Ezekiel 23:15

Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity:

Girded {H2289} with girdles {H232} upon their loins {H4975}, exceeding {H5628} in dyed attire {H2871} upon their heads {H7218}, all of them princes {H7991} to look to {H4758}, after the manner {H1823} of the Babylonians {H1121}{H894} of Chaldea {H3778}, the land {H776} of their nativity {H4138}:

with sashes wrapped around their waists and flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like military men, the very image of men of Bavel born in the land of the Kasdim.

wearing belts on their waists and flowing turbans on their heads; all of them looked like officers of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth.

girded with girdles upon their loins, with flowing turbans upon their heads, all of them princes to look upon, after the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their nativity.

Context

Ezekiel 23 continues the prophet's scathing indictment against Israel and Judah, personifying them as two sisters, Oholah (Samaria, representing the northern kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, representing the southern kingdom of Judah). Both are accused of spiritual harlotry, forsaking their covenant with God to pursue alliances and worship with foreign nations. Verse 15 describes the seductive appearance of the Babylonians, whom Oholibah (Judah) became infatuated with, mirroring her earlier lust for the Assyrians. This vivid description highlights the worldly allure that drew God's people away from Him, ultimately leading to their downfall and exile.

Key Themes

  • Worldly Allure and Spiritual Infidelity: The verse emphasizes the captivating appearance of the Babylonian "princes," representing the seductive power and perceived strength of foreign alliances and idolatry. Judah's attraction to their grandeur symbolizes her unfaithfulness to God, preferring human power and pagan practices over divine covenant. This theme is central to the entire chapter, depicting Judah's persistent spiritual harlotry.
  • Visual Deception: The detailed description of their attire ("dyed attire," "girdles") and imposing presence ("princes to look to") underscores how external appearances can be deceptive. What seemed powerful and attractive on the surface was, in God's eyes, a source of corruption and a path to destruction for His people.
  • Judgment for Apostasy: The elaborate description of the Babylonians also foreshadows their role as instruments of God's judgment. Judah's desire for these foreign powers would ironically lead to her subjugation by them, a common prophetic theme where the object of illicit affection becomes the instrument of punishment.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The description "Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads" paints a picture of richly adorned and stately figures. In the ancient Near East, elaborate clothing and distinctive headwear often signified high status, wealth, and cultural identity. The "dyed attire" suggests expensive, colorful fabrics, perhaps turbans or elaborate head coverings, indicative of luxury and sophistication. The phrase "all of them princes to look to" highlights their imposing and regal appearance, making them seem formidable and desirable allies. This visual grandeur was a key element in Judah's spiritual temptation, as they were drawn to the outward splendor of Babylon rather than the holiness of God. "Chaldea" refers to the southern region of Mesopotamia, the heartland of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, clearly identifying the source of this worldly attraction.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 23:15 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of spiritual compromise and the allure of the world. Just as ancient Judah was drawn to the outward splendor and perceived power of nations like Babylon, believers today can be tempted by worldly values, possessions, and systems that promise security or prestige apart from God. This verse reminds us:

  • Discernment is Crucial: We must look beyond superficial appearances and recognize the true nature of worldly enticements. What seems attractive or beneficial on the surface may lead to spiritual compromise and separation from God.
  • Loyalty to God: Our primary allegiance must always be to God alone. Pursuing alliances or adopting practices that contradict His commands, no matter how appealing they seem, constitutes spiritual infidelity. As the Apostle Paul warns, we should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers or worldly systems.
  • Consequences of Compromise: The narrative of Judah's downfall underscores that choosing worldly paths over divine faithfulness ultimately leads to negative consequences, even if those paths initially appear to offer strength or advantage.
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.

  • 1 Samuel 18:4

    And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that [was] upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

  • 2 Samuel 14:25

    But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

  • Judges 8:18

    ¶ Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men [were they] whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou [art], so [were] they; each one resembled the children of a king.

  • Isaiah 22:21

    And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.
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