Ezekiel 23 22

Ezekiel 23:22 kjv

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 23:22 nkjv

"Therefore, Oholibah, thus says the Lord GOD: 'Behold, I will stir up your lovers against you, From whom you have alienated yourself, And I will bring them against you from every side:

Ezekiel 23:22 niv

"Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will stir up your lovers against you, those you turned away from in disgust, and I will bring them against you from every side?

Ezekiel 23:22 esv

Therefore, O Oholibah, thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I will stir up against you your lovers from whom you turned in disgust, and I will bring them against you from every side:

Ezekiel 23:22 nlt

"Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will send your lovers against you from every direction ? those very nations from which you turned away in disgust.

Ezekiel 23 verses

Ezekiel 23 22 Meaning

This verse describes the complete devastation and abandonment of Samaria. It signifies an irreversible judgment, portraying the city as utterly ruined and uninhabited due to its profound wickedness. The destruction is so absolute that even the remnants of its former glory are removed.

Ezekiel 23 22 Context

Ezekiel 23:22 is part of a larger prophecy directed at the two unfaithful sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem). These allegorical figures represent the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the southern kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem). The chapter details their widespread spiritual adultery, depicted through sexual infidelity with foreign nations and their idolatrous practices. The context leading up to verse 22 illustrates the accumulated guilt and apostasy of Samaria, specifically referencing its transgressions. Verse 22 marks the divine pronouncement of judgment upon Samaria, foretelling its complete annihilation by its former lovers, symbolizing the nations with whom it committed spiritual fornication. This judgment is a direct consequence of Samaria’s deep-rooted rebellion against God. The historical backdrop involves the Assyrian conquests that ultimately destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel, with Samaria as its capital, a fulfillment of prophetic warnings.

Ezekiel 23 22 Word analysis

• "Indeed" (hen): Emphatic particle, underscoring the certainty of what follows.
• "I will bring" (ani yavi’): First-person singular, highlighting God’s direct action in orchestrating the judgment. "Yavi'" (to bring) signifies an active summoning or causing to come.
• "an army" (hayil): Refers to a mighty force, a host, or military strength. In this context, it points to the destructive invaders who would execute God's judgment.
• "against you" (‘alayik): Direct address to Samaria (Oholah).
• "from" (mîm’erets): Indicates the origin of this invading army.
• "from the north" (tzafôn): Specifies the direction from which the conquering force would come. This often refers to the Mesopotamian empires like Assyria and Babylon.
• "the north country" (melkakh): Refers to a northern region or territory, amplifying the origin of the hostile army.
• "and hosts of kingdoms" (wesharrê qetzeroth): This phrase signifies a multitude of rulers and their extensive forces. "Qetzeroth" can imply greatness or plurality, suggesting a coalition of nations.
• "from all sides" (mikkol ‘abar yadu): Emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the impending invasion; they would surround Samaria from every direction.
• "and I will set" (weshathathi): God's active decision to establish or position these forces.
• "you" (otekh): Again, directly addressing Samaria.
• "for a reproach" (lmismah): To be an object of scorn, disgrace, and shame.
• "and a scoffing" (û’îrag): To become a byword for derision and contempt.
• "and a desolation" (ûshamaṁ): A state of ruin, emptiness, and waste.
• "and a curse" (ûmqûllah): To be cursed, or subject to a malediction.
• "and a byword" (ûmezh): A word spoken by a people in contempt or curse.
• "and your remnants" (wesh’êrîṯayik): What is left of the city or its people after the initial assault.
• "they shall consume" (ye’akhleh): They will completely devour or destroy what remains.
• "your fruits" (pêriyik): This can refer to literal produce, but allegorically, it signifies the wealth, produce, and the offspring (people) of the city.
• "of desire" ( ‘emdekha): Beloved or desired fruits. The destruction extends even to the most cherished aspects.
• "they will take away" (yiqĥu): They will seize and carry off.
• "your bread" (lachem): This signifies sustenance and the provisions necessary for life.
• "of a mighty" (miḵoîh): A word that can imply strength, abundance, or possibly something that is finely prepared or esteemed. It refers to valuable resources or the spoils of war.
• "and they will make" (wega’aru): To make, establish, or decree.
• "your bread" (lachekh): Reinforcing the plundering of essential provisions.
• "of strength" (lachem qowats): Provisions brought together in strength or collected abundance. This further emphasizes the totality of the plunder.
• "and all your goodly things" (wèḵôl makhl qôwâts): All your fine, treasured possessions. "Makhl" refers to anything beautiful, desirable, or precious.
• "will they cause to be lost" (yeḥūlleṯû ‘aleka): They will cause you to lose, or will let them fall away and be destroyed. A passive construction implying their ultimate loss.

Ezekiel 23 22 Bonus section

The imagery of Samaria being stripped bare and her cherished possessions taken signifies not just physical ruin but also the loss of God's favor and protection. This thorough desolation emphasizes the totality of God’s judgment when His people turn away from Him. The comprehensive nature of the destruction—consuming their "fruits of desire," their "bread of strength"—highlights that every aspect of their prosperity and well-being, tied to their relationship with God, would be utterly undone due to their sins. The prophecy serves as a timeless warning against syncretism and spiritual harlotry.

Ezekiel 23 22 Commentary

Samaria's judgment is absolute, mirroring the consequences of profound spiritual infidelity and rejection of God's covenant. The language used ("reproach," "scoffing," "desolation," "curse") leaves no doubt about the severity and totality of the devastation. The conquering armies, arriving from all directions, represent the complete encirclement and eradication of the city. Not only the inhabitants but also their sustenance, wealth, and cherished possessions would be plundered and destroyed, leaving nothing of value. This serves as a stark reminder that unfaithfulness to God brings utter ruin, stripping away all that was once valued and leading to profound shame and desolation. The ultimate fate of Samaria, its destruction and scattering, was a historical fulfillment of these divine pronouncements due to its persistent idolatry and rebellion against the Lord.