Ezekiel 23:46

KJV

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; I will bring up {H5927} a company {H6951} upon them, and will give {H5414} them to be removed {H2189} and spoiled {H957}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Summon an assembly to punish them; give them over to terror and plunder.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Bring a mob against them and consign them to terror and plunder.

American Standard Version

For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will bring up a company against them, and will give them to be tossed to and fro and robbed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:46 delivers a profound and unyielding divine decree of judgment against Oholah and Oholibah, allegorical representations of Samaria (Israel) and Jerusalem (Judah), respectively. This verse serves as the climactic declaration following a detailed indictment of their persistent spiritual harlotry and idolatry. It unequivocally states that the Lord GOD Himself will orchestrate the arrival of an invading force, a "company," to execute a devastating and comprehensive punishment upon them, leading to their violent "removal" and complete "spoiling," thereby underscoring the severe and inevitable consequences of their profound covenant unfaithfulness and egregious apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 unfolds as an elaborate and vivid prophetic allegory, portraying the spiritual infidelity of God's chosen people through the narrative of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem). The preceding verses (Ezekiel 23:1-35) meticulously chronicle their escalating history of idolatry, their misguided reliance on foreign alliances with nations like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, and their consistent betrayal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. This section details their defilement of sacred spaces and their adoption of pagan practices. Following this, verses 36-45 present a formal divine indictment, itemizing their abominable acts, including child sacrifice and the profanation of God's sanctuary. Verse 46 marks a critical turning point, transitioning from the detailed exposition of their sin to the direct, authoritative declaration of the imminent divine judgment. It sets the stage for the graphic execution of this judgment described in the subsequent verses [Ezekiel 23:47-49](/ezekiel/23-47-49 "Ezekiel 23:47-49 - Execution of Judgment"). This verse unequivocally establishes Yahweh's active and sovereign role in bringing about the deserved consequences of their profound spiritual rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic messages of Ezekiel were delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the tumultuous early 6th century BCE, a period of profound national upheaval and crisis. At the time of this prophecy, Jerusalem, symbolized by Oholibah, was still standing but under severe threat, ultimately falling to the Babylonians in 586 BCE. Samaria, represented by Oholah, had already succumbed to the Assyrian conquest in 722 BCE. The "spiritual harlotry" vividly depicted in the chapter refers to Israel's and Judah's pervasive adoption of pagan religious practices, such as the worship of Baal and Asherah, and their reliance on political treaties with idolatrous nations (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon) instead of placing their trust solely in Yahweh. Such alliances were considered a grave betrayal of their covenant, akin to a wife abandoning her husband for other lovers. The "company" mentioned in Ezekiel 23:46 refers to the invading armies, primarily the powerful Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar, whom God sovereignly employed as instruments of His righteous judgment. The practices of "removing" (forcible deportation and exile) and "spoiling" (the systematic plundering of cities and wealth) were common and devastating consequences of military conquest in the ancient Near East, vividly illustrating the complete destruction and loss of national identity that awaited the unfaithful kingdoms.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 23:46 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Ezekiel and the broader corpus of prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**. God, as the perfectly righteous judge, will not tolerate persistent covenant unfaithfulness, idolatry, and spiritual rebellion. His inherent justice necessitates a decisive response to sin, a theme consistently echoed throughout the prophets, as seen in passages like [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice Rolls Down Like Waters") and [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"). Secondly, the verse highlights the severe **Consequences of Apostasy**. It serves as a stark and unequivocal warning that abandoning God and His covenant, and pursuing other gods or worldly alliances, inevitably leads to devastating and destructive outcomes, including national desolation, forced exile, and the profound loss of identity. The tragic fate of Oholah and Oholibah is a vivid and painful illustration of the biblical principle that "the wages of sin is death," as articulated in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Lastly, the phrase "I will bring up a company" powerfully emphasizes **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**. It reveals that God is not merely a passive observer or reacting to human events, but actively orchestrating them, using human agents—even pagan empires like the Babylonian army, as referenced in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")—to fulfill His righteous decrees and demonstrate His absolute control over the course of history and the destiny of nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This profound compound title, translated as "Lord GOD" in the KJV, carries immense theological weight. **ʼĂdônây** (H136) is an emphatic form of "Lord," often used as a proper name for God, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, ultimate authority, and mastership over all creation. **Yᵉhôvih** (H3069) is a specific vocalization of YHWH (the divine covenant name, often rendered "LORD" in English Bibles), intentionally used after **ʼĂdônây** by Jewish tradition to avoid the repetition of the same sound (as YHWH would typically be pronounced as **ʼĂdônây**). The combination "Lord GOD" thus powerfully underscores the speaker's identity: the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose word carries ultimate, immutable authority and whose promises—and warnings—are certain to be fulfilled. It highlights that the impending judgment is not arbitrary but proceeds directly from the very nature and righteous character of the God who entered into a sacred covenant with Israel.
* **zaʻăvâh (Hebrew, _zaʻăvâh'_):** Translated as "removed" in the KJV, this word (H2189) primarily conveys the sense of "agitation" or "maltreatment." Derived by transposition from a related root, it implies a violent shaking, a terrifying disturbance, or a state of being utterly discomfited, driven out, and expelled. It suggests not merely a gentle relocation but a forceful, traumatic expulsion, indicative of the terror, suffering, and profound upheaval involved in being forcibly taken from one's homeland and heritage. This definition perfectly aligns with the historical experience of exile and deportation, a common punitive measure in the ancient Near East.
* **baz (Hebrew, _baz'_):** This term (H957), translated as "spoiled," refers directly to "plunder" or "booty." It denotes the act of seizing possessions, wealth, and resources from a conquered people or city, leaving them utterly destitute and stripped bare. The use of "spoiled" here emphasizes the complete material desolation that would accompany the "removal." It signifies not just the loss of life or freedom but also the stripping away of all earthly security, provision, and accumulated wealth, representing a comprehensive judgment affecting every aspect of their physical and material existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase serves as a powerful and unambiguous divine attestation, establishing the absolute authority behind the pronouncement. It signifies that the following declaration is not a human opinion, a mere prediction, or a speculative warning, but a direct, authoritative, and irrevocable decree from Yahweh, the sovereign covenant God of Israel, whose word is truth, power, and ultimate reality. This formula underscores the certainty and inevitability of the judgment that is about to be revealed.
* **"I will bring up a company upon them,":** This clause emphatically highlights God's active, intentional, and sovereign role in orchestrating the impending judgment. The phrase "I will bring up" signifies His direct initiative and purposeful action; He is not merely allowing events to unfold but actively directing them. "A company" refers to an invading army, specifically the Babylonians, whom God would supernaturally use as His chosen instrument of wrath against His unfaithful people. This demonstrates God's absolute control over nations and the course of human history, illustrating His capacity to employ even pagan empires to execute His righteous will and fulfill His divine purposes.
* **"and will give them to be removed and spoiled.":** This final clause precisely specifies the nature and devastating outcome of the divine judgment. "Will give them to be removed" refers to their violent expulsion and forcible deportation from their land, a traumatic uprooting and forced exile that would sever their ties to their heritage and sacred spaces. "And spoiled" indicates the complete and systematic plundering of their cities, homes, and all their accumulated wealth by the invading forces, leaving them utterly destitute and desolate. Together, these phrases depict a comprehensive and catastrophic judgment, encompassing both the physical displacement of the people and the utter destruction of their material existence, directly correlating with the severity and pervasiveness of their spiritual harlotry and covenant breaking.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:46, though concise in its phrasing, is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is the pervasive **Allegory** and **Personification** that defines the entire chapter, where the cities of Samaria and Jerusalem are vividly personified as two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah. Their "harlotry" serves as an extended allegory for Israel's and Judah's profound spiritual unfaithfulness and pervasive idolatry. This device transforms abstract theological concepts into tangible, emotionally resonant, and morally reprehensible actions. The phrase "I will bring up a company" employs **Divine Agency**, emphasizing God's direct, active, and sovereign role in the unfolding of history, asserting His ultimate control over human events, including military conquests and national destinies. The stark declaration of "removed and spoiled" utilizes both **Foreshadowing** and powerful **Irony**. It clearly foreshadows the actual historical events of the Babylonian exile and the devastating destruction of Jerusalem. The profound irony lies in the fact that the very nations Israel and Judah sought alliances with—their "lovers" in the allegorical narrative—would become the precise instruments of their destruction and despoilment, a bitter and just consequence of their misplaced trust and covenant betrayal. The language itself is **Direct and Declarative**, reflecting the authoritative and immutable nature of a divine decree, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the impending and certain judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:46 stands as a stark and enduring reminder of God's unwavering holiness, His impeccable justice, and His intolerance for covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry. It powerfully underscores the immutable principle that divine judgment is an inevitable and necessary consequence of persistent rebellion against a holy and righteous God. While the immediate context is the historical punishment meted out to ancient Israel and Judah, the underlying theological truth is universally applicable: God holds His people accountable for their actions, and any form of spiritual harlotry—whether it be overt idolatry or a subtle reliance on anything other than God—inevitably leads to devastating spiritual and existential consequences. This passage profoundly reveals God's sovereignty, not only in bestowing blessings but also in executing judgment, demonstrating His absolute control over nations and the unfolding of history to bring about His righteous and just purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47-48 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience and Exile")
* [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sin and Suffering")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness and Unrighteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:46, though a stern and sobering pronouncement of judgment on ancient Israel, carries profound and timeless lessons that resonate deeply with believers today. It calls us to a sober and honest reflection on the nature of our own faithfulness and devotion to God. In an age where spiritual compromise and idolatry can manifest in myriad subtle and insidious forms—such as prioritizing personal comfort, material possessions, social approval, career ambitions, or even self-righteousness above God—this verse serves as a powerful and necessary warning. It reminds us that God's character of holiness, justice, and unwavering commitment to His covenant remains constant. While we live under the glorious new covenant of grace, the spiritual principle of sowing and reaping still applies to our lives. We are compelled by this passage to diligently examine our hearts, identify any "spiritual harlotry" that might subtly divert our ultimate devotion from Christ, and humbly repent. This verse powerfully compels us to cultivate a genuine, undivided, and passionate loyalty to God, trusting in Him alone for our security, satisfaction, and ultimate purpose. It urges us to take His warnings seriously, understanding that true freedom, abundant life, and eternal blessing are found only in faithful, loving obedience to His divine commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What forms of "spiritual harlotry" or idolatry might subtly manifest in my life today, drawing my ultimate devotion away from God?**
* **How does understanding God's unwavering justice, as depicted in Ezekiel 23:46, deepen my appreciation for His immeasurable grace and profound mercy extended to us in Christ?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to rely on worldly "alliances," human wisdom, or material resources rather than fully and completely trusting in the Lord?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take to cultivate a more undivided, fervent, and faithful devotion to God in my daily walk and decision-making?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Oholah and Oholibah" in Ezekiel 23?**

