Ezekiel 23:25

KJV

And I will set my jealousy against thee, and they shall deal furiously with thee: they shall take away thy nose and thine ears; and thy remnant shall fall by the sword: they shall take thy sons and thy daughters; and thy residue shall be devoured by the fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will set {H5414} my jealousy {H7068} against thee, and they shall deal {H6213} furiously {H2534} with thee: they shall take away {H5493} thy nose {H639} and thine ears {H241}; and thy remnant {H319} shall fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719}: they shall take {H3947} thy sons {H1121} and thy daughters {H1323}; and thy residue {H319} shall be devoured {H398} by the fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will direct my jealousy against you, so that they will deal with you in fury - they will cut off your nose and ears, and what is left of you will die by the sword; they will seize your sons and daughters, and those who remain of you will be consumed by the fire.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will set My jealous rage against you, and they will deal with you in fury. They will cut off your noses and ears, and your survivors will fall by the sword. They will seize your sons and daughters, and your remnant will be consumed by fire.

American Standard Version

And I will set my jealousy against thee, and they shall deal with thee in fury; they shall take away thy nose and thine ears; and thy residue shall fall by the sword: they shall take thy sons and thy daughters; and thy residue shall be devoured by the fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:25 vividly describes the severe and multifaceted judgment God would unleash upon Oholibah, representing Jerusalem, due to her profound spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness. This verse details a series of horrific retributive acts, including disfigurement, death by the sword, the slaughter of children, and consumption by fire, all executed by the very nations with whom Jerusalem had illicitly allied herself. It underscores the righteous indignation of God's jealousy against His covenant people's idolatry and betrayal, illustrating the devastating consequences of forsaking Him for worldly alliances and false worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 23 presents a powerful and disturbing **allegory** of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah). Both are depicted as prostitutes, symbolizing their spiritual infidelity through idolatry and forming unholy alliances with foreign powers. The chapter details their escalating depravity, with Oholibah's transgressions portrayed as even greater than Oholah's. Verse 25 specifically culminates the description of Oholibah's deserved judgment, following God's declaration that He would stir up her "lovers" against her (Ezekiel 23:22) and bring about her utter destruction. This verse serves as the climax of the divine retribution against Jerusalem's persistent harlotry, leading into the lament over her downfall in subsequent verses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period when Judah had already suffered significant defeat and deportation, with Jerusalem's final destruction looming. The imagery of disfigurement—specifically cutting off the nose and ears—was a recognized form of punishment for adultery or rebellion in the ancient Near East, particularly in Assyrian and Babylonian cultures. Such acts were designed to inflict public shame, dishonor, and physical mutilation, signifying the complete degradation of the punished individual. By describing Jerusalem's fate in these terms, Ezekiel emphasizes the profound humiliation and loss of honor that awaited the city, mirroring the shame of a disgraced prostitute. The "sword" and "fire" represent the brutal military conquest and destruction wrought by the Babylonian armies, who were God's instruments of judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 23:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and biblical theology. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, where God's holiness demands accountability for sin, especially covenant unfaithfulness. The graphic nature of the punishment highlights the severity of spiritual adultery and idolatry. Another key theme is **God's Jealousy (Hebrew: _qin'âh_)**, which is not human envy but a righteous, passionate zeal for His exclusive covenant relationship with His people, tolerating no rivals for their worship and affection. This is evident as God declares, "I will set my jealousy against thee" (Ezekiel 23:25). The verse also underscores the **Consequences of Spiritual Adultery**, demonstrating that forsaking the one true God for idols and worldly alliances leads to devastating national humiliation and destruction, as seen throughout the narrative of Israel and Judah's apostasy (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:16-21](/deuteronomy/32-16 "Deuteronomy 32:16-21 - God's Jealousy Against Idolatry")). Finally, the concept of **Total Devastation** is conveyed through the comprehensive list of punishments, signifying the complete end of Jerusalem's independent existence and its status as a favored nation, a theme echoed in other prophetic warnings against Judah's sin (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jealousy (Hebrew, _qin'âh'_):** From H7068, this term signifies intense passion, zeal, or indignation, often in the context of defending one's honor or exclusive rights. When applied to God, it describes His fervent commitment to His covenant with Israel and His intolerance of any rivals for their worship. It is a righteous and holy attribute, reflecting His demand for exclusive devotion from His chosen people, not an irrational human emotion.
* **Furiously (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** From H2534, this word denotes heat, figuratively anger, poison (from its fever), rage, or wrath. In this context, it describes the intensity of the judgment executed by Jerusalem's former lovers, reflecting God's burning, righteous indignation and the fierce, destructive power of the Babylonians as His instruments.
* **Nose (Hebrew, _'aph'_):** From H639, properly the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire. In this context, the cutting off of the nose, along with the ears, represents severe disfigurement and public shame. It was a common punishment for adultery or rebellion in the ancient Near East, designed to mark the individual as dishonored and to strip them of their dignity and beauty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will set my jealousy against thee,"**: This opening clause establishes divine agency and motivation. God Himself, in His righteous zeal and exclusive claim over His covenant people, is the ultimate orchestrator of the judgment. His "jealousy" is a holy attribute, provoked by Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry.
* **"and they shall deal furiously with thee:"**: The "they" refers to the nations (specifically the Babylonians and their allies) with whom Jerusalem had sought illicit alliances. These former "lovers" would now become the instruments of God's wrath, acting with a fierce, burning anger (fury) against Jerusalem.
* **"they shall take away thy nose and thine ears;"**: This describes a specific, brutal act of disfigurement. The cutting off of the nose and ears was a common punishment for adulteresses or rebels in the ancient Near East, designed to inflict public shame, humiliation, and permanent physical mutilation, symbolizing Jerusalem's utter disgrace and loss of honor.
* **"and thy remnant shall fall by the sword:"**: This refers to the remaining population of Jerusalem or Judah, those who survived the initial onslaught or were not immediately deported. They would be killed in battle or executed by the sword, signifying widespread death and the decimation of the populace.
* **"they shall take thy sons and thy daughters;"**: This clause highlights the tragic loss of the next generation. The children, the future of the nation, would be seized, either killed or taken captive, representing the complete destruction of the family unit and the end of Jerusalem's lineage.
* **"and thy residue shall be devoured by the fire."**: The "residue" refers to what remains of the city and its inhabitants. This signifies the burning and destruction of Jerusalem itself, its houses, and potentially its people, by fire—a common consequence of ancient warfare and a powerful symbol of utter annihilation and purification by judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of severe judgment. The entire chapter functions as an **Allegory**, where the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, **Personify** Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively, and their prostitution symbolizes spiritual idolatry and unholy political alliances. The graphic descriptions within this verse, such as the cutting off of the nose and ears, the falling by the sword, and being devoured by fire, constitute vivid **Imagery** and **Hyperbole**. While rooted in actual ancient Near Eastern punishments, their cumulative effect paints a picture of extreme, almost unimaginable, suffering and degradation, emphasizing the totality of God's wrath. The repetition of "they shall take" and "thy" (thy nose, thine ears, thy remnant, thy sons, thy daughters, thy residue) creates a sense of relentless, inescapable retribution, underscoring the direct and personal nature of the judgment against Jerusalem. This also serves as a form of **Retribution Theology**, where the punishment directly fits the crime—those who pursued illicit "lovers" are destroyed by those very lovers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:25 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering holiness and His righteous judgment against sin, particularly against covenant unfaithfulness. The graphic imagery of disfigurement and destruction underscores the severity of spiritual adultery, where the pursuit of idols and worldly alliances is seen as a profound betrayal of the divine covenant. This passage reveals a God who is passionately jealous for His exclusive relationship with His people, a jealousy that demands their sole devotion and will not tolerate rivals. While terrifying in its depiction of wrath, it simultaneously affirms God's justice, demonstrating that His character necessitates a response to persistent rebellion. The judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of Jerusalem's choices, highlighting the principle that sin, especially against a holy God, incurs severe and devastating repercussions.

