Ezekiel 23:33

KJV

Thou shalt be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of thy sister Samaria.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt be filled {H4390} with drunkenness {H7943} and sorrow {H3015}, with the cup {H3563} of astonishment {H8047} and desolation {H8077}, with the cup {H3563} of thy sister {H269} Samaria {H8111}.

Complete Jewish Bible

filling you with drunkenness and sorrow, a cup of horror and devastation the cup of your sister Shomron.

Berean Standard Bible

You will be filled with drunkenness and grief, with a cup of devastation and desolation, the cup of your sister Samaria.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of thy sister Samaria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:33 delivers a stark prophetic judgment against Jerusalem, personified as Oholibah, condemning her profound spiritual apostasy and idolatrous alliances. Through the vivid metaphor of a "cup," the verse declares that Jerusalem will be utterly overwhelmed by divine wrath, experiencing a profound state of disorientation, inconsolable grief, and utter ruin. This devastating fate is explicitly linked to and mirrors the desolation that had already befallen her sister, Samaria (Oholah), due to similar covenant unfaithfulness and persistent rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 23 of Ezekiel presents an extended and graphic allegory of two sisters, Oholah (representing Samaria, the Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (representing Jerusalem, the Southern Kingdom of Judah), to illustrate their spiritual harlotry against Yahweh. This chapter builds upon earlier condemnations of idolatry and covenant breaking found throughout [Ezekiel's prophecies](/ezekiel "The Book of Ezekiel - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration"). The preceding verses detail Oholibah's escalating depravity, as she not only imitated but surpassed Oholah's sins, pursuing even more egregious idolatrous practices and illicit political alliances. Verse 33 marks a climactic pronouncement of the inevitable and severe judgment awaiting Jerusalem, directly following the detailed enumeration of her spiritual infidelity and political entanglements with foreign powers. It serves as the direct consequence of the actions described in [Ezekiel 23:1-32](/ezekiel/23-1 "Ezekiel 23:1-32 - The Parable of the Two Sisters"), sealing the fate of the unfaithful city.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecy is the turbulent period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile (6th century BC). The Northern Kingdom (Samaria) had already fallen to the Assyrians in 722 BC, a devastating consequence of their idolatry and reliance on foreign alliances. Judah, despite witnessing this catastrophic event, continued to pursue similar paths, making treaties with powerful nations like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, and adopting their pagan gods and religious practices. This was viewed by God as profound spiritual adultery, a direct violation of their covenant with Yahweh. The "cup" metaphor, as used in this verse, was a common ancient Near Eastern motif for destiny or a portion, often associated with divine judgment or a bitter measure of suffering, a concept also prevalent in various ancient texts and within the [Old Testament](/old_testament "The Old Testament - A Collection of Ancient Hebrew Scriptures"). The explicit reference to "Samaria" would have served as a potent and terrifying reminder to Judah of their sister's downfall and the impending doom that awaited them if they did not repent.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 23:33 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes present in the book of Ezekiel and throughout prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment for Apostasy**, emphasizing God's unwavering justice against spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. Judah's persistent rebellion, even after witnessing Samaria's tragic fate, sealed their doom, highlighting the severe **Consequences of Sin**—that covenant breaking and spiritual harlotry inevitably lead to profound suffering and desolation. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Impartiality of God's Justice**; both Israel and Judah, despite their unique covenant relationships with God, faced similar judgments for similar sins, demonstrating that God does not show favoritism in matters of righteousness and sin. The pervasive **"Cup" Metaphor** effectively conveys the idea of a predetermined portion of suffering or wrath that must be consumed, a concept echoed in [Psalm 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath") and [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **filled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** This primitive root (H4390) signifies being completely saturated or overwhelmed. In this context, it denotes an inescapable and total experience of divine judgment, implying that Jerusalem will be utterly consumed by the specified conditions—drunkenness, sorrow, astonishment, and desolation—leaving no room for escape, mitigation, or relief. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the impending divine wrath.
* **cup (Hebrew, _kôwç'_):** From an unused root meaning "to hold together," this noun (H3563) refers to a container, a cup, but frequently serves as a powerful biblical metaphor for one's destiny or portion. Here, it specifically represents divine wrath and judgment. To drink from this "cup" signifies experiencing the full measure of what God has appointed as retribution for sin, a common prophetic image for suffering and divine retribution that must be fully consumed.
* **astonishment (Hebrew, _shammâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be desolate," this word (H8047) signifies ruin, and by implication, profound consternation or horror. It conveys a sense of overwhelming shock, dismay, and utter bewilderment in the face of catastrophic calamity. This is not merely surprise but a terrifying, paralyzing realization of utter destruction, leaving one stunned, helpless, and desolate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt be filled with drunkenness and sorrow":** This clause pronounces a state of profound moral and spiritual stupor, combined with overwhelming grief. The "drunkenness" is not literal but a metaphor for being overwhelmed by divine judgment, leading to disorientation, confusion, and an inability to perceive or resist the impending catastrophe. This spiritual intoxication is inextricably linked with "sorrow," indicating the deep pain, regret, and despair that will accompany Jerusalem's downfall. It speaks to both the cause (spiritual stupor from sin) and the effect (overwhelming grief from judgment).
* **"with the cup of astonishment and desolation":** This phrase introduces the central metaphor of the "cup" as a predetermined portion of suffering. "Astonishment" (or horror/dismay) signifies the shocking and paralyzing effect of the judgment, leaving Jerusalem utterly stunned and helpless in the face of divine wrath. "Desolation" points to the physical and spiritual ruin that will result, emphasizing the complete destruction and emptiness that will befall the city and its inhabitants. Together, these terms convey the terrifying and utterly destructive nature of the divine retribution.
* **"with the cup of thy sister Samaria":** This crucial concluding phrase directly links Jerusalem's impending fate to that of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, whose capital was Samaria. It serves as a stark reminder that God's justice is impartial and that Judah, despite its privileged status as the location of the Temple and the Davidic covenant, would suffer a judgment identical in nature and severity to that which had already befallen Samaria for similar sins of idolatry and spiritual harlotry. This underscores Jerusalem's greater culpability, having failed to learn from Samaria's tragic example and persisting in even deeper rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:33 is rich in **Metaphor**, most notably the "cup" as a powerful symbol of divine wrath and predetermined destiny. This imagery vividly conveys the idea of a bitter portion of suffering that must be consumed, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible and inescapable. The "drunkenness" is also a potent **Metaphor** for spiritual stupor and disorientation caused by sin, leading to an inability to perceive or resist God's judgment. Furthermore, the entire chapter employs **Personification**, with Samaria (Oholah) and Jerusalem (Oholibah) depicted as two sisters engaging in spiritual harlotry. This anthropomorphic representation makes the abstract concept of national apostasy relatable and morally reprehensible. The repetition of "with the cup" also creates **Anaphora**, emphasizing the inescapable nature of the judgment and linking the various aspects of suffering to this singular, bitter portion. The explicit comparison of Jerusalem's fate to Samaria's also highlights a strong **Parallelism**, underscoring God's consistent and impartial justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:33 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering holiness and justice in the face of persistent covenant unfaithfulness. It underscores that God's patience has limits, and His judgment is a necessary consequence of unrepentant sin, even for His chosen people. The "cup of wrath" imagery is a recurring theological motif throughout Scripture, signifying the full measure of divine retribution against sin. This verse emphasizes that spiritual idolatry and reliance on worldly alliances, rather than exclusive devotion to God, inevitably lead to devastating consequences. It also highlights the principle of corporate responsibility and the impartiality of God's judgment, as Jerusalem faces the same fate as Samaria, demonstrating that no privilege exempts one from the consequences of rebellion.

* [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of God's Fury")
* [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of the Lord's Wrath")
* [Psalm 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Indignation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Ezekiel 23:33 is a specific historical judgment against ancient Judah, its underlying principles resonate powerfully for believers today. It serves as a sobering warning against spiritual complacency and the insidious nature of idolatry, reminding us that anything that displaces God from the center of our devotion—whether it be worldly ambitions, material possessions, or even human relationships—can become a form of spiritual "harlotry." The verse challenges us to examine our allegiances and ensure our trust is placed solely in God, not in fleeting human systems or false securities. It also calls us to learn from the past, both biblical and contemporary, recognizing that God's principles of justice and consequence remain constant. Ultimately, this passage, though grim, implicitly points to the profound mercy available through repentance, urging us to turn back to God before the full measure of judgment is poured out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek security or satisfaction apart from God, thereby engaging in spiritual "harlotry"?**
* **How can I actively learn from the past failures of others, both in biblical history and in contemporary society, to avoid similar pitfalls?**
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in this verse deepen my appreciation for His grace and mercy offered through Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "cup" metaphor in biblical prophecy?**

Answer: The "cup" metaphor, as seen in [Ezekiel 23:33](/ezekiel/23-33 "Ezekiel 23:33 - The Cup of Drunkenness and Sorrow"), is a powerful and recurring image in the Bible, particularly in prophetic literature. It primarily symbolizes a predetermined portion or destiny, often representing divine wrath, judgment, or suffering that an individual or nation must "drink" or experience. For instance, [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of God's Fury") speaks of Jerusalem drinking the "cup of staggering," and [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of the Lord's Wrath") refers to the "cup of the wine of wrath" that nations must drink. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself refers to a "cup" of suffering He must drink in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane"), signifying His acceptance of the Father's will and the full weight of atonement. Thus, the cup represents the inescapable measure of God's righteous dealings with humanity, whether in judgment or in the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

**Who are Oholah and Oholibah, and why are they important to understanding this verse?**

Answer: Oholah and Oholibah are symbolic names used in [Ezekiel chapter 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Parable of the Two Sisters") to personify the two kingdoms of Israel. Oholah represents Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, while Oholibah represents Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The names themselves carry meaning: "Oholah" means "her tent," and "Oholibah" means "my tent is in her," referring to God's dwelling place (the Temple) being in Jerusalem. They are portrayed as sisters who engaged in spiritual "harlotry" by abandoning their covenant with Yahweh and pursuing idolatrous practices and political alliances with foreign nations. Oholah had already been judged and destroyed by Assyria. Ezekiel 23:33 is a direct pronouncement that Oholibah (Jerusalem), despite witnessing Oholah's fate, would suffer an even greater, yet similar, judgment. Their importance lies in illustrating God's impartial justice and the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness for both parts of His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 23:33 vividly portrays the devastating consequences of sin and the righteous wrath of God against unfaithfulness, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. The "cup of astonishment and desolation" that Judah was forced to drink foreshadows the far greater "cup" that Christ willingly drank on behalf of humanity. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "[My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")." This was not a cup of mere physical suffering, but the full, bitter draught of God's holy wrath against all human sin, a wrath that justly fell upon Jerusalem and Samaria. By drinking this cup to its dregs on the cross, Jesus absorbed the desolation, sorrow, and judgment that was due to us, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His atoning sacrifice, those who believe in Him are spared from drinking the cup of God's judgment, instead receiving the cup of salvation and blessing, thereby fulfilling the promise of a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The Promise of a New Covenant") where sins are remembered no more, and reconciliation with God is made possible.

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

Jeremiah 25:27

Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.

Isaiah 51:17

¶ Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, [and] wrung [them] out.

Isaiah 51:22

Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

Jeremiah 25:15

¶ For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

Jeremiah 25:16

And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.

Habakkuk 2:16

Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing [shall be] on thy glory.