Ezekiel 23:17

KJV

And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Babylonians {H1121}{H894} came {H935} to her into the bed {H4904} of love {H1730}, and they defiled {H2930} her with their whoredom {H8457}, and she was polluted {H2930} with them, and her mind {H5315} was alienated {H3363} from them.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the men of Bavel climbed into her "love bed" and defiled her with their lust. She was defiled by them, and then filled with revulsion at them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Babylonians came to her, to the bed of love, and in their lust they defiled her. But after she had been defiled by them, she turned away in disgust.

American Standard Version

And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her soul was alienated from them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:17 continues the vivid allegory of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Aholibah (Jerusalem), depicting the spiritual harlotry of Israel and Judah. This verse specifically focuses on Aholibah (Judah/Jerusalem) and her illicit "affair" with the Babylonians. It graphically portrays Judah's eager pursuit of political alliances with Babylon, which led to their deep spiritual defilement through the adoption of pagan practices and a reliance on foreign power rather than the Lord. The verse culminates in the bitter disillusionment and alienation that followed this unholy union, highlighting the inevitable consequences of unfaithfulness to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 is a powerful and extended prophetic allegory, following the pattern of earlier chapters that use symbolic actions and vivid imagery to convey God's message to the exiled Israelites. The chapter introduces two sisters, Oholah and Aholibah, who represent Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. Their history of spiritual unfaithfulness, portrayed as a progression of harlotry with various foreign nations (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon), is meticulously detailed. Verse 17 specifically marks a turning point in Aholibah's (Judah's) narrative, following her initial infatuation with Assyria and now shifting to a passionate, yet ultimately destructive, alliance with Babylon. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent verses that describe Babylon's eventual turning against Aholibah, serving as God's instrument of judgment, culminating in her utter desolation and shame, as detailed in [Ezekiel 23:22-35](/ezekiel/23-22 "Ezekiel 23:22-35 - God's Judgment on Aholibah"). The entire chapter underscores the severity of Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and foreshadows the impending destruction of Jerusalem.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop to Ezekiel 23:17 is the turbulent geopolitical landscape of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Judah, caught between the declining power of Assyria and the rising dominance of Babylon, made a series of ill-advised political alliances. While earlier verses describe Judah's entanglement with Assyria and Egypt, this verse highlights their pursuit of Babylon. Such alliances often involved adopting the gods and religious practices of the more powerful nation, a direct violation of the covenant with Yahweh, which demanded exclusive worship and trust. For ancient Israel, political alliances with pagan nations were often intertwined with spiritual compromise, as the worship of foreign deities was seen as a way to secure the favor of those nations or their gods. Judah's "bed of love" with Babylon represents their eager embrace of Babylonian power, culture, and idolatry, a desperate attempt to secure their national future apart from divine guidance. This pursuit of security through unholy alliances, rather than through faithfulness to God, ultimately led to their downfall, as seen in the [Babylonian exiles](/2_kings/24 "2 Kings 24 - The First Babylonian Deportation").

* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Ezekiel 23:17, and indeed the entire chapter, is **Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry**. The graphic imagery of "whoredom" is a powerful metaphor for Judah's repeated abandonment of their covenant relationship with Yahweh for foreign gods and political expediency. This verse vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Unfaithfulness**, showing how Judah's pursuit of these illicit "affairs" led not to security but to profound spiritual "defilement" and "pollution." The initial attraction ("bed of love") gives way to "alienation," revealing the bitter fruit of compromise. Furthermore, the verse subtly points to **Divine Judgment**. While the Babylonians are the agents of defilement, their actions are ultimately part of God's sovereign plan to bring judgment upon Judah for their persistent rebellion and spiritual infidelity, a theme echoed throughout Ezekiel's prophecies concerning Jerusalem's destruction (e.g., [Ezekiel 5:11-12](/ezekiel/5-11 "Ezekiel 5:11-12 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem")). The narrative emphasizes that the very nations Judah sought for security would become instruments of her punishment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From an unused root meaning properly, to boil, i.e. (figuratively) to love. By implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle. In this context, "bed of love" (mishkâb dôwd) refers to the passionate, eager, and initially desirable nature of Judah's pursuit of alliance with Babylon. It highlights the willing and intense attraction, emphasizing that Judah entered into this relationship with enthusiasm, not coercion, initially viewing it as beneficial or desirable.
* **defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense (contaminated); to defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean. This word, used twice in the verse ("defiled" and "polluted"), underscores the profound spiritual and moral corruption that resulted from Judah's alliance with Babylon. It signifies a state of impurity that went beyond mere political entanglement, touching the core of their covenant relationship with God and rendering them ritually and morally unclean.
* **alienated (Hebrew, _yâqaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning properly, to sever oneself, i.e. (by implication) to be dislocated; figuratively, to abandon; causatively, to impale (and thus allow to drop to pieces by rotting). This powerful term describes the ultimate outcome of Judah's "affair" with Babylon. It signifies a profound turning away, a disgust, or an estrangement. After the initial passion and defilement, Judah's "mind" (nephesh, soul/being) became utterly repulsed by those she once desired, yet the damage of their spiritual harlotry was already done, leading to irreversible national and spiritual consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love,"**: This clause vividly portrays Judah's (Aholibah's) active and eager engagement with Babylon. The "bed of love" metaphorically represents a passionate, intimate, and willing alliance, indicating that Judah initiated or eagerly pursued this relationship, finding it initially attractive and desirable for its perceived benefits—likely political security, military strength, or cultural influence. It emphasizes the consensual nature of this spiritual harlotry.
* **"and they defiled her with their whoredom,"**: This segment describes the immediate and devastating consequence of the alliance. The "whoredom" refers to the pagan practices, idolatry, and ungodly ways of the Babylonians that Judah readily adopted. The term "defiled" (from _ṭâmêʼ_) signifies a profound spiritual and moral contamination, a breach of the covenant purity required by God. Judah, by embracing Babylonian practices and trusting in their power, became spiritually corrupted and impure in God's eyes.
* **"and she was polluted with them,"**: This reiterates and intensifies the previous clause, emphasizing the deep and pervasive nature of the defilement. The repetition of the root _ṭâmêʼ_ (defiled/polluted) underscores the thoroughness of the spiritual corruption. Judah did not merely participate in a superficial alliance; she absorbed and was saturated by the unholy influences of Babylon, becoming fundamentally unclean in her very being and national identity.
* **"and her mind was alienated from them."**: This final clause reveals the bitter end of the "affair." After the initial attraction and subsequent defilement, Judah experienced a profound disillusionment and revulsion towards the Babylonians. Her "mind" (nephesh, encompassing her soul, desire, and very being) turned away from them in disgust. This alienation signifies the ultimate emptiness and betrayal of unholy alliances, where initial attraction gives way to revulsion, yet the consequences of the defilement remain.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:17 is rich in literary devices, primarily employing **Allegory** and **Metaphor**. The entire chapter functions as an **Allegory**, where the two sisters, Oholah and Aholibah, stand for the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel, respectively. This allows Ezekiel to portray complex theological and historical realities through a relatable, albeit shocking, narrative. Within this allegory, **Personification** is key, as Judah (Aholibah) is personified as a woman engaging in literal and spiritual harlotry. The "bed of love" is a powerful **Metaphor** for the eager and passionate pursuit of illicit alliances, while "whoredom" and "defiled/polluted" serve as **Metaphors** for idolatry and spiritual impurity. The progression from initial attraction to defilement and then to "alienation" demonstrates a form of **Dramatic Irony**, where Judah's pursuit of security through these alliances ultimately leads to her spiritual ruin and eventual abandonment by those she sought to embrace. The vivid, almost visceral, language creates a sense of **Pathos** and disgust, effectively conveying God's righteous indignation over His people's unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:17 powerfully illustrates the theological concept of covenant faithfulness and the devastating consequences of spiritual idolatry. God had entered into a unique covenant relationship with Israel, likening it to a marriage (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:14](/jeremiah/3-14 "Jeremiah 3:14 - Return, Faithless Children")). Judah's "whoredom" with Babylon was a direct violation of this sacred bond, a betrayal of exclusive devotion to Yahweh. This act of "defilement" and "pollution" highlights the inherent impurity of trusting in anything other than God for security and identity. The "alienation" signifies the inevitable disillusionment that follows when worldly alliances and false gods prove to be empty and destructive. It underscores that true peace and purity come only from steadfast commitment to the Lord, and any deviation leads to spiritual decay and ultimately, divine judgment.

