed judgments upon her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:10 delivers a stark and graphic portrayal of the divine judgment meted out upon Oholah, the allegorical representation of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse details the public humiliation, violent destruction, and widespread notoriety that befell Samaria due to her spiritual infidelity, idolatry, and unholy alliances, serving as a chilling testament to the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 forms a powerful prophetic allegory, expanding on themes of spiritual harlotry introduced in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness"). In this chapter, God uses the vivid imagery of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem), to expose the deep-seated idolatry and political apostasy of both Israel and Judah. The narrative traces their escalating unfaithfulness, depicting their illicit affairs with foreign nations and their adoption of pagan worship practices. Verse 10 specifically describes the brutal culmination of Oholah's (Samaria's) judgment, which serves as a historical precedent and a dire warning to Oholibah (Judah), whose similar trajectory of sin is meticulously detailed in the subsequent verses leading up to her own prophesied downfall. This verse acts as a pivotal point, demonstrating the inevitable outcome of the spiritual harlotry described in [Ezekiel 23:5-9](/ezekiel/23-5 "Ezekiel 23:5-9 - Oholah's Harlotry").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Ezekiel 23:10 directly allude to the historical fall of Samaria to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC, as recorded in [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel and Assyrian Exile"). The Assyrians were notorious for their brutal conquest tactics, including public humiliation, mass deportations, and violent executions, which are vividly reflected in the verse. Culturally, the "discovery of nakedness" (`gālāh ʿerwāh`) was a profound act of public shame and disgrace in ancient Near Eastern societies, signifying utter vulnerability, loss of honor, and exposure of hidden sin or weakness. It was often a consequence of military defeat and conquest, where women were stripped and paraded as spoils of war. The reference to taking "sons and daughters" and slaying "with the sword" reflects the complete devastation of a nation, including the slaughter of its people and the enslavement or deportation of its surviving population, effectively erasing its identity and lineage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the prophetic corpus. Primarily, it underscores the **Consequences of Idolatry and Covenant Unfaithfulness**, illustrating that God's people cannot persistently betray their covenant vows without incurring severe divine judgment. It highlights **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations, executing righteous judgment even upon His chosen people when they stray. The theme of **Public Shame and Humiliation** is central, as the exposure of Oholah's nakedness symbolizes the stripping away of all dignity and the public disgrace that accompanies divine retribution for spiritual harlotry. Furthermore, the account serves as a **Warning to Judah (Oholibah)**, urging them to learn from their sister's catastrophic fate and repent, a theme frequently echoed in prophetic literature where God uses past judgments as didactic examples for future generations, as seen in [Jeremiah 3:6-10](/jeremiah/3-6 "Jeremiah 3:6-10 - Israel's Apostasy and Judah's Warning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **discovered (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From H1540, a primitive root meaning "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." In this context, it signifies the forceful unveiling and public exposure of Samaria's spiritual nakedness and shame, not merely a physical act but a profound revelation of her hidden depravity and covenant breaking.
* **nakedness (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** From H6172, meaning "nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)." Here, it is primarily figurative, representing the utter shame, vulnerability, and disgrace brought upon Samaria by her idolatry and unholy alliances, stripped bare of divine protection and honor.
* **slew (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From H2026, a primitive root meaning "to smite with deadly intent; destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), surely." This word conveys the brutal and decisive nature of the judgment, emphasizing the complete and violent destruction of Samaria, orchestrated by God through the Assyrians.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _shᵉphôwṭ'_):** From H8196, meaning "a judicial sentence, i.e. punishment." This term underscores that the devastation inflicted upon Oholah was not random violence but a deliberate, righteous, and divinely sanctioned act of justice, a direct consequence of her unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These discovered her nakedness":** This clause refers to the Assyrian invaders, who, as instruments of God's judgment, publicly exposed Samaria's spiritual and national shame. "Nakedness" here is symbolic of her moral depravity, her stripped defenses, and the utter humiliation of a nation whose hidden sins were laid bare before the world, losing all dignity and honor.
* **"they took her sons and her daughters, and slew her with the sword":** This describes the brutal reality of conquest. "Taking sons and daughters" refers to the deportation and enslavement of the populace, severing family lines and national continuity. "Slew her with the sword" vividly portrays the violent destruction of the city and its inhabitants, signifying the complete obliteration of Samaria as a distinct entity. This is the ultimate physical consequence of her spiritual adultery.
* **"and she became famous among women":** This phrase carries a strong sense of irony and warning. Samaria became "famous" not for glory or strength, but for her catastrophic downfall and the severity of her punishment. Her fate served as a notorious example and a stark cautionary tale for other nations, and especially for her sister, Judah (Oholibah), highlighting the public and undeniable nature of God's judgment.
* **"for they had executed judgment upon her."** This concluding clause provides the divine rationale for the preceding actions. The suffering and destruction were not arbitrary but a direct and just "judgment" (Hebrew: _shᵉphôwṭ_) from God. It emphasizes divine agency behind the Assyrian conquest, affirming that Samaria's demise was a righteous act of God's justice in response to her persistent idolatry and covenant breaking.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:10 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message. The entire chapter operates as an **Allegory**, where the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, **Personify** the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem), respectively. This allows Ezekiel to convey complex theological truths about national apostasy through a relatable, albeit shocking, human drama. The "discovery of her nakedness" is potent **Symbolism**, representing not merely physical exposure but profound public shame, humiliation, and the stripping away of divine protection and national dignity due to spiritual infidelity. The "sword" is a clear **Symbol** of violent divine judgment and destruction. Furthermore, the phrase "she became famous among women" employs **Irony**, as her fame is not one of honor or achievement, but of infamy and catastrophic ruin, serving as a notorious example of divine wrath. The graphic imagery throughout the verse creates a visceral and unforgettable depiction of the consequences of sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:10 serves as a powerful theological statement about the unwavering nature of divine justice and the dire consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It underscores that God's holiness demands accountability, even from His chosen people. The judgment upon Oholah (Samaria) is not arbitrary but a direct and just response to her persistent spiritual harlotry—her idolatry and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on the Lord. This verse illustrates that God does not tolerate a divided heart or the defilement of His covenant. It functions as a severe warning, emphasizing that privilege does not exempt one from judgment when sin abounds, and that the exposure of sin leads to public shame and destruction.

