Ezekiel 23:24

KJV

And they shall come against thee with chariots, wagons, and wheels, and with an assembly of people, [which] shall set against thee buckler and shield and helmet round about: and I will set judgment before them, and they shall judge thee according to their judgments.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall come {H935} against thee with chariots {H2021}, wagons {H7393}, and wheels {H1534}, and with an assembly {H6951} of people {H5971}, which shall set {H7760} against thee buckler {H6793} and shield {H4043} and helmet {H6959} round about {H5439}: and I will set {H5414} judgment {H4941} before {H6440} them, and they shall judge {H8199} thee according to their judgments {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will advance on you armed with chariots, wagons and with an army drawn from many peoples; they will array themselves against you from every side with breastplates, shields and helmets. I will give them the authority to judge, and they will judge you as they see fit.

Berean Standard Bible

They will come against you with a host of peoples, with weapons, chariots, and wagons. They will array themselves against you on every side with buckler and shield and helmet. I will delegate judgment to them, and they will punish you according to their own standards.

American Standard Version

And they shall come against thee with weapons, chariots, and wagons, and with a company of peoples; they shall set themselves against thee with buckler and shield and helmet round about: and I will commit the judgment unto them, and they shall judge thee according to their judgments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:24 vividly portrays the impending, divinely orchestrated judgment upon Oholibah, representing unfaithful Jerusalem, at the hands of her former allies. The verse describes a full-scale military assault, complete with advanced weaponry and an overwhelming assembly of people, who will besiege the city with formidable defenses. This devastating invasion is not merely a political or military act but a direct execution of God's righteous judgment, where the actions of the attacking nations perfectly align with His sovereign decree against Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry and apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 is a powerful and extended allegory, a prophetic lament depicting the spiritual harlotry of two sisters: Aholah (Samaria, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, representing the Southern Kingdom of Judah). Following the detailed exposition of their escalating unfaithfulness and idolatry, the chapter shifts to the pronouncement of divine judgment. Verse 24 specifically falls within the segment detailing Oholibah's severe punishment, which is presented as even greater than Aholah's, despite Jerusalem having witnessed Samaria's earlier downfall. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 23:22-23) identify the specific nations God will raise against Oholibah—the Babylonians and their allies—who were ironically the very powers Jerusalem had previously sought illicit alliances with. This verse, therefore, serves as a concrete description of the military execution of the judgment previously announced, emphasizing its overwhelming and inescapable nature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 23:24 is the tumultuous period leading up to and including the Babylonian exile. Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, had already fallen to Assyria in 722 BC, a consequence of its persistent idolatry and political alliances that violated its covenant with Yahweh. Jerusalem, however, continued in similar patterns of apostasy, despite the clear warning of Samaria's fate. The "chariots, wagons, and wheels" mentioned in the verse reflect the advanced military technology and siege warfare tactics characteristic of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which was the dominant power of the time. Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, had already exerted control over Judah, leading to the first deportation in 597 BC. This verse anticipates the final, devastating siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, when the city and its temple were utterly destroyed, culminating in the complete fulfillment of God's judgment as described in [2 Kings 25:8-10](/2_kings/25-8 "2 Kings 25:8-10 - Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple"). The imagery of the surrounding army with "buckler and shield and helmet" paints a vivid picture of a disciplined, well-equipped force designed to overwhelm and conquer, leaving no escape.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 23:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**. The phrase "I will set judgment before them" underscores that while human armies act, it is God who orchestrates and authorizes their actions as instruments of His righteous wrath. This highlights God's absolute control over nations and their destinies, even using pagan empires to accomplish His purposes, as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument"). Another crucial theme is the **Consequences of Apostasy and Idolatry**. The severe military invasion is presented as the direct and inevitable outcome of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry—her repeated betrayal of the covenant through idolatry and reliance on foreign powers rather than on the Lord. This reinforces the principle that sin, particularly spiritual unfaithfulness, carries grave and often devastating consequences, a truth echoed throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")). Finally, the detailed description of **Military Might as God's Instrument** emphasizes that the overwhelming power of the attacking forces is not accidental but a divinely appointed tool. This earthly might, though formidable, is ultimately subservient to God's will, serving to execute His just decrees against a rebellious people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** H4941. This word, appearing twice in the verse, signifies more than just a chaotic event; it denotes a legal verdict, a sentence, or a formal decree. It encompasses the act of judging, the place of judgment, the crime, and the penalty. In this context, it emphasizes that the impending invasion is not arbitrary but a divinely sanctioned execution of justice, a righteous and deserved consequence for Jerusalem's unfaithfulness. The Babylonians, though acting from their own motivations, become the instruments through which God's just decree is carried out.
* **Set (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** H5414. This primitive root means "to give" or "to put," used with broad application. In the phrase "I will set judgment before them," it highlights God's active agency and intentionality. He is not merely allowing events to unfold; He is purposefully placing, appointing, or ordaining this judgment. This underscores His sovereignty and direct involvement in the unfolding historical events, ensuring that the judgment is precisely what He has determined.
* **Judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** H8199. This root means "to judge," "to pronounce sentence (for or against)," "to vindicate," or "to punish." Here, it refers to the actions of the attacking nations. While they act according to "their judgments" (their military and political objectives), their actions are simultaneously fulfilling God's overarching "judgment" (*mishpâṭ*). This demonstrates the profound theological truth that even the seemingly independent actions of human agents can be perfectly aligned with and serve the ultimate purposes of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall come against thee with chariots, wagons, and wheels,"**: This clause immediately establishes the nature of the impending attack: a full-scale, technologically advanced military assault. "They" refers to the nations God has raised up (Babylon and its allies). The specific mention of "chariots, wagons, and wheels" emphasizes the overwhelming force and mobility of the invading army, suggesting a rapid and devastating advance, characteristic of ancient imperial warfare.
* **"and with an assembly of people, which shall set against thee buckler and shield and helmet round about:"**: This part elaborates on the composition and tactics of the invading force. "An assembly of people" highlights the sheer multitude of soldiers involved, indicating an inescapable encirclement. The mention of "buckler and shield and helmet" describes the defensive and offensive armaments of a disciplined army, signifying a prepared, professional, and formidable siege. "Round about" stresses the complete encirclement of Jerusalem, leaving no avenue for escape or relief.
* **"and I will set judgment before them, and they shall judge thee according to their judgments."**: This final clause is the theological lynchpin of the verse. The first part, "I will set judgment before them," unequivocally declares God's active role and sovereignty. He is the ultimate orchestrator, placing the divine verdict and its execution squarely before the invading armies. The second part, "and they shall judge thee according to their judgments," reveals the dual nature of the judgment: the human instruments (the Babylonians) act according to their own military and political motivations ("their judgments"), yet their actions perfectly align with and fulfill God's righteous and just decree against Jerusalem's unfaithfulness. This highlights the profound mystery of divine sovereignty working through human agency.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending doom and divine justice. The overarching **Allegory** of the two sisters, Aholah and Oholibah, is central to the entire chapter, with this verse serving as a concrete manifestation of the allegorical consequences. The detailed description of military equipment—"chariots, wagons, and wheels," "buckler and shield and helmet"—constitutes vivid **Imagery**, allowing the audience to visualize the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the attack. This imagery creates a sense of dread and inevitability. There is also a strong element of **Irony** at play: the very nations with whom Jerusalem (Oholibah) had committed spiritual harlotry and sought illicit alliances are now turned by God into the instruments of her destruction. This serves as a stark reminder that trusting in worldly powers ultimately leads to ruin. Finally, the repetition and juxtaposition of "judgment" (God's) and "judgments" (the invaders') create a powerful **Parallelism** and **Wordplay**, emphasizing the dual agency and the perfect alignment of divine will with human action in the execution of justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:24 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth of God's unwavering justice and sovereignty over human affairs. It reveals that even the most devastating historical events, seemingly driven by political ambition or military might, are ultimately under the control of a righteous God who uses them to execute His will. The judgment upon Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder that spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry carry severe consequences, demonstrating that God's covenant relationship demands exclusive devotion. While God is merciful and long-suffering, His justice will ultimately prevail against persistent rebellion, ensuring that His holiness is vindicated. This verse also highlights the principle that God can use unlikely instruments, even pagan nations, to accomplish His purposes, underscoring His transcendent authority over all creation.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience in the Covenant")
* [Lamentations 2:17](/lamentations/2-17 "Lamentations 2:17 - God Fulfills His Word of Judgment")
* [Habakkuk 1:5-6](/habakkuk/1-5 "Habakkuk 1:5-6 - God Raises Up the Babylonians")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:24, though depicting a harsh historical judgment, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It compels us to seriously consider the gravity of spiritual unfaithfulness in our own lives, urging us to examine where our allegiances truly lie. Are we, like Oholibah, seeking security or satisfaction in worldly systems, material possessions, or human approval, rather than in God alone? The verse reminds us that God remains sovereign even amidst chaos and conflict, and that His justice will ultimately prevail. This should instill both a healthy fear of God's holiness and a profound trust in His ultimate control. We are called to cultivate a radical faithfulness, recognizing that genuine peace and security are found only in an undivided devotion to the Lord. This passage challenges us to live lives marked by integrity and obedience, understanding that our choices have consequences, and that God's character demands righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to "spiritual harlotry," seeking fulfillment or security outside of God?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God in judgment, as depicted in this verse, shape my understanding of current global events or personal challenges?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more undivided faithfulness to God in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Does God still use nations to execute judgment today?**