* [Jeremiah 3:6-9](/jeremiah/3-6 "Jeremiah 3:6-9 - Judah's Harlotry")
* [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Hosea's Prophetic Marriage")
* [Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Defilement and the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:17, though rooted in ancient Israel's history, offers profound and timeless warnings for believers today. The "bed of love" can represent any worldly pursuit, ambition, or alliance that promises security, pleasure, or power apart from God. When we eagerly embrace such things, we risk spiritual "defilement" and "pollution," compromising our devotion to Christ and becoming impure in His sight. This "whoredom" is not necessarily literal but can manifest as materialism, an inordinate love for worldly approval, seeking identity in temporal achievements, or prioritizing ungodly relationships over our relationship with God. The "alienation" that follows serves as a stark reminder that such pursuits ultimately lead to emptiness and disillusionment, leaving us spiritually impoverished and estranged from the very source of true life. We are called to a singular devotion to Christ, to keep our hearts unspotted from the world, and to recognize that true security, peace, and fulfillment are found only in unwavering faithfulness to Him, guarding our "minds" (our inner life, thoughts, and affections) from being alienated from God by worldly enticements.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "beds of love" (worldly desires or alliances) might I be tempted to pursue for security or fulfillment instead of relying solely on God?**
* **In what ways might I be allowing myself to be "defiled" or "polluted" by worldly values or practices that compromise my spiritual purity?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more steadfast devotion to God, ensuring my "mind" remains fixed on Him and not alienated by fleeting worldly attractions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "bed of love" in Ezekiel 23:17?**

Answer: The "bed of love" is a powerful metaphor for the passionate and eager pursuit of illicit alliances and relationships. In this context, it signifies Judah's (Aholibah's) willing and enthusiastic engagement with Babylon, driven by a desire for perceived benefits like political security or military strength. It emphasizes that Judah was not coerced but willingly entered into this "affair," initially finding it attractive and desirable, despite it being a betrayal of her covenant with God. This imagery highlights the depth of her spiritual harlotry and the intense nature of her unfaithfulness.

**How does "defiled" and "polluted" relate to "whoredom" in this verse?**

Answer: The terms "defiled" (H2930, _ṭâmêʼ_) and "polluted" (also H2930, _ṭâmêʼ_) are used to describe the outcome of Judah's "whoredom" (H8457, _taznûwth_). "Whoredom" metaphorically represents Judah's idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness—her pursuit of foreign gods and alliances instead of remaining faithful to Yahweh. This act of spiritual harlotry inherently leads to "defilement" and "pollution," which signify a state of ritual and moral impurity. By embracing the pagan practices and trusting in the power of Babylon, Judah became spiritually contaminated, breaking her covenant purity and rendering herself unclean in God's eyes. This is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where idolatry is consistently portrayed as defiling God's people and land, as seen in [Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Defilement and the Land").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:17, with its stark portrayal of Judah's spiritual harlotry and defilement, profoundly underscores humanity's inherent tendency to seek fulfillment and security in unholy alliances, rather than in God. This desperate pursuit of "beds of love" outside of divine covenant reveals the deep-seated idolatry of the human heart, a condition from which only Christ can deliver. While Judah was defiled by her unfaithfulness, Christ came as the perfect and faithful Bridegroom, who, unlike Israel, never wavered in His devotion to God. He did not seek worldly alliances but perfectly obeyed the Father, even to the point of death on the cross. His sacrifice provides the ultimate purification for our spiritual defilement, cleansing us from the "dead works" of our own "whoredom" so that we may "serve the living God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Cleansing Blood")). Through His atoning work, Christ takes away the sin of the world, offering Himself as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") to purify a people for Himself. He is preparing a spotless bride, the Church, for Himself, "that he might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that she should be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Thus, the alienation and defilement depicted in Ezekiel find their glorious reversal in Christ, who restores us to an intimate, undefiled relationship with God, making us truly His own.

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 23:22

¶ Therefore, O Aholibah, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy mind is alienated, and I will bring them against thee on every side;

Ezekiel 23:28

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will deliver thee into the hand [of them] whom thou hatest, into the hand [of them] from whom thy mind is alienated:

2 Samuel 13:15

Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her [was] greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

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.

Genesis 10:10

And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

Genesis 11:9

Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.