Ezekiel 43:9

KJV

Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcases of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now let them put away {H7368} their whoredom {H2184}, and the carcases {H6297} of their kings {H4428}, far {H7368} from me, and I will dwell {H7931} in the midst {H8432} of them for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, they should put their prostitution at a distance and the corpses of their kings far away from me; then I will live among them forever.

Berean Standard Bible

Now let them remove far from Me their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings, and I will dwell among them forever.

American Standard Version

Now let them put away their whoredom, and the dead bodies of their kings, far from me; and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:9 stands as a profound declaration of divine prerequisite for God's enduring presence among His people. Following the dramatic return of God's glory to the envisioned temple, this verse articulates the non-negotiable conditions for His permanent indwelling: the complete eradication of spiritual infidelity ("whoredom") and the removal of all defiling idolatrous practices associated with human authority ("carcases of their kings"). It underscores that God's holy presence is inextricably linked to the purity and exclusive devotion of His covenant people, promising an eternal dwelling only upon their radical repentance and cleansing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Ezekiel's grand vision of the restored temple, detailed from [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple") to [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - Division of the Land and City"). Specifically, it follows the awe-inspiring return of the Lord's glory to the temple, described in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Return of God's Glory"), a stark contrast to its departure in [Ezekiel 10:18-19](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18-19 - The Departure of God's Glory"). The preceding verses emphasize the temple's sacredness and the necessity of holiness for those who would approach God. Verse 9, therefore, serves as a direct divine command and condition for the continued manifestation of this glory, linking God's dwelling to the people's purification from past sins, particularly idolatry and the defilement of their kings. It sets the stage for the subsequent instructions regarding the temple's ordinances and the land's division, all predicated on a renewed covenant relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a people grappling with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the perceived absence of God. Their exile was a direct consequence of their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to the Mosaic Covenant, as detailed throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Israel's Idolatry")). The "whoredom" refers to Israel's spiritual adultery, their worship of foreign gods, and their adoption of pagan practices, often involving fertility cults and child sacrifice, which were abhorrent to Yahweh. The "carcases of their kings" likely alludes to the practice of burying idolatrous kings within or near the temple precincts, or the placement of pagan altars and cultic objects in close proximity to God's holy dwelling. Such practices, common in the ancient Near East, were considered extreme defilement by a holy God, rendering the sacred space impure and necessitating His departure. This verse calls for a radical break from these deeply ingrained cultural and religious syncretisms that had historically plagued the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, the theme of **God's Holiness and Purity** is paramount; God's presence cannot coexist with sin and defilement, especially within His designated dwelling place. His glory requires a holy people and a holy space. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Idolatry and Unfaithfulness**, presenting them as "whoredom" and "carcases," emphasizing their abhorrent and defiling nature in God's sight. Idolatry is not merely a mistake but a betrayal of the covenant relationship, likened to spiritual adultery. Thirdly, the theme of **Conditional Divine Presence** is evident; God's promise to "dwell in the midst of them for ever" is contingent upon the people's repentance and removal of all that offends His holiness. This reflects the consistent biblical principle that God's intimate presence is tied to obedience and purity, as seen in the requirements for the Tabernacle and Temple worship (e.g., [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")). Finally, it speaks to the **Hope of Restoration and Renewal**, offering a pathway back to an unbroken, eternal relationship with God, contingent upon genuine transformation and purification.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whoredom (Hebrew, _zᵉnûwth'_):** From the root _zânâh_, this term signifies adultery or, figuratively, infidelity and idolatry. In Ezekiel 43:9, it precisely describes Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to God, likening their pursuit of other gods and pagan practices to a wife's betrayal of her marriage vows. It underscores the covenant relationship as a sacred bond, where idolatry is not merely a deviation but a profound act of treachery and defilement against the Holy One of Israel.
* **Carcases (Hebrew, _peger'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be limp," this word refers to a carcase or dead body, whether of man or beast. Figuratively, and powerfully in this context, it denotes an idolatrous image or the defiling remains associated with pagan worship. The use of "carcases" here emphasizes the abhorrent, lifeless, and utterly defiling nature of these objects or practices in God's sight, contrasting sharply with the life-giving, holy presence of Yahweh.
* **Dwell (Hebrew, _shâkan'_):** A primitive root meaning "to reside or permanently stay," this word describes God's desire for an abiding, continuous, and intimate presence with His people. It evokes the imagery of the tabernacle and temple, where God "dwelt" among Israel. In Ezekiel 43:9, it signifies a restoration of this permanent, intimate fellowship, contingent upon the people's purification, promising an eternal indwelling that surpasses previous, more temporary manifestations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now let them put away their whoredom":** This is a direct divine command for the people of Israel to cease and remove their spiritual unfaithfulness. "Whoredom" here is a potent metaphor for idolatry and the worship of false gods, which constituted a betrayal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. It demands a radical cleansing of their hearts and practices from all forms of spiritual adultery that had historically provoked God's wrath and led to their exile.
* **"and the carcases of their kings, far from me":** This clause extends the demand for purification to include specific physical manifestations of their idolatry and defilement, particularly those associated with their leadership. "Carcases of their kings" likely refers to the literal remains of idolatrous kings buried near the temple, or more broadly, the pagan altars and cultic objects established by these kings within or close to the sacred precincts. The phrase "far from me" emphasizes the absolute separation required; these defiling elements must be utterly removed from God's holy presence and dwelling place.
* **"and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever":** This is the glorious promise, contingent upon the preceding commands. If the people genuinely repent and remove all defilement, God pledges to restore His permanent, intimate presence among them. The term "for ever" (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm_) signifies an eternal, perpetual dwelling, indicating a renewed and unbroken covenant relationship, a fulfillment of God's original desire to be with His people without the interruption of their sin.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is central, with "whoredom" serving as a vivid and visceral representation of Israel's idolatry and spiritual infidelity, likening their covenant breaking to marital betrayal. This **personification** of the nation as an unfaithful spouse underscores the depth of God's hurt and the seriousness of their sin. The phrase "carcases of their kings" uses **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, where "carcases" stands for the defiling practices and objects associated with idolatrous kings, symbolizing the corrupting influence of human authority when it deviates from God's commands. The stark contrast between the defiling "carcases" and God's holy presence creates a powerful **juxtaposition**, emphasizing the incompatibility of sin with divine holiness. The verse also functions as a **conditional promise**, where the "if" (implied by "let them put away") leads to the "then" ("I will dwell... for ever"), highlighting the reciprocal nature of the covenant. Finally, the repetition of the theme of God's dwelling (implied from the surrounding temple vision) provides **emphasis** on His ultimate desire for intimacy with His people, provided they meet His holy standards.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:9 profoundly articulates the enduring theological truth that God's holiness necessitates the separation of His people from all defilement, particularly idolatry. The divine desire to "dwell in the midst of them for ever" is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His longing for intimate fellowship, yet this fellowship is always predicated on the purity and exclusive devotion of His people. This verse foreshadows the ultimate reality of God's dwelling among humanity, not in a physical temple made with hands, but through the Spirit in the hearts of believers and ultimately in the new heavens and new earth. It reminds us that true worship demands the removal of all rival affections and idols, whether overt or subtle, that compete for God's rightful place in our lives, ensuring that His presence is not merely a visitation but a permanent indwelling.