Answer: Oholah and Oholibah are profound allegorical names employed by God through the prophet Ezekiel to represent the two kingdoms of Israel. Oholah symbolizes Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, which had already fallen to Assyria. Oholibah represents Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah, which was on the brink of destruction by Babylon. The names themselves are deeply symbolic: Oholah means "her tent," alluding to her independent worship, while Oholibah means "my tent is in her," referring to the presence of God's Temple in Jerusalem. They are portrayed as sisters who, despite being chosen and nurtured by God, engaged in pervasive spiritual harlotry by pursuing idolatry and forming unholy alliances with pagan nations, thereby egregiously breaking their covenant with Yahweh. This vivid allegory powerfully illustrates the profound spiritual unfaithfulness of God's people and provides the just cause for His severe judgment upon them, as meticulously detailed throughout [Ezekiel chapter 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Allegory of Oholah and Oholibah").

**Does this verse imply that God directly causes evil or uses evil people?**

Answer: Ezekiel 23:46 states, "I will bring up a company upon them," which clearly indicates God's active and sovereign role in orchestrating the judgment. This does not imply that God causes evil in a moral sense or is the author of sin. Rather, it affirms His absolute sovereignty over all human actions, including the wicked ones, and His ability to use them as instruments to accomplish His righteous and just purposes. In this specific context, God uses the "company"—the powerful Babylonian army—as an instrument of His divine judgment against Israel and Judah for their persistent idolatry, spiritual harlotry, and covenant breaking. This is a recurring theological theme throughout the Old Testament, where God raises up and directs nations to execute His justice, as seen with Assyria against Israel [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger") and Babylon against Judah. God's utilization of these nations does not condone their sin or wickedness, but rather profoundly demonstrates His ultimate control over history and His ability to bring about justice through various means, even through those who do not acknowledge or serve Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 23:46 pronounces a severe and devastating judgment on unfaithful Israel and Judah, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in a direct parallel of judgment on New Covenant believers, but in the radical and transformative difference established through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "spiritual harlotry" of Israel and Judah, their persistent turning away from the one true God to other lovers (idols, foreign alliances, self-reliance), finds its ultimate antithesis in Christ's perfect and unwavering faithfulness. He is the true Israel, the perfectly obedient Son who never strayed, fulfilling the covenant where Israel catastrophically failed [Isaiah 49:3](/isaiah/49-3 "Isaiah 49:3 - Christ, God's Servant, Israel"). Furthermore, the judgment of "removal and spoiling" that justly fell upon Oholah and Oholibah for their profound sin was entirely absorbed and exhausted by Christ on the cross. He became the "spoiled" one, enduring the full measure of God's wrath and the profound separation from God that humanity justly deserved for its spiritual unfaithfulness and rebellion [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). Through His substitutionary sacrifice, those who place their faith and trust in Him are not "removed" from God's holy presence but are miraculously brought near and reconciled [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ"). The New Covenant, inaugurated and sealed by His precious blood, offers not judgment for past unfaithfulness but profound forgiveness, radical transformation, and a new heart that genuinely desires to be faithful and devoted to God [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts"). Believers are now part of Christ's body, the Church, called to be a pure and spotless bride, no longer engaging in spiritual harlotry but devoted solely to Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and makes all things new [Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). Thus, Ezekiel 23:46 powerfully highlights the depth of human sin and the severity of God's justice, which ultimately serves to magnify the immeasurable grace, boundless mercy, and redemptive power found exclusively in Jesus Christ.

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 16:40

They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.

Jeremiah 15:4

And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for [that] which he did in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 24:9

And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Jeremiah 34:17

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

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;

Ezekiel 23:26

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