Ezekiel 23:9

KJV

Wherefore I have delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, upon whom she doted.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore I have delivered {H5414} her into the hand {H3027} of her lovers {H157}, into the hand {H3027} of the Assyrians {H1121}{H804}, upon whom she doted {H5689}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So I handed her over to her lovers, the men of Ashur she lusted after.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians for whom she lusted.

American Standard Version

Wherefore I delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, upon whom she doted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:9 delivers a stark declaration of divine judgment against Judah (personified as Oholibah), revealing that God Himself has handed her over to the very "lovers"—the Assyrians—upon whom she had doted. This verse underscores the severe consequences of spiritual idolatry and unfaithful political alliances, portraying God's active role in bringing about the deserved discipline for His covenant people who had persistently pursued foreign powers and their pagan practices over their exclusive devotion to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 23 presents an elaborate and graphic allegory of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, representing the Southern Kingdom of Judah). Both are depicted as wives of Yahweh who committed spiritual harlotry by engaging in illicit political alliances with foreign nations and adopting their idolatrous customs. The preceding verses detail Oholibah's (Judah's) escalating unfaithfulness, particularly her infatuation with the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Babylonians, mirroring her sister Oholah's earlier transgressions. Verse 9 specifically marks a turning point, where the consequence of Oholibah's "doting" on Assyria is revealed as divine retribution, setting the stage for further judgment from other "lovers" in subsequent verses, leading to her utter desolation. This verse is part of a larger prophetic indictment against Judah's spiritual adultery and political apostasy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, both Israel and Judah, despite being God's covenant people, frequently sought security and prosperity through alliances with powerful regional empires rather than relying on the Lord. Judah, in particular, under kings like Ahaz and Hezekiah, engaged in complex and often treacherous dealings with Assyria, Egypt, and later Babylon. The Assyrians, a dominant military power in the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, exerted significant influence and control over the Levant. Judah's "doting" on Assyria refers to their eager pursuit of political treaties and military aid from Assyria, which often came with the heavy price of adopting Assyrian religious practices and paying tribute. This reliance on foreign powers, rather than the covenant God, was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law and a profound act of spiritual unfaithfulness, akin to a wife abandoning her husband for other men. The prophet Jeremiah also extensively condemned Judah's spiritual infidelity, likening it to forsaking the [fountain of living waters](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters") for broken cisterns.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Ezekiel and throughout the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that Judah's downfall was not merely a geopolitical accident but a direct, intentional act of God's justice. The phrase "I have delivered her" underscores God's sovereignty over nations and His active role in disciplining His rebellious people. Secondly, it illustrates the **Consequences of Unfaithfulness**; the very "lovers" (the Assyrians) Judah pursued for security became the instruments of her punishment, demonstrating the bitter irony and destructive nature of spiritual idolatry and misplaced trust. This mirrors the principle seen in [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom") where the wicked "eat the fruit of their own way." Thirdly, the theme of **Spiritual Adultery** is central, with the metaphor of "doting" (ʻăgab) vividly portraying Judah's intense, sensual affection for foreign powers and their gods, a profound betrayal of her covenant with Yahweh. This spiritual harlotry broke the exclusive relationship God desired with His people, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the Lord Your God"). Finally, the verse reinforces **God's Sovereignty in Discipline**, demonstrating that even in their rebellion, Judah remained under God's ultimate control, and He used external powers to bring about His purposes, including the painful but necessary discipline for His unfaithful people, aiming for their ultimate restoration, as seen in the broader narrative of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, a primitive root meaning "to give," used with the greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.). In this context, it signifies God's active agency and intentionality in handing over Judah. It is not a passive allowance but a deliberate act of divine judgment, emphasizing God's sovereign control over historical events and the destiny of nations.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, a primitive word referring to the open hand, indicating power, means, or direction. When one is delivered "into the hand" of another, it denotes being placed under their authority, control, or power. Here, it signifies Judah's complete subjugation to the Assyrians, directly orchestrated by God.
* **doted (Hebrew, _ʻăgab'_):** From H5689, a primitive root meaning "to breathe after," i.e., to love sensually. This word conveys an intense, almost obsessive, and illicit affection or desire. It paints a vivid picture of Judah's passionate and unholy pursuit of foreign alliances and gods, contrasting sharply with the exclusive and pure devotion God demanded of His covenant people. This emphasizes the emotional depth and spiritual depravity of her betrayal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore I have delivered her":** This opening phrase establishes the divine initiative and justification for the impending judgment. "Wherefore" (or "Therefore") links Judah's actions of spiritual harlotry and misplaced trust directly to God's response. The "I" is Yahweh, the covenant God, asserting His sovereign authority. "Delivered her" signifies God's active handing over of Judah, not merely allowing events to unfold but orchestrating them as a direct consequence of her unfaithfulness.
* **"into the hand of her lovers":** This clause reveals the instruments of God's judgment. The "lovers" are the foreign nations with whom Judah sought illicit alliances, primarily for political and military security. This highlights the painful irony: the very entities Judah pursued for protection and gratification become the means of her punishment and subjugation, underscoring the futility and danger of spiritual adultery.
* **"into the hand of the Assyrians":** This specifies one of the primary "lovers" and instruments of judgment. The Assyrians were a dominant and brutal empire, historically known for their military might and cruelty. This detail grounds the allegory in historical reality, identifying the specific foreign power that would bring about much suffering and eventually lead to the downfall of the Northern Kingdom and severe distress for Judah.
* **"upon whom she doted":** This final clause powerfully describes the depth of Judah's spiritual infidelity. "Doted" (from `ʻăgab`) conveys an intense, sensual, and misplaced affection. It illustrates Judah's passionate, almost infatuated pursuit of the Assyrians—not just as political allies, but as objects of spiritual desire, adopting their gods and customs. This highlights the profound betrayal of her covenant relationship with God, who demanded exclusive devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The entire chapter employs **Allegory**, where the story of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, represents the spiritual history of Israel and Judah. This allows for a vivid and emotionally charged portrayal of their unfaithfulness. **Personification** is central, as Judah is personified as Oholibah, a woman engaging in harlotry, making the abstract concept of national idolatry concrete and morally reprehensible. There is profound **Irony** in the verse: the very "lovers" (the Assyrians) upon whom Judah "doted" for security are the ones into whose "hand" God delivers her for judgment. What was sought as a source of strength becomes the source of destruction. The underlying **Metaphor** of spiritual harlotry for idolatry and unfaithful alliances is pervasive, emphasizing the intimate and exclusive nature of the covenant relationship with God, which Judah had violated. The use of strong, evocative language ("doted," "delivered into the hand") contributes to the prophet's impactful and condemnatory tone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:9 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and sovereignty, particularly in His dealings with His covenant people. It underscores the profound seriousness of spiritual idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating that God will not tolerate divided loyalties. The theological principle is clear: turning away from the Lord to seek security or gratification in worldly powers or false gods inevitably leads to divine judgment, often through the very means one sought to rely upon. This serves as a timeless warning against any form of spiritual compromise or misplaced trust, affirming that true security and blessing are found only in exclusive devotion to God.

