Ezekiel 23 24

Ezekiel 23:24 kjv

And they shall come against thee with chariots, wagons, and wheels, and with an assembly of people, which shall set against thee buckler and shield and helmet round about: and I will set judgment before them, and they shall judge thee according to their judgments.

Ezekiel 23:24 nkjv

And they shall come against you With chariots, wagons, and war-horses, With a horde of people. They shall array against you Buckler, shield, and helmet all around. 'I will delegate judgment to them, And they shall judge you according to their judgments.

Ezekiel 23:24 niv

They will come against you with weapons, chariots and wagons and with a throng of people; they will take up positions against you on every side with large and small shields and with helmets. I will turn you over to them for punishment, and they will punish you according to their standards.

Ezekiel 23:24 esv

And they shall come against you from the north with chariots and wagons and a host of peoples. They shall set themselves against you on every side with buckler, shield, and helmet; and I will commit the judgment to them, and they shall judge you according to their judgments.

Ezekiel 23:24 nlt

They will all come against you from the north with chariots, wagons, and a great army prepared for attack. They will take up positions on every side, surrounding you with men armed with shields and helmets. And I will hand you over to them for punishment so they can do with you as they please.

Ezekiel 23 verses

Ezekiel 23 24 Meaning

This verse depicts God's judgment upon Oholibah (representing Judah) through the imagery of her lovers (the nations that have aligned with Judah) coming against her to carry out divine wrath. It signifies the complete destruction and humiliation that will befall the nation due to its spiritual adultery and betrayal of God.

Ezekiel 23 24 Context

Ezekiel chapter 23 provides a parabolic narrative concerning two sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem), who represent the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel respectively. They both engaged in spiritual adultery by forming alliances with foreign nations and worshipping other gods. This particular verse, Ezekiel 23:24, falls within the section detailing the severe judgment prophesied against Oholibah (Judah) for her deep-seated unfaithfulness. The Babylonians, identified as the powerful lovers and agents of God's wrath, are described as being prepared to attack Judah with immense force, using military machinery like chariots and wagons. The historical backdrop is the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, which led to the destruction of the city and the exile of its people.

Ezekiel 23 24 Word analysis

• And: Connects the actions of the lovers.
• they ( Hebrew: הם - hem ): Refers to the "lovers" previously mentioned, symbolizing the surrounding nations who sided with Judah, and specifically here, the Babylonians.
• shall come ( Hebrew: יבואו - yavo'u ): Future tense, indicating the certainty of the impending invasion.
• against you ( Hebrew: עליך - alaykh ): Direct address to Oholibah, signifying Jerusalem and Judah.
• with ( Hebrew: באות - be'ot ): Indicating the means or instruments of their coming.
• chariots ( Hebrew: רכב - rekeb ): A military vehicle of war, signifying organized and powerful military force. This was a key element of ancient Near Eastern warfare, often associated with divine power or destruction in biblical imagery.
• wagons ( Hebrew: עגלות - 'agăloth ): Another term for wheeled vehicles, emphasizing the comprehensive and formidable nature of the invading army.
• and ( Hebