Ezekiel 23:28

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I will deliver {H5414} thee into the hand {H3027} of them whom thou hatest {H8130}, into the hand {H3027} of them from whom thy mind {H5315} is alienated {H5361}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For this is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I am about to hand you over to those you hate, to those who fill you with revulsion;

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Surely I will deliver you into the hands of those you hate, from whom you turned away in disgust.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:28 presents a stark divine declaration from the Lord GOD to Oholibah (Jerusalem), announcing her impending judgment. God reveals His intention to deliver her into the very hands of those nations she despises and from whom her heart is alienated, thereby orchestrating her punishment through the instruments of her own spiritual and political infidelity. This verse underscores the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, highlighting God's sovereign justice and the ironic nature of the judgment that befalls those who forsake Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23:28 is situated within an extended, vivid allegory of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, representing the Southern Kingdom of Judah). This chapter, following the indictment of Jerusalem in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness"), deepens the metaphor of spiritual harlotry to describe Israel and Judah's idolatry and their unholy political alliances with foreign powers like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. The sisters are depicted as engaging in increasingly egregious acts of infidelity, abandoning their covenant with God for the allure of pagan practices and worldly security. Verse 28 specifically targets Oholibah, detailing the precise nature of the judgment that awaits her, which is a direct consequence of her persistent rebellion and spiritual promiscuity. The verses immediately preceding and following this verse elaborate on the instruments and severity of this impending judgment, setting the stage for the complete dismantling of Jerusalem's pride and power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 23 is the tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE). Both the Northern Kingdom (Israel/Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah/Jerusalem) had a long history of spiritual apostasy, characterized by adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations and forming political alliances that compromised their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. Judah, despite witnessing the fall of Samaria to Assyria in 722 BCE, failed to learn from its sister's fate. Instead, Jerusalem continued to vacillate between seeking alliances with Egypt and Assyria, and later Babylon, rather than trusting solely in God. Culturally, such alliances often involved adopting foreign deities and customs, which the prophets consistently condemned as spiritual harlotry. The "hand of them whom thou hatest" likely refers to the Babylonians, who, despite Judah's attempts to resist or ally against them, would ultimately become God's chosen instrument of judgment, fulfilling prophecies of exile and destruction.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Judgment for Unfaithfulness**, illustrating God's unwavering resolve to punish His people when they break covenant through idolatry and immoral foreign entanglements. This serves as a potent warning against spiritual adultery, a theme echoed in [Hosea 2](/hosea/2 "Hosea 2 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and Restoration"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Poetic Justice**, where the very nations Judah either despised or inappropriately sought help from would become the instruments of her oppression. This ironic turn of events underscores the direct and fitting consequences of their choices, a principle found throughout the biblical narrative, as seen in [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom"). Lastly, [Ezekiel 23:28](/ezekiel/23-28 "Ezekiel 23:28 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem") reinforces **God's Sovereignty** over nations and historical events. Despite human actions of unfaithfulness and political maneuvering, God remains in ultimate control, actively "delivering" His people into the hands of their enemies to fulfill His righteous judgments, demonstrating His supreme power over all outcomes, a truth proclaimed in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deliver (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** (H5414) This primitive root means "to give," but is used with immense latitude, encompassing actions like "put," "make," and specifically "deliver (up)." In this context, it emphasizes God's active, intentional role in orchestrating the judgment. It is not merely that Judah will fall, but that God Himself will hand them over, signifying His direct agency and sovereign control over the unfolding events. This word underscores that the impending disaster is not a random misfortune but a divinely appointed consequence.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) This word literally means "hand," but figuratively denotes power, control, authority, or agency. To be delivered "into the hand" of another implies being placed under their dominion, subject to their will and power. The repetition of "into the hand of them" in the verse reinforces the complete surrender of Judah's autonomy and the absolute power of her enemies, who are acting as God's instruments. It signifies a loss of self-determination and subjection to external forces.
* **alienated (Hebrew, _nâqaʻ'_):** (H5361) Derived from a primitive root meaning "to feel aversion," this term signifies being estranged, disgusted, or having a deep sense of revulsion. When applied to the "mind" (Hebrew, _nephesh'_ - H5315, often translated as soul, life, or inner being), it speaks to a profound internal rejection or loathing. This word highlights the bitter irony of Judah's judgment: she will be subjected to the very people from whom her innermost being recoiled, revealing the depth of her hypocrisy in seeking their aid while despising them, or simply the poetic justice of falling to those she viewed as enemies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase is a prophetic formula, emphasizing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It signals that what follows is not merely human opinion or political analysis, but a direct, authoritative pronouncement from Yahweh, the sovereign Lord and covenant God of Israel. This declaration establishes the unchangeable nature of the impending judgment.
* **"Behold, I will deliver thee into the hand [of them] whom thou hatest,":** This clause declares God's active role in Judah's downfall. The "thee" refers to Oholibah (Jerusalem). God explicitly states His intention to "deliver" or hand her over. The phrase "whom thou hatest" introduces a profound element of poetic justice and irony. Judah, despite her political maneuvering and spiritual alliances, harbored deep animosity or disdain for certain foreign powers, yet these very entities would become the instruments of her divine punishment, demonstrating God's ability to use any means to accomplish His will.
* **"into the hand [of them] from whom thy mind is alienated:":** This second clause reiterates and intensifies the preceding one, emphasizing the psychological and spiritual aversion Judah felt towards her future oppressors. The term "mind" (nephesh) refers to the innermost being, highlighting a deep-seated revulsion or estrangement. The repetition of "into the hand" underscores the certainty and totality of the subjugation. This dual description of "hating" and "alienated" deepens the irony, revealing the hypocrisy of a nation that would both despise and yet imitate or rely on the very nations God would use to judge her.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is central, as God declares that Judah will be delivered into the hands of the very people she "hates" and from whom her "mind is alienated." This serves as a form of **Poetic Justice**, where the consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness are directly and fittingly administered by those she either sought to avoid or paradoxically, at times, sought alliances with. The overall chapter is an **Allegory**, with the two sisters Oholah and Oholibah representing Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively, and their "harlotry" symbolizing spiritual idolatry and unholy political alliances. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" functions as a **Divine Fiat** or **Prophetic Formula**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the pronouncement. The repetition of "into the hand [of them]" acts as **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the inescapable nature of the judgment and the complete surrender of Judah's autonomy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:28 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that covenant unfaithfulness inevitably leads to divine judgment. It demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty, showcasing His ability to utilize even the most unlikely or despised agents (the very nations Judah hated) as instruments of His righteous wrath. This judgment is not arbitrary but a just consequence for spiritual harlotry – the pursuit of idols and reliance on worldly powers rather than the one true God. The verse underscores that God's justice often involves a fitting irony, where the source of one's misplaced trust or aversion becomes the means of their downfall, exposing the futility and danger of spiritual compromise.

* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Your Own Wickedness Will Punish You")
* [Hosea 8:9](/hosea/8-9 "Israel's Reliance on Foreign Alliances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:28, though addressed to ancient Judah, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that spiritual unfaithfulness, whether manifested as idolatry, compromise with worldly values, or reliance on human systems over divine providence, has serious consequences. We must honestly examine our hearts: where do we place our ultimate trust? Are there areas where our "mind is alienated" from God's righteous standards, yet we paradoxically seek comfort or solutions from those very sources? This verse challenges us to consider if we are subtly engaging in "spiritual harlotry" by prioritizing wealth, success, comfort, or human approval above our devotion to Christ. God's justice ensures that straying from Him ultimately leads to difficult and often ironic consequences, revealing the emptiness of all substitutes for His presence and power. True security, peace, and fulfillment are found only in unwavering fidelity and obedience to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be placing my trust in worldly systems or values rather than fully relying on God?**
* **Are there any "foreign alliances" (i.e., ungodly influences or relationships) that my heart is drawn to, even if I intellectually know they are contrary to God's will?**
* **How does the concept of "poetic justice" in this verse challenge my understanding of God's character and His dealings with sin?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more exclusive devotion to God and avoid spiritual compromise?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the hand [of them] whom thou hatest"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights a profound aspect of divine justice, often referred to as poetic justice or irony. It signifies that God would use the very nations (primarily the Babylonians) that Judah either despised, feared, or had a deep aversion to, as the instruments of her punishment. Despite Judah's attempts to resist or form alliances against these powers, God's sovereignty meant they would become His agents of judgment. This underscores that there is no escape from God's justice, and that the consequences of unfaithfulness are often delivered through the most unexpected and fitting means, revealing the futility of human scheming apart from God's will. It also exposes the hypocrisy of Judah, who at times sought alliances with nations she inwardly loathed, demonstrating her spiritual inconsistency ([Jeremiah 2:36-37](/jeremiah/2-36 "Jeremiah 2:36-37 - Judah's Shameful Alliances")).

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of spiritual harlotry in Ezekiel?**

Answer: Ezekiel 23:28 is a direct consequence of the spiritual harlotry described throughout the chapter, where Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem) are allegorized as sisters who repeatedly prostitute themselves by engaging in idolatry and forming unholy political alliances with pagan nations. This "harlotry" represents their unfaithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh. The judgment described in [Ezekiel 23:28](/ezekiel/23-28 "Ezekiel 23:28 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem") is the divinely appointed punishment for this persistent spiritual infidelity. It demonstrates that God takes covenant breaking seriously and will not tolerate His people's worship of other gods or their reliance on worldly powers over Him. The severity of the judgment reflects the depth of their spiritual betrayal, as also seen in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 23:28 details God's judgment upon unfaithful Israel, its profound themes of divine judgment, the consequences of spiritual alienation, and the delivering of one into the hands of those who hate them find their ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, through sin, became profoundly alienated from God, spiritually estranged and deserving of judgment. Yet, instead of delivering humanity into the hands of its deserved fate, God delivered His own Son. Jesus, the sinless Lamb, was "delivered up" (a recurring New Testament theme, e.g., [Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Did Not Spare His Own Son")) into the hands of those who hated Him, both Jewish and Roman authorities, culminating in His crucifixion. He was truly "alienated" from God on the cross, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and experiencing the divine wrath that we deserved (see [Isaiah 53:3-6](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Through this ultimate act of being "delivered up" and experiencing alienation, Christ absorbed the judgment for our spiritual harlotry and rebellion. His sacrifice breaks the cycle of judgment for those who believe, offering reconciliation and peace with God (as proclaimed in [Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Thus, what was a terrifying prophecy of judgment for Israel becomes, in Christ, the very means of salvation and restoration for all who trust in Him, demonstrating God's justice satisfied and His boundless love revealed.

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 23:17

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.

Jeremiah 34:20

I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.

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.

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;

Jeremiah 21:7

And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.

Jeremiah 21:10

For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.

Jeremiah 24:8

And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt: