Ezekiel 23:16

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

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}.

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

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

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

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."
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.
  • 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.

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