Ezekiel 23:47

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the company {H6951} shall stone {H7275} them with stones {H68}, and dispatch {H1254} them with their swords {H2719}; they shall slay {H2026} their sons {H1121} and their daughters {H1323}, and burn up {H8313} their houses {H1004} with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let the assembly stone them to death, dispatch them with their swords, kill their sons and daughters and burn their houses to the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

The mob will stone them and cut them down with their swords. They will kill their sons and daughters and burn down their houses.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:47 vividly portrays the comprehensive and devastating divine judgment against Oholibah, representing Jerusalem and Judah, for her persistent spiritual harlotry and idolatrous alliances. The verse details the brutal execution of this judgment by foreign "companies" or armies, involving stoning, execution by sword, the slaying of children, and the burning of homes, signifying a complete societal collapse and utter destruction as a direct consequence of her unfaithfulness to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23:47 concludes the chilling allegory of Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem), two sisters who represent the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. This extended metaphor, introduced in [Ezekiel 23:1-4](/ezekiel/23-1 "Ezekiel 23:1-4 - The Allegory of Two Sisters"), depicts their unfaithfulness to God as spiritual prostitution, engaging in illicit alliances with foreign nations and adopting their idolatrous practices. Having detailed Oholah's judgment and subsequent fall, the prophet Ezekiel focuses on Oholibah, whose sins are portrayed as even more egregious and persistent. Verse 47 serves as the climactic pronouncement of the ultimate, inescapable judgment upon Jerusalem, mirroring the fate of her sister Samaria, underscoring the principle that persistent rebellion against God's covenant commands inevitably leads to severe divine retribution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period following the initial deportations from Judah. Jerusalem, though besieged and eventually destroyed, had a history of vacillating between covenant fidelity and idolatrous syncretism, often seeking political and military alliances with powerful pagan nations like Assyria and Egypt, rather than trusting in the Lord. These alliances, coupled with the adoption of foreign cults, constituted "spiritual harlotry" in God's eyes. The methods of punishment described—stoning, execution by sword, and burning of houses—were common practices in ancient warfare and judicial systems. Stoning, in particular, was a prescribed form of capital punishment in ancient Israel for severe offenses like idolatry and blasphemy, as seen in [Deuteronomy 17:5](/deuteronomy/17-5 "Deuteronomy 17:5 - Punishment for Idolatry"). The "company" refers to the foreign armies, primarily the Babylonians, whom God would use as instruments of His judgment, ironically the very nations Judah had sought to appease.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering justice against spiritual infidelity and covenant unfaithfulness. The severity of the punishment underscores the gravity of Judah's persistent sin and refusal to repent, emphasizing that God's patience has limits. Furthermore, it exemplifies the **Consequences of Idolatry and Spiritual Harlotry**, illustrating how turning away from the one true God to worship idols or trust in foreign powers leads to utter destruction. This aligns with the warnings throughout the Pentateuch, such as in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments"), which forbid idolatry. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Totality of Devastation**, portraying a judgment so comprehensive that it affects not only the perpetrators but also their children and their possessions, signifying the complete dismantling of their society and the loss of their heritage, a dire warning against persistent rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **company (Hebrew, _qâhâl'_):** From H6951, this term refers to an "assemblage" or "multitude," often concretely denoting a "congregation" or "assembly." In this context, it refers to the collective body of foreign armies and their allies, whom God raises up as the instruments of His judgment against Jerusalem. It emphasizes that the punishment will be executed not by a lone individual but by a formidable, organized force.
* **dispatch (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** From H1254, this primitive root primarily means "to create." However, it can also be qualified to mean "to cut down (a wood)," "select," "feed (as formative processes)," or "dispatch." The use of "dispatch" here, derived from the sense of "cutting down" or "making an end of," is a stark and forceful way to describe the swift and decisive execution of the condemned, highlighting the finality and brutality of the judgment.
* **slay (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From H2026, this primitive root means "to smite with deadly intent," encompassing actions like "destroy," "kill," "murder," or "put to death." Its inclusion here underscores the violent and lethal nature of the judgment, specifically targeting the lives of the sons and daughters, emphasizing the horrific and comprehensive scope of the destruction that would befall Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the company shall stone them with stones,"**: This phrase introduces the agents of judgment—the "company" or multitude of foreign attackers—and the first method of execution. Stoning was a severe form of capital punishment, often associated with judicial pronouncements against grievous sins like idolatry in ancient Israel. Its application here signifies that the judgment is not merely an act of war but a divinely ordained judicial sentence against Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry.
* **"and dispatch them with their swords;"**: Following stoning, the use of "swords" indicates military execution. This points to the foreign armies as the direct enforcers of God's wrath, bringing about a violent and decisive end to those targeted. The term "dispatch" (from _bârâʼ_) implies a cutting off or bringing to an end, emphasizing the swift and complete nature of the demise.
* **"they shall slay their sons and their daughters,"**: This is a particularly horrifying aspect of the judgment, highlighting its comprehensive and devastating impact on the entire family unit. The killing of children underscores the complete dismantling of society, the eradication of future generations, and the utter desolation that would befall Jerusalem as a consequence of her profound unfaithfulness.
* **"and burn up their houses with fire."**: The final act of destruction involves the burning of homes. "Fire" (from _ʼêsh_) is a powerful symbol of divine judgment and purification throughout Scripture. The burning of houses signifies the destruction of property, heritage, and the very fabric of daily life, leaving nothing untouched and completing the picture of total devastation and desolation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:47 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and gruesome picture of destruction through the specific acts of stoning, sword execution, child slaughter, and house burning. This detailed imagery serves to shock the audience and convey the absolute severity of God's judgment. The entire chapter functions as an **Allegory**, with Oholibah (Jerusalem) personified as an unfaithful prostitute, making the abstract concept of spiritual idolatry tangible and morally reprehensible. The actions described are a form of **Retributive Justice**, where the punishment directly mirrors the offense; just as Jerusalem engaged in illicit "harlotry" with foreign nations, those very nations become the instruments of her destruction. The cumulative effect of the described actions creates a sense of **Hyperbole** or extreme emphasis, underscoring the totality and inescapability of the impending doom, leaving no aspect of life untouched by the divine wrath. The repeated emphasis on destruction by various means also functions as a form of **Anaphora** and **Parallelism** in its structure, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:47 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering holiness and His covenant faithfulness, which demands reciprocal fidelity from His people. The severe judgment pronounced against Jerusalem underscores the gravity of spiritual unfaithfulness, demonstrating that God will not tolerate persistent idolatry and rebellion. While His nature is love and mercy, His justice is equally profound, ensuring that sin, especially the betrayal of a covenant relationship, carries devastating consequences. This verse powerfully illustrates the principle that those who sow to the flesh will reap corruption, and that turning away from the Lord to pursue worldly alliances and false gods ultimately leads to ruin, both individually and corporately. It highlights the destructive power of sin and the necessity of repentance and exclusive devotion to God.