Answer: While the specific covenant relationship with ancient Israel and Judah was unique, the Bible consistently teaches that God remains sovereign over all nations and history. He continues to work through human governments and events, sometimes in ways that bring about consequences for sin or to advance His redemptive purposes. Just as He used Babylon against Judah, He can use any nation or circumstance to achieve His will, though the nature and manifestation of His judgment may differ in the New Covenant era, which emphasizes Christ's atoning work and the spiritual nature of the Kingdom of God. However, the principle of divine justice and sovereignty over nations, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons; He Removes Kings and Sets Up Kings"), remains constant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:24, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment against unfaithful Jerusalem, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The judgment described here—a just consequence for spiritual harlotry and covenant unfaithfulness—foreshadows the greater reality of God's righteous wrath against all sin. Yet, in Christ, this wrath is fully absorbed and satisfied. Jesus, the true and faithful Israelite, perfectly fulfilled the covenant where Israel failed. He became the ultimate object of God's judgment, bearing the full weight of humanity's spiritual harlotry and rebellion on the cross, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ offers a way for humanity to escape the judgment that unfaithful Israel experienced. Those who are "in Christ" are no longer under condemnation, for He has taken the "judgment" upon Himself, as declared in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus"). The overwhelming military might used by God to judge Jerusalem ultimately points to the infinitely greater power of God's love and justice displayed in the crucifixion and resurrection, where the just requirements of God's law were met, and a new, unbreakable covenant of grace was established through the [blood of Christ](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by the Blood of Christ"). Thus, the judgment on Oholibah serves as a dark backdrop, illuminating the glorious light of Christ's redemptive work, which offers forgiveness and true faithfulness to all who believe.

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 16:38

And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.

Ezekiel 23:45

And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they [are] adulteresses, and blood [is] in their hands.

Nahum 2:3

The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men [are] in scarlet: the chariots [shall be] with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.

Nahum 2:4

The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.

2 Samuel 24:14

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies [are] great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

Jeremiah 47:3

At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong [horses], at the rushing of his chariots, [and at] the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to [their] children for feebleness of hands;

Jeremiah 39:5

But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.