Ezekiel 23:16

Context

The book of Ezekiel often uses vivid imagery and allegories to convey God's messages to the exiled Israelites. Chapter 23 presents a powerful parable of two sisters, Oholah (representing Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (representing Jerusalem, the capital of Judah). Both are depicted as unfaithful wives who commit spiritual prostitution by pursuing alliances with pagan nations and adopting their idolatrous practices. Verse 16 specifically focuses on Oholibah (Jerusalem's) intense desire for and alliance with the Chaldeans, or Babylonians. This passage underscores the deep betrayal of the covenant relationship God had with His people, a betrayal that ultimately led to their exile. The imagery of "doting" highlights the eager and unrestrained nature of their apostasy.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Adultery and Unfaithfulness: The core message is Jerusalem's profound disloyalty to God. Instead of relying on the Lord, they sought alliances and cultural influences from powerful pagan empires like Assyria and Babylon. This act of "doting" (intense infatuation) on these foreign nations is a stark metaphor for their abandonment of God's covenant.
• Idolatry and Foreign Alliances: The verse illustrates how Judah's political alliances were intertwined with spiritual compromise. Seeking military or economic security from nations like Chaldea meant adopting their gods and customs, a direct violation of God's commands against idolatry. This mirrors the broader theme of Israel's persistent struggle with forsaking the fountain of living waters for broken cisterns.
• Consequences of Disobedience: This verse is part of a larger prophetic judgment against Judah for its persistent rebellion and spiritual prostitution. The very nations they "doted upon" would ultimately become the instruments of God's wrath, leading to Jerusalem's destruction and exile, a theme echoed throughout the book of Lamentations.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "she doted upon them" translates a Hebrew word (דלק - dālaq) which carries the sense of "to burn," "to pursue hotly," or "to be inflamed." In this context, it vividly portrays an intense, passionate, and almost obsessive lust or infatuation. It's not merely a casual interest but a fervent, burning desire for these foreign powers, emphasizing the depth of Jerusalem's spiritual sin and betrayal of God.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 23:16 serves as a powerful warning for believers today:

• Exclusive Devotion: We are called to an exclusive relationship with God. When we "dote" on worldly systems, material possessions, or human philosophies more than on God, we commit a form of spiritual adultery. This can manifest as seeking validation, security, or fulfillment from sources other than Christ.
• Beware of Compromise: Just as ancient Judah compromised their faith through foreign alliances, believers must be wary of compromising their values or spiritual integrity for worldly gain, acceptance, or perceived security.
• Trust in God Alone: The passage reminds us that our ultimate trust and reliance should be in God alone, not in human power, wealth, or worldly strategies. As Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."