* [Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Jeremiah 2:19 - Consequences of Forsaking God")
* [Hosea 4:1-3](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-3 - God's Indictment Against Israel")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:47, though depicting a specific historical judgment, carries profound and timeless spiritual implications for believers today. It compels us to soberly examine the objects of our deepest affections and allegiances. Are we, like Oholibah, prone to seeking security, satisfaction, or identity in worldly pursuits, material possessions, or human relationships, allowing them to subtly displace God from His rightful place of supremacy in our hearts? Such spiritual compromises, though perhaps not as overt as ancient idolatry, can subtly erode our devotion and lead to spiritual barrenness. This verse serves as a powerful call to radical repentance and a renewed commitment to singular devotion to God, reminding us that true life and security are found only in Him. It challenges us to cultivate a heart that is fully consecrated to Christ, trusting in His sufficiency and rejecting any competing loyalties that would diminish His glory in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to "spiritual harlotry" by seeking satisfaction or security outside of God?**
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in this verse deepen my appreciation for His grace and mercy offered through Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my loyalty and devotion to God remain undivided in a world full of competing attractions?**

### FAQ
**What does "spiritual harlotry" mean in the context of Ezekiel 23?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 23, "spiritual harlotry" is a powerful metaphor used to describe the unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah (personified as sisters Oholah and Oholibah) to their covenant relationship with God. Just as a wife is to be exclusively devoted to her husband, Israel, as God's chosen people, was meant to be exclusively devoted to Him. Their "harlotry" consisted of two primary aspects: engaging in idolatry by worshipping pagan gods and adopting their practices, and forming political and military alliances with foreign nations (like Assyria and Egypt) rather than trusting in God for their protection and provision. These actions were seen as a betrayal of their covenant vows, akin to a wife committing adultery, thus earning the severe judgment described in [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Allegory of Oholah and Oholibah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 23:47 vividly portrays divine judgment against covenant unfaithfulness, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. Humanity, like Oholibah, is inherently prone to spiritual idolatry, constantly seeking fulfillment and security apart from God, thereby incurring His righteous wrath. However, the good news of the Gospel is that God, in His infinite love, did not leave humanity to face this judgment alone. Instead, He sent His Son, Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the covenant requirements that Israel failed to keep. Christ, the innocent [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly bore the full weight of God's judgment for sin, including the "stoning," "slaying," and "burning" that humanity deserved. On the cross, He became a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), enduring the ultimate separation and destruction that sin brings, so that those who believe in Him might be spared from the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ offers a new covenant, one written on hearts, where perfect fidelity is achieved not by human effort but by His indwelling Spirit, leading to eternal life and reconciliation with God, rather than judgment and destruction ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant")).

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.

Ezekiel 16:41

And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more.

Jeremiah 39:8

And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 24:21

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

Ezekiel 9:6

Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.

Ezekiel 23:25

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.

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.