* [Leviticus 26:11-12](/leviticus/26-11 "Leviticus 26:11-12 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")
* [2 Corinthians 6:16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - Believers as the Temple of God")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity in the New Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 43:9 serves as a timeless summons to radical purity and exclusive devotion to God. For contemporary believers, the "whoredom" and "carcases of their kings" may not manifest as literal pagan idols or physical remains, but rather as anything that usurps God's supreme authority and affection in our lives. This could include the idolatry of self, the pursuit of wealth, power, or pleasure above all else, the worship of human ideologies, or even the subtle ways we allow worldly values to defile our spiritual walk. The verse challenges us to identify and ruthlessly "put away" these spiritual impurities, recognizing that God's desire is not merely for occasional visits but for a permanent, intimate dwelling within us and among us as His church. Our willingness to cleanse our inner temples and communal spaces of these defiling influences directly impacts the extent to which God's glory can be manifested through us and His presence experienced.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "whoredom" or spiritual infidelity might be present in my own heart or in the collective life of my community, competing for God's rightful place?**
* **In what ways might "carcases of kings" – whether past traditions, human authorities, or cultural idols – be defiling my spiritual walk or hindering God's full presence?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "put away" these defiling influences and create a purer space for God to dwell "for ever" in my life?**
* **How does the promise of God's eternal dwelling motivate me to pursue greater holiness and devotion?**

### FAQ
**What does "whoredom" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 43:9, "whoredom" (Hebrew: *zᵉnûwth*) is a powerful **metaphor** for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. It likens their pursuit of and worship of false gods to a wife's betrayal of her marriage vows. God had entered into a covenant relationship with Israel, much like a husband with his wife, and their turning to other deities was considered an act of spiritual adultery, deeply offensive to His holiness and exclusive claim on their devotion. This concept is found throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books, to describe the severity of Israel's sin (e.g., [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - God's Command to Marry a Prostitute, Symbol of Israel's Unfaithfulness")).

**What are "the carcases of their kings"?**

Answer: "The carcases of their kings" (Hebrew: *peger melek*) is a strong and vivid phrase that refers to the defiling elements associated with idolatrous kings. This could literally mean the tombs or remains of ungodly kings who were buried too close to the sacred temple precincts, thus desecrating the holy ground. More broadly, it symbolizes the pagan altars, cultic objects, and idolatrous practices that these kings introduced or endorsed, often placing them within or near God's temple. Such actions were an abomination to God, as they brought death and defilement into His holy presence. The demand to remove them signifies a complete rejection of all human authority and practices that elevate anything above the worship of Yahweh, emphasizing the need for absolute purity in God's dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:9, with its conditional promise of God's dwelling contingent upon the removal of whoredom and the carcases of kings, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its spiritual "whoredom" and idolatry, was utterly incapable of removing its own defilement to merit God's eternal presence. However, Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, became the ultimate sacrifice, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning work on the cross, He "put away" our spiritual whoredom and cleansed us from the "carcases" of our idolatrous nature and dead works, which are an offense to God. By His resurrection, He inaugurated a new covenant where God's dwelling is no longer restricted to a physical temple but resides in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The promise "I will dwell in the midst of them for ever" is realized in the Church, which is the spiritual temple built on Christ, the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of God's Dwelling")). Ultimately, this promise culminates in the New Heavens and New Earth, where God's tabernacle will be with humanity, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God, with no more sin or defilement ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God's Dwelling with Humanity in the New Creation")). Thus, what was conditional for Israel under the Old Covenant is unconditionally secured for believers in Christ, who is our purity and our access to God's eternal presence.

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 43:7

¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, [neither] they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places.

Ezekiel 37:26

Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.

Ezekiel 37:28

And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Colossians 3:9

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Ezekiel 18:30

¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Ezekiel 18:31

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?