Ezekiel 23:22

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, O Aholibah {H172}, thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I will raise up {H5782} thy lovers {H157} against thee, from whom thy mind {H5315} is alienated {H5361}, and I will bring {H935} them against thee on every side {H5439};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore, Oholivah, here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I will raise up your lovers against you, the ones who fill you with revulsion, and bring them against you from every side -

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will incite your lovers against you, those from whom you turned away in disgust. And I will bring them against you from every side—

American Standard Version

Therefore, O Oholibah, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy soul is alienated, and I will bring them against thee on every side:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:22 delivers a severe divine pronouncement of judgment against Aholibah, the symbolic representation of Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah. This verse reveals God's sovereign intent to turn Judah's former "lovers"—the very pagan nations with whom she had forged unholy alliances and adopted idolatrous practices—into instruments of her punishment. Despite a perceived alienation from these alliances, God declares He will raise them up and bring them against her from every side, underscoring the inescapable consequences of spiritual infidelity and misplaced trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23:22 is situated within a lengthy prophetic allegory (Ezekiel 23:1-49) that graphically portrays the spiritual harlotry of God's covenant people. The chapter introduces two sisters, Aholah (Samaria, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Aholibah (Jerusalem, representing the Southern Kingdom of Judah). Both are depicted as prostitutes who have abandoned their covenant fidelity to Yahweh, engaging in idolatry and forming illicit political and religious alliances with foreign powers. This particular verse marks a turning point for Aholibah, shifting from a description of her escalating unfaithfulness to the declaration of the imminent, divinely orchestrated judgment. It follows a detailed account of her promiscuous pursuit of Assyrians and Babylonians, setting the stage for the ironic reversal where these very "lovers" become her executioners. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 23:1-21) meticulously detail Aholibah's spiritual adultery, making the judgment in verse 22 a direct consequence of her actions and highlighting the escalating nature of her sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecy is the tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile. Judah, symbolized by Aholibah, had a long history of vacillating between faithfulness to Yahweh and syncretistic worship, often entangling herself in political alliances with powerful empires like Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon. These alliances were not merely political but often involved adopting the gods and religious practices of their partners, a direct violation of the Mosaic covenant. Culturally, the metaphor of prostitution vividly conveyed the deep betrayal inherent in Judah's spiritual idolatry, as the covenant relationship between God and Israel was often likened to a marriage, a theme powerfully explored in [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1-3 - The Marriage of God and Israel"). The "lovers" in this context refer to the military and political powers Judah had courted for security, such as the Assyrians and the Babylonians, rather than trusting in God's protection. The geographical setting of Jerusalem, with its temple, made its unfaithfulness particularly egregious, as it was the designated dwelling place of God's presence among His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment for Spiritual Adultery**, emphasizing that God's righteous character demands a response to persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry. Judah's spiritual promiscuity, depicted as an abomination, inevitably leads to severe consequences, as seen throughout the book, particularly in the graphic depictions of idolatry in [Ezekiel 8](/zekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Misplaced Trust and Worldly Alliances**. Judah's reliance on foreign nations for security, rather than on Yahweh, proved to be a fatal flaw. The very powers she courted become the instruments of her downfall, illustrating the futility of trusting in human strength over divine protection, a theme powerfully echoed in [Jeremiah 2:36-37](/jeremiah/2-36-37 "Jeremiah 2:36-37 - Trusting in Egypt and Assyria"). Lastly, the declaration "I will raise up thy lovers against thee" powerfully asserts **God's Sovereignty in Retribution**. Even the actions of pagan nations, seemingly independent, are ultimately under God's control and are employed to fulfill His just purposes of judgment, as exemplified by God's use of Assyria as the "rod of My anger" in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Instrument").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aholibah (Hebrew, _ʼOhŏlîybâh'_):** This symbolic name, meaning "My Tent (or Tabernacle) is in Her," is profoundly ironic and significant. It signifies that God's very presence, His dwelling place (the Temple in Jerusalem), was established within Judah. Despite this intimate privilege and the covenant relationship it represented, Jerusalem engaged in profound spiritual unfaithfulness. The name itself highlights the depth of her betrayal, as she defiled the very space consecrated to God, turning a place of divine indwelling into a den of idolatry.
* **Lovers (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)," this term is used here to denote those with whom Aholibah (Judah) had illicit, passionate relationships. In the context of the allegory, these "lovers" are the foreign nations and their gods that Judah pursued for political alliances and worshipped, thereby committing spiritual adultery against Yahweh. The word choice underscores the passionate, intentional nature of her unfaithfulness, implying a willful turning away from her divine Husband.
* **Alienated (Hebrew, _nâqaʻ'_):** This word, meaning "to feel aversion" or "to be alienated," describes a shift in Aholibah's affections. While she initially pursued these "lovers," there was a point where her "mind" (Hebrew _nephesh_, often translated as soul, self, or desire, signifying her inner being and will) grew weary or disillusioned with them. Yet, despite this internal aversion, the alliances and idolatrous practices persisted, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual rebellion that continued even when the initial allure faded, highlighting the compulsive and destructive nature of sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, O Aholibah, thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and certainty of the ensuing judgment. The "Therefore" links the judgment directly to Aholibah's previously detailed spiritual harlotry, emphasizing that this is a just and deserved consequence. The title "Lord GOD" (ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih) emphasizes God's sovereign rule and covenant faithfulness, highlighting that this is a righteous and authoritative decree from the one she betrayed, the ultimate authority over all nations.
* **"Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy mind is alienated,":** This is the core of the prophetic judgment, marked by the attention-grabbing "Behold." God declares His active and direct role ("I will raise up") in orchestrating the punishment. The irony is profound: the very nations (the "lovers") Judah had courted for security and power, and from whom her affections had supposedly waned, would now be divinely empowered to turn against her. This highlights the self-destructive nature of sin and the principle that what one sows, one often reaps, as God uses the very objects of her misplaced trust as instruments of His justice.
* **"and I will bring them against thee on every side;":** This final clause emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the impending judgment. The phrase "on every side" (Hebrew _çâbîyb_) indicates a complete encirclement and overwhelming attack, leaving no avenue for escape. It signifies a total and inescapable divine retribution, ensuring that Judah would be utterly overwhelmed by the instruments of God's wrath, demonstrating the thoroughness of God's righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:22 is rich in **Allegory** and **Symbolism**, with "Aholibah" serving as an allegorical representation of Jerusalem/Judah and her "lovers" symbolizing the foreign nations and their idolatrous practices. The central **Irony** of the verse is striking: the very entities Judah sought for security and pleasure become the instruments of her destruction, a classic example of poetic justice. The phrase "from whom thy mind is alienated" introduces a subtle **Paradox**, suggesting a disillusionment with these alliances even as the spiritual harlotry continued, highlighting the compulsive and self-destructive nature of sin that persists even when its fruits are bitter. The repeated divine declaration "I will raise up" and "I will bring" employs **Anthropomorphism** to emphasize God's active and sovereign involvement in orchestrating the judgment, rather than it being merely a natural consequence of geopolitical shifts. The vivid imagery of "lovers" turning "against thee on every side" creates a powerful and unsettling **Metaphor** of betrayal and inescapable encirclement, painting a grim picture of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:22 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. It reveals that spiritual adultery, manifested through idolatry and reliance on worldly powers, carries severe consequences orchestrated by God Himself. This verse underscores the divine principle that those who abandon the Lord for false securities will find those very securities turning against them, serving as instruments of divine discipline. It speaks to God's justice, His sovereignty over nations, and His ultimate demand for exclusive devotion from His people. The judgment is not arbitrary but a direct, just response to a prolonged pattern of spiritual infidelity, demonstrating that God will not be mocked and His covenant demands are serious.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49-50 "Deuteronomy 28:49-50 - Foreign Nations as Instruments of Judgment")
* [Lamentations 1:2](/lamentations/1-2 "Lamentations 1:2 - Jerusalem's Lovers Betray Her")
* [Hosea 8:7](/hosea/8-7 "Hosea 8:7 - Sowing the Wind, Reaping the Whirlwind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:22 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of spiritual compromise and misplaced trust. For believers today, it challenges us to examine the "lovers" in our own lives—anything or anyone we rely on more than God for security, identity, or satisfaction. This could be wealth, career, relationships, political ideologies, or even self-reliance. The verse reminds us that what we turn to apart from God can ultimately become the source of our distress or even our undoing. It calls us to an exclusive and undivided devotion to Christ, recognizing that true security and fulfillment are found only in Him. God's justice is a sobering reality, but it is always rooted in His desire for His people to return to Him in repentance and faithfulness. We are called to learn from Judah's tragic example and cultivate a heart that is fully alienated from worldly affections and fully devoted to the Lord, understanding that our ultimate allegiance must be to the One who truly loves us and provides all we need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lovers" or false securities might I be tempted to rely on more than God in my life today?**
* **In what areas of my life might my "mind" (desires, affections) be subtly alienated from God, even if I maintain outward religious practice?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty, particularly in difficult or painful circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more exclusive and undivided devotion to Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "Aholibah" mean and why is it significant?**

