Ezekiel 23:16

KJV

And as soon as she saw them with her eyes, she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea.

KJV (with Strong's)

And as soon as she saw {H4758} them with her eyes {H5869}, she doted {H5689} upon them, and sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} unto them into Chaldea {H3778}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The moment she saw them, she lusted after them and sent messengers to them in the land of the Kasdim;

Berean Standard Bible

At the sight of them, she lusted for them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea.

American Standard Version

And as soon as she saw them she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:16 vividly portrays Oholibah (Jerusalem) in a state of intense spiritual infatuation and betrayal, depicting her as a harlot who, upon seeing the Chaldeans, immediately "doted" upon them and dispatched messengers to secure an alliance. This verse is a poignant illustration of Judah's profound disloyalty to Yahweh, choosing to pursue political and religious syncretism with pagan empires rather than trusting in the covenant faithfulness of God, ultimately leading to divine judgment and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 is a powerful and disturbing allegory of two sisters, Oholah (representing Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (representing Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah). Both are depicted as unfaithful wives who engaged in spiritual prostitution by pursuing alliances with pagan nations and adopting their idolatrous practices. This chapter builds upon earlier themes of Israel's unfaithfulness found in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Adultery") and [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellions"). Verse 16 specifically focuses on Oholibah's (Jerusalem's) intense desire for and alliance with the Chaldeans (Babylonians), following her earlier infatuations with the Assyrians. The progression in the narrative shows Oholibah learning nothing from Oholah's downfall, instead escalating her spiritual adultery, which directly foreshadows Jerusalem's impending destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the late monarchical period of Judah, leading up to the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE). Judah, caught between the declining Assyrian empire and the rising Neo-Babylonian (Chaldean) empire, frequently sought political and military alliances with powerful foreign nations for security, rather than relying on God. This act of seeking alliances was often intertwined with adopting the gods and cultural practices of these nations, constituting spiritual idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Chaldea, or Babylonia, was a dominant Mesopotamian power, renowned for its military might, advanced civilization, and deeply entrenched polytheistic religion. Jerusalem's "doting" on them reflects a desperate, yet spiritually compromising, attempt to secure their future by human means, directly violating the covenant command to have no other gods before Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Adultery and Unfaithfulness**, where Judah's pursuit of foreign alliances and idolatry is metaphorically portrayed as a harlot's illicit affairs, highlighting the profound betrayal of their covenant relationship with God. This spiritual infidelity is deeply intertwined with **Idolatry and Foreign Alliances**, illustrating how political expediency led to religious compromise and the adoption of pagan cults, a recurring sin in Israel's history (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")). Finally, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, as the very nations Judah "doted upon" would become the instruments of God's judgment, leading to Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian exile, a somber reality explored in [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sin and Suffering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Hebrew, _marʼeh'_):** From H4758, this word denotes "a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen)." In this context, it emphasizes the immediate, visual impact the Chaldeans had on Oholibah. It's not just a casual glance but a captivating sight that immediately draws her attention and initiates her intense desire. This suggests a superficial attraction based on outward appearance or perceived power.
* **doted (Hebrew, _ʻăgab'_):** From H5689, this primitive root means "to breathe after, i.e. to love (sensually)." It describes an intense, passionate, and often illicit longing or infatuation. The use of "doted" here is crucial, conveying a fervent, almost obsessive lust or infatuation that goes beyond mere admiration, highlighting the depth of Jerusalem's spiritual sin and betrayal of God through her eager pursuit of pagan alliances.
* **Chaldea (Hebrew, _Kasdîy'_):** From H3778, referring to the Chaldeans or Babylonians. This term identifies the specific object of Oholibah's illicit affection. Historically, the Chaldeans were the dominant power that ultimately destroyed Jerusalem and exiled its inhabitants. The fact that Jerusalem "doted" on them and sent messengers to them underscores the irony and tragedy of their spiritual adultery, as their chosen "lovers" would become their destroyers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as soon as she saw them with her eyes":** This clause emphasizes the immediacy and visual nature of Oholibah's (Jerusalem's) attraction. It was an instant, captivated gaze, suggesting a superficial and impulsive desire based on what she perceived of the Chaldeans' power, wealth, or cultural allure, rather than a reasoned or God-honoring decision.
* **"she doted upon them":** This is the core of the verse's indictment. "Doted" signifies an intense, sensual, and illicit longing or infatuation. It describes a passionate, almost obsessive desire for the Chaldeans, mirroring the spiritual adultery of seeking foreign alliances and adopting pagan practices instead of remaining exclusively devoted to Yahweh. This "doting" represents a profound turning away from God.
* **"and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea":** This action clause demonstrates the practical outworking of her "doting." The sending of messengers signifies active pursuit, negotiation, and the formalization of an alliance. It indicates a deliberate and proactive step to forge a relationship with the Chaldeans, solidifying her spiritual and political unfaithfulness, and inviting their influence and eventual judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:16 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of spiritual betrayal. The overarching device is **Allegory**, where the entire chapter uses the narrative of two harlot sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to represent the spiritual unfaithfulness of Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. This verse specifically employs **Personification**, as Jerusalem (Oholibah) is portrayed as a woman with human desires, actions, and moral failings, making her spiritual adultery tangible and relatable. The phrase "doted upon them" uses **Metaphor** to equate Jerusalem's political and religious alliances with the passionate, illicit desire of a harlot, vividly conveying the depth of her covenant betrayal. Furthermore, the immediate action of "sending messengers" after seeing and "doting" highlights a cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing the swift and unhesitating nature of Jerusalem's apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:16 powerfully illustrates the grave theological implications of spiritual unfaithfulness. It reveals God's profound grief over His people's covenant betrayal, where their "doting" on foreign powers and their idols was a direct affront to His exclusive claim as their God. This verse underscores the principle that seeking security or prosperity outside of God's covenant provisions, especially through alliances that compromise spiritual integrity, is a form of spiritual adultery. It highlights the danger of misplaced trust, where human strategies and worldly allurements supersede divine guidance and faithfulness. The ultimate consequence, as shown throughout Ezekiel, is divine judgment and the very destruction brought by the "lovers" they pursued.

* [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8 "Jeremiah 3:8-9 - Israel and Judah's Unfaithfulness") - Describes Israel and Judah as unfaithful sisters who committed adultery with wood and stone.
* [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Israel's Spiritual Prostitution") - Portrays Israel as a people who consult wooden idols and are led astray by a spirit of prostitution.
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord") - Contrasts reliance on human strength (chariots and horses) with trusting in the name of the Lord.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:16 serves as a profound spiritual mirror for believers today, challenging us to examine the objects of our deepest affections and trust. Just as ancient Judah "doted" on worldly powers, we too can fall into the trap of spiritual adultery by seeking validation, security, or fulfillment from sources other than God. This might manifest as an obsessive pursuit of wealth, status, worldly approval, or even human relationships, elevating them to a place that rightfully belongs only to Christ. The passage calls us to an exclusive and undivided devotion to God, reminding us that true security and flourishing are found only in Him. It warns against compromising our faith for perceived worldly gain or comfort, urging us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision even when circumstances seem dire. Our "messengers" should always be sent to the Lord in prayer and obedience, not to the "Chaldeas" of our contemporary world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Chaldeas" in my life that I am tempted to "dote" upon for security, significance, or satisfaction?**
* **In what ways might I be compromising my spiritual integrity for worldly gain or acceptance?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my exclusive devotion and trust in God alone, rather than in human systems or personal efforts?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "two sisters" allegory in Ezekiel 23?**
Answer: The allegory of the two sisters, Oholah (Samaria/Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem/Judah), is a powerful prophetic device used by Ezekiel to vividly illustrate the spiritual unfaithfulness of God's people. It portrays their covenant relationship with Yahweh as a marriage, and their pursuit of foreign alliances and idolatry as spiritual prostitution or adultery. This imagery emphasizes the depth of their betrayal, the shamefulness of their actions, and the justice of God's impending judgment, as seen in the broader context of [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Allegory of the Two Sisters").

**Why was "doting" on Chaldea considered such a grave sin?**
Answer: "Doting" on Chaldea (Babylon) was a grave sin because it represented a profound abandonment of Judah's covenant loyalty to Yahweh. Instead of trusting in God for protection and provision, as called for in the covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")), Jerusalem actively pursued an idolatrous and politically compromising alliance with a pagan nation. This act was not merely a political misstep but a spiritual betrayal, as it implied a rejection of God's sufficiency and a willingness to embrace the gods and ways of a foreign power. It was a direct violation of the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:16, with its stark portrayal of spiritual adultery and misplaced affection, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodies the faithfulness that Israel failed to maintain. While Oholibah "doted" on worldly powers, pursuing illicit alliances that led to destruction, Christ demonstrated unwavering devotion to the Father, even unto death on the cross (e.g., [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, this passage highlights humanity's propensity to seek fulfillment and security in broken cisterns, a yearning that is ultimately satisfied only in Christ. He is the true "fountain of living waters" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")), offering genuine life and security that no earthly alliance or idol can provide. The judgment prophesied against Judah for their spiritual harlotry ultimately points to Christ, who bore the judgment for our unfaithfulness, allowing us, the unfaithful bride, to be reconciled to God (e.g., [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). In Christ, we are called to an exclusive and pure devotion, becoming His spotless bride, cleansed from all spiritual adultery (e.g., [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")).

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 16:29

Thou hast moreover multiplied thy fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith.

Matthew 5:28

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Job 31:1

¶ I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

2 Samuel 11:2

And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman [was] very beautiful to look upon.

Ezekiel 23:40

And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger [was] sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments,

Ezekiel 23:41

And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil.

2 Kings 24:1

¶ In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.