* [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger")
* [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Hosea's Marriage to a Harlot")
* [Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Jeremiah 2:19 - Your Own Wickedness Will Correct You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:9, though rooted in ancient Israel's history, offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. It challenges us to examine the objects of our deepest affections and trust. Just as Judah "doted" on the Assyrians, we can become infatuated with worldly systems, cultural trends, material possessions, or even human relationships, seeking security, identity, or fulfillment outside of God. This verse serves as a stark reminder that any such misplaced devotion constitutes spiritual idolatry, a betrayal of our covenant relationship with the Lord. It calls us to a radical self-assessment: Where do we truly place our hope? What do we "dote" upon? The consequences of such spiritual unfaithfulness, though perhaps not as overtly dramatic as national invasion, can manifest as spiritual emptiness, moral compromise, and a disconnect from God's presence and blessing. The ultimate message is a call to exclusive, wholehearted devotion to God, recognizing that true security, peace, and purpose are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lovers" or worldly systems might I be "doting" upon in my own life, seeking security or satisfaction apart from God?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my ultimate trust and devotion to God rather than to worldly resources or relationships?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be compromising my faith by seeking alliances or adopting practices that contradict God's principles?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more exclusive affection for God, ensuring He remains the sole object of my devotion?**

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

Answer: In Ezekiel, and throughout the Old Testament prophets, "spiritual harlotry" is a powerful metaphor used to describe Israel's and Judah's unfaithfulness to their covenant with Yahweh. Just as a marriage covenant demands exclusive fidelity between spouses, God's covenant with Israel demanded their exclusive worship and loyalty to Him alone. When Israel pursued alliances with foreign nations and adopted their idolatrous practices and gods, it was seen as an act of betrayal, akin to a wife committing adultery against her husband. This metaphor highlights the intimate nature of the relationship God desired with His people and the profound offense of their turning to other gods or worldly powers for security and identity, as seen in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - The Allegory of Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness") and [Hosea 2](/hosea/2 "Hosea 2 - God's Judgment and Restoration of Israel").

**Why did God "deliver" Judah into the hands of her "lovers"?**

Answer: God "delivered" Judah into the hands of her "lovers" (the Assyrians, and later Babylonians) as a direct act of divine judgment and discipline. This was not an arbitrary punishment but a just consequence for Judah's persistent spiritual harlotry, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness. By allowing the very nations they "doted" upon to become instruments of their suffering, God demonstrated His sovereignty, the futility of misplaced trust, and His commitment to upholding His covenant. This act of judgment was intended to purify His people, lead them to repentance, and ultimately restore them to a right relationship with Him, as reflected in the broader prophetic message of both judgment and hope found in [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:9, with its vivid portrayal of Judah's spiritual harlotry and the ensuing divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Judah's "doting" on foreign lovers and their gods represents humanity's universal propensity to seek life, security, and identity in anything other than God—a spiritual idolatry that separates us from our Creator. The consequence, as seen in Ezekiel, is divine judgment and being "delivered" into the hands of destructive forces, ultimately sin and death. However, in Christ, God does not merely deliver us *to* our enemies but delivers us *from* them. Jesus, the true [Bridegroom](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - Jesus as the Bridegroom"), came to redeem a people who had gone astray, committing spiritual adultery against God. He became the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who bore the judgment for our unfaithfulness, taking upon Himself the consequences of our "doting" on sin and the world. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, He paid the price for our spiritual harlotry, offering us a new covenant of grace where our loyalty can be exclusively and truly fixed on God. The ultimate "hand" we are delivered into is not one of judgment but of grace, the [hand of God](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence") through Christ, leading us to eternal life and an unbreakable, pure relationship with Him, fulfilling the promise of a renewed heart and spirit found in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit").

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

Hosea 11:5

He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

2 Kings 17:23

Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.

2 Kings 15:29

In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

2 Kings 18:9

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which [was] the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.

2 Kings 18:12

Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, [and] all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear [them], nor do [them].

Revelation 17:16

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

1 Chronicles 5:26

And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.