Answer: "Aholibah" (Hebrew: _ʼOhŏlîybâh_) is a symbolic name for Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah. It means "My Tent (or Tabernacle) is in Her." This name is highly significant because it highlights Jerusalem's unique privilege and intimate relationship with God: the Temple, God's dwelling place, was located within her. Despite this sacred presence and covenant, Aholibah engaged in profound spiritual unfaithfulness, making her betrayal all the more egregious. The name underscores the irony of her defilement of the very place consecrated to God, turning a symbol of divine presence into a testament of her spiritual harlotry.

**Who are the "lovers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the allegorical context of Ezekiel 23, the "lovers" represent the foreign nations and their pagan gods with whom Jerusalem (Aholibah) formed illicit political and religious alliances. Historically, these included powerful empires like Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon. Judah sought their military protection and adopted their idolatrous practices, rather than trusting in Yahweh. The verse reveals God's judgment that these very "lovers" would become the instruments of her punishment, fulfilling the warnings against relying on human strength over divine protection, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1-3 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children"). This demonstrates God's sovereign control even over pagan nations to bring about His just purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:22, with its grim depiction of judgment against spiritual harlotry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a similar judgment against believers, but in the radical grace of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. While Judah's unfaithfulness led to her "lovers" turning against her, Christ's perfect faithfulness ensures that those who are in Him will never face such a reversal. He is the true "tent" or tabernacle of God among humanity, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") proclaims, and in Him, God's presence dwells fully. The judgment foreshadowed in Ezekiel points to the ultimate judgment for sin that Christ bore on the cross, becoming alienated from God on our behalf so that we might never be alienated from Him, as [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") powerfully states. Furthermore, this verse underscores the futility of seeking security in worldly "lovers" or alliances, a lesson powerfully fulfilled in Christ, who alone is our secure foundation and the one to whom we owe our exclusive devotion, for in Him "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")). He is the faithful bridegroom who gave His life for His bride, the Church, to present her without stain or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")), ensuring that our "lovers" will never turn against us because our only true "Lover" is the one who conquered sin and death, securing our eternal faithfulness and communion with God.

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 16:37

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.

Revelation 17:16

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

Isaiah 39:3

Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, [even] from Babylon.

Isaiah 39:4

Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that [is] in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.

Habakkuk 1:6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

Habakkuk 1:10

And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

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: