Ezekiel 23:26

KJV

They shall also strip thee out of thy clothes, and take away thy fair jewels.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall also strip {H6584} thee out of thy clothes {H899}, and take away {H3947} thy fair {H8597} jewels {H3627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will strip you of your clothes and seize your fine jewels.

Berean Standard Bible

They will strip off your clothes and take your fine jewelry.

American Standard Version

They shall also strip thee of thy clothes, and take away thy fair jewels.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:26 pronounces a severe divine judgment upon Oholibah, representing Jerusalem, declaring that the very nations with whom she pursued illicit spiritual and political alliances would become the instruments of her humiliation and despoiling. The imagery of being stripped of clothes and having "fair jewels" taken away vividly portrays a complete loss of dignity, wealth, and status, exposing Jerusalem's spiritual nakedness and the devastating consequences of her persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God's covenant. This verse underscores the principle that God's justice ensures that sin, particularly spiritual harlotry, leads to utter disgrace and ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 23 is an extended allegorical prophecy depicting the spiritual adultery of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria, representing the northern kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, representing the southern kingdom of Judah). Both are portrayed as harlots who abandoned their covenant fidelity to Yahweh, pursuing illicit relationships with foreign nations and adopting their idolatrous practices. The chapter meticulously details their escalating unfaithfulness, with Oholibah being judged as even more corrupt than her sister Oholah, as highlighted in passages like [Ezekiel 23:11](/ezekiel/23-11 "Ezekiel 23:11 - Oholibah's Greater Corruption"). Verses 22-35 specifically detail the judgment pronounced against Oholibah. The "they" in verse 26 refers to the Babylonians and other allied nations (Chaldeans, Assyrians, etc.) whom Judah had sought as lovers and protectors, but who God now declares will be the instruments of her punishment. This stripping and plundering is part of a larger divine decree of desolation and public disgrace, culminating in the complete destruction of Jerusalem as described in [Ezekiel 23:29](/ezekiel/23-29 "Ezekiel 23:29 - Complete Desolation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the public stripping of clothes was a profound act of humiliation, disgrace, and exposure, often inflicted upon conquered enemies or prostitutes. It symbolized utter vulnerability, loss of honor, and the complete subjugation of the individual or city. The taking of "fair jewels" and other possessions was a common practice of plunder by invading armies, signifying the complete despoiling of a city's wealth, prestige, and outward glory. Jerusalem, at this time, was deeply entangled in political alliances with powerful empires like Egypt and Babylon, often at the expense of their covenant with God, adopting their gods and customs. This verse reflects the historical reality of Jerusalem's impending destruction and exile at the hands of the very Babylonian empire she had alternately courted and rebelled against, demonstrating God's sovereign use of pagan nations to execute His righteous judgment upon His unfaithful people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Justice and Judgment**, illustrating that God will not tolerate persistent idolatry and covenant infidelity, even from His chosen people. The punishment is directly tailored to the crime: those whom Judah pursued for illicit gain and false security would be the very ones to bring about her downfall. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Humiliation and Disgrace** as a consequence of sin, revealing the true spiritual nakedness and shame that results from abandoning God's covenant. The loss of outward adornments symbolizes the stripping away of any pretense or false glory. Thirdly, it underscores the **Futility of Worldly Alliances and Idolatry**, demonstrating that reliance on human power or false gods ultimately leads to ruin and the loss of all that is valued, as seen throughout the prophetic warnings in books like [Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Jeremiah 2:19 - The Bitterness of Forsaking God"). Finally, it speaks to the **Sovereignty of God**, who uses even the actions of wicked nations to accomplish His purposes of judgment and ultimately, purification for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strip (Hebrew, _pâshaṭ'_):** From H6584, a primitive root meaning "to spread out" (as in hostile array), and by analogy, "to strip" (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.). In Ezekiel 23:26, it conveys the violent act of forcibly removing clothing, signifying public humiliation, exposure, and the complete taking of possessions. It implies a forceful, aggressive act of despoiling.
* **clothes (Hebrew, _beged'_):** From H899, meaning "a covering," specifically "clothing" or "garment." In ancient cultures, clothing provided dignity, modesty, and often indicated status. To be stripped of clothes was the ultimate public shame and a symbol of utter vulnerability and loss of honor.
* **take away (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From H3947, a primitive root meaning "to take" in a wide variety of applications, including to seize, carry away, or receive. Here, it denotes the act of plundering or seizing valuable items, completing the act of despoiling initiated by the stripping.
* **fair (Hebrew, _tiphʼârâh'_):** From H8597, meaning "ornament" (abstractly or concretely), "beauty," "bravery," "glory," "honor," or "majesty." This word emphasizes that the jewels were not just ordinary items but were those that contributed to outward splendor, prestige, and a sense of pride or honor.
* **jewels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** From H3627, meaning "something prepared," i.e., any apparatus, implement, utensil, dress, vessel, or weapon. In this context, combined with "fair" (_tiphʼârâh_), it specifically refers to "articles of splendor" or "glorious ornaments." These were valuable possessions that symbolized wealth, status, and beauty, making their removal a profound loss.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall also strip thee out of thy clothes":** This clause vividly describes the act of public humiliation and exposure. The "they" refers to the foreign nations (Babylonians/Chaldeans) who were once Jerusalem's desired allies but now become her executioners. Stripping away clothes in the ancient world was a profound act of shame, signifying the loss of dignity, modesty, and honor, leaving one utterly vulnerable and exposed. It represents the complete unveiling of Jerusalem's spiritual nakedness and guilt before the world.
* **"and take away thy fair jewels":** This second clause complements the first, detailing the complete plundering of Jerusalem. "Fair jewels" represent not only personal adornments but also national wealth, prestige, and glory. Their removal symbolizes the utter despoiling of Jerusalem's riches, the destruction of her societal standing, and the stripping away of any outward splendor or false security she had boasted in, leaving her desolate and impoverished.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The entire chapter functions as an **Allegory**, with Oholibah (Jerusalem) personified as a harlot, and her actions representing the nation's spiritual idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. Within this allegory, the act of "stripping thee out of thy clothes" and "taking away thy fair jewels" serves as a potent **Metaphor** for the complete loss of dignity, honor, wealth, and national sovereignty that Jerusalem would experience. The clothes and jewels are **Symbols** of outward glory, status, and security, making their removal a stark representation of utter desolation and public shame. The **Personification** of Jerusalem as a woman undergoing such a traumatic experience evokes a strong emotional response, making the consequences of her actions palpable and deeply humiliating. The imagery is designed to be visceral, emphasizing the severity and completeness of God's righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:26 stands as a stark testament to God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of spiritual idolatry and covenant infidelity. It underscores the biblical truth that God is a jealous God who demands exclusive devotion, and any pursuit of false gods or reliance on worldly powers for security ultimately leads to shame and ruin. The stripping away of outward adornments signifies the exposure of the inner corruption and spiritual nakedness that results from forsaking the Lord. This judgment, though severe, is not arbitrary but is a direct consequence of Jerusalem's persistent rebellion, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable for their choices. It serves as a timeless warning against placing our trust and affections in anything other than the one true God, for all worldly glory and security are fleeting when God's favor is withdrawn.

* [Hosea 2:3](/hosea/2-3 "Hosea 2:3 - Stripped and Exposed")
* [Isaiah 3:18](/isaiah/3-18 "Isaiah 3:18-24 - The Stripping of Judah's Daughters")
* [Jeremiah 13:26](/jeremiah/13-26 "Jeremiah 13:26 - Exposure of Shame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid imagery of Ezekiel 23:26, though rooted in ancient Israel's specific context, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It serves as a sobering reminder that spiritual idolatry, whether it manifests as overt worship of false gods or a more subtle reliance on wealth, status, relationships, or personal achievements for our security and identity, inevitably leads to a spiritual "stripping." When we place our trust and affections in anything other than God, those very things can become instruments of our disillusionment and shame. This verse challenges us to examine where our true security and glory lie. Are we "clothed" in the righteousness of Christ, or are we adorned with fleeting worldly "jewels" that can be stripped away in a moment? God's discipline, though painful, is often a means to expose our spiritual nakedness and lead us back to Him, reminding us that true dignity and lasting worth are found only in a faithful relationship with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be seeking security or identity outside of God, effectively committing spiritual idolatry?**
* **What "fair jewels"—whether possessions, status, or achievements—do I hold onto too tightly, and how might God be calling me to release them for His glory?**
* **How does the concept of spiritual "nakedness" challenge my understanding of my own sin and my need for God's grace and covering?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the consequences of unfaithfulness, and how can it motivate me to cultivate deeper devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" in Ezekiel 23:26, and why are they the instruments of judgment?**