* [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God is a Jealous God")
* [Hosea 2:5-7](/hosea/2-5 "Hosea 2:5-7 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and Consequences")
* [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - The Horrors of the Siege of Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:25, though depicting a specific historical judgment, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our own allegiances and affections. Just as Jerusalem was condemned for spiritual adultery, we are challenged to examine whether anything or anyone has usurped God's rightful place as the supreme object of our worship and devotion. Modern idols may not be carved images, but they can manifest as materialism, career ambition, social status, comfort, or even human relationships that take precedence over our relationship with God. This passage serves as a sobering reminder that God's holiness and justice are immutable; while we live under grace in Christ, unrepentant sin and spiritual compromise still carry serious consequences, hindering our fellowship with God and potentially leading to spiritual barrenness or the experience of His disciplinary hand. It compels us to cultivate an exclusive and passionate devotion to the Lord, trusting in His wisdom and provision rather than relying on worldly systems or philosophies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "foreign alliances" or "lovers" in my life that might be distracting me from exclusive devotion to God?**
* **How does the concept of God's "jealousy" (as righteous zeal) shape my understanding of His character and my commitment to Him?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing the "consequences" of spiritual compromise, and how can I turn back to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more exclusive devotion to God in a world that constantly vies for my attention and allegiance?**

### FAQ
**Was the cutting off of the nose and ears a literal punishment in ancient times?**

Answer: Yes, the imagery used in Ezekiel 23:25, particularly the cutting off of the nose and ears, was a literal and well-documented form of punishment for certain offenses, including adultery and rebellion, in the ancient Near East, especially in Assyrian and Babylonian cultures. These acts were designed not only to inflict pain but primarily to bring public shame, disfigurement, and loss of honor upon the individual, marking them as disgraced and unfit for society. For a society that highly valued physical integrity and public reputation, such mutilation was a devastating form of retribution. The prophet Ezekiel uses this graphic, culturally relevant imagery to underscore the profound humiliation and degradation that Jerusalem would suffer as a consequence of her spiritual harlotry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:25, with its graphic depiction of judgment for spiritual adultery, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the physical disfigurement of God's people, but in the profound spiritual reality of Christ's atoning work. Israel's harlotry, as symbolized by Oholibah, represents humanity's universal propensity to forsake the true God for idols and self-reliance, incurring divine wrath. Yet, the New Testament reveals that God's righteous jealousy and judgment were fully satisfied in the person of Jesus Christ. He, the innocent Lamb of God, bore the full fury of God's wrath against sin, suffering the ultimate disfigurement and humiliation on the cross, becoming a curse for us (e.g., [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His sacrifice, the "remnant" of humanity, those who believe, are spared the sword and the fire of judgment. Instead of sons and daughters being taken away in judgment, Christ gathers His children, making them heirs with Him (e.g., [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The Church, as the bride of Christ, is called to be a faithful and pure bride, having been cleansed by His blood, in stark contrast to the harlotry of Oholibah (e.g., [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")). Thus, Ezekiel 23:25, while a terrifying prophecy of judgment, ultimately points to the depth of sin that necessitated such a sacrifice and the boundless grace found in the one who endured the judgment on our behalf, securing eternal life and an unbreakable covenant for those who trust in Him (e.g., [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 23:47

And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.

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 16:42

So will I make my fury toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry.

Ezekiel 15:6

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 15:7

And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from [one] fire, and [another] fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I set my face against them.

Exodus 34:14

For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:

Ezekiel 5:13

Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.