* [Deuteronomy 28:43-48](/deuteronomy/28-43 "Deuteronomy 28:43-48 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Hosea 2:10](/hosea/2-10 "Hosea 2:10 - God will expose Israel's shame")
* [Revelation 17:16](/revelation/17-16 "Revelation 17:16 - The Harlot's Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:10, though depicting a historical judgment on ancient Israel, carries profound and timeless lessons for believers today. It calls us to sober reflection on the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness and the insidious nature of idolatry in our own lives. Just as Oholah pursued illicit alliances and worshipped false gods, we too can fall prey to "spiritual harlotry" by placing our trust, affection, and devotion in anything other than God—be it wealth, career, relationships, comfort, or even our own abilities. This verse serves as a stark reminder that such misplaced allegiances ultimately lead to spiritual nakedness, shame, and a loss of divine blessing and protection. It compels us to examine our hearts, repent of any divided loyalties, and recommit ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord, understanding that true security and flourishing are found only in faithful devotion to Him. We are called to learn from the painful history of God's people, recognizing that God's character of justice and holiness remains unchanged, and that He desires our undivided love and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be engaging in "spiritual harlotry" by placing my ultimate trust or affection in things other than God?**
* **How does the graphic nature of Oholah's judgment challenge my understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be brought into fuller alignment with God's will to avoid the "nakedness" of spiritual shame?**
* **How can learning from the historical failures of Israel strengthen my resolve to walk in faithfulness today?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Oholah" and "Oholibah" in Ezekiel 23?**

Answer: Oholah and Oholibah are allegorical names representing the two kingdoms of Israel. Oholah ("her tent") symbolizes Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was conquered by Assyria in 722 BC. Oholibah ("my tent is in her") symbolizes Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, which was later conquered by Babylon. The names themselves are significant, reflecting God's initial presence ("tent") among them, but their actions demonstrate how they defiled that sacred relationship through idolatry and political alliances. The allegory is meant to show how both kingdoms, despite their covenant relationship with God, engaged in spiritual harlotry, leading to divine judgment, as detailed in [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "The Allegory of Oholah and Oholibah").

**What does "she became famous among women" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase carries a deeply ironic and negative connotation. "Famous" here does not imply honor or admiration, but rather notoriety and infamy. Samaria became a public, widely known example of severe divine judgment due to her extreme unfaithfulness. Her catastrophic downfall served as a notorious warning to other nations and, more specifically, to her sister Judah (Oholibah), who was observing Samaria's fate and was on a similar path of apostasy. It highlights the public and undeniable nature of God's justice, ensuring that the consequences of their sin were a visible and unforgettable lesson for all, as God warns in [Deuteronomy 29:24-28](/deuteronomy/29-24 "Nations ask why God did this").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:10, with its depiction of a nation's public shame and violent judgment for spiritual harlotry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound contrast between the consequences of sin and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Oholah's nakedness was exposed in disgrace, Christ, the true Israel and faithful Son, willingly endured the ultimate exposure and shame on the cross, not for His own sin, but for ours. He became "naked" in our place, bearing the full weight of God's righteous judgment against spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, so that those who believe might be clothed in His righteousness and never experience the shame of divine wrath ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). The "sword" of judgment that slew Oholah was turned away from us because it pierced the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who takes away the sin of the world. Through His sacrifice, Christ executed the judgment upon sin itself, fulfilling the demands of God's holiness and justice. Therefore, while Ezekiel 23:10 warns of the terrifying cost of unfaithfulness under the Old Covenant, it ultimately points to the new covenant established in Christ's blood, where forgiveness and reconciliation are freely offered to those who turn from their spiritual harlotry and embrace Him as their sole Lord and Savior, finding true fame and honor in His name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")).

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

Hosea 2:10

And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand.

Ezekiel 23:29

And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.

Jeremiah 22:8

And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?

Jeremiah 22:9

Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.

Hosea 2:3

Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.

Ezekiel 16:37

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.

Ezekiel 16:41

And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more.