Answer: The "they" in Ezekiel 23:26 refers to the foreign nations, primarily the Babylonians and their allies (such as the Chaldeans and Assyrians mentioned elsewhere in Ezekiel 23), with whom Jerusalem (Oholibah) had engaged in illicit spiritual and political alliances. These nations were once desired "lovers" whom Jerusalem courted for protection and adopted their idolatrous practices. God, in His righteous judgment, declares that these very nations, through whom Jerusalem sought false security and indulged in spiritual harlotry, would become the instruments of her punishment. This demonstrates a powerful principle of divine justice: the very things we turn to instead of God can become the means of our downfall, as seen in the broader narrative of Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon (e.g., [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem")).

**What is the symbolic significance of being "stripped out of thy clothes, and take away thy fair jewels" in this context?**

Answer: This imagery carries profound symbolic weight in the ancient Near East and within the biblical narrative. Being "stripped out of thy clothes" symbolizes extreme public humiliation, disgrace, and complete vulnerability. Clothing represented dignity, modesty, and often one's social status. Its removal meant utter shame and exposure of guilt, akin to the nakedness of a captive or a prostitute. "Taking away thy fair jewels" signifies the complete plundering of wealth, prestige, and outward glory. Jewels and ornaments represented beauty, prosperity, and national honor. Together, these acts represent the total despoliation of Jerusalem, the loss of all her outward splendor and perceived security, and the exposure of her spiritual nakedness and corruption due to her unfaithfulness to God. It underscores the transient nature of worldly glory when God's favor is withdrawn.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:26, with its vivid portrayal of judgment, humiliation, and the stripping away of false glory, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jerusalem was stripped of her dignity and wealth due to her sin, Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly endured the ultimate stripping and humiliation for the sins of humanity. He was stripped of His garments before His crucifixion, exposed and shamed on the cross, bearing the spiritual nakedness and disgrace that was rightfully ours ([Matthew 27:28](/matthew/27-28 "Matthew 27:28 - Jesus Stripped")). He became poor so that we, through His poverty, might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). Furthermore, while Jerusalem's "fair jewels" were taken away, symbolizing the loss of her earthly glory, Christ is the true "fair jewel," the pearl of great price, whose glory is eternal and incorruptible ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). He offers us a righteousness that cannot be stripped away, clothing us in His own perfect obedience and cleansing us from our spiritual nakedness ([Revelation 3:18](/revelation/3-18 "Revelation 3:18 - White Garments of Righteousness")). Thus, the judgment foreshadowed in Ezekiel 23:26 is ultimately absorbed and overcome by the grace and sacrifice of Christ, who provides true dignity, eternal treasure, and an unshakeable covering for 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 16:39

And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.

Jeremiah 13:22

¶ And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, [and] thy heels made bare.

Ezekiel 23:29

And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.

Isaiah 3:17

Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.

Isaiah 3:24

And it shall come to pass, [that] instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; [and] burning instead of beauty.

Hosea 2:3

Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.

Revelation 18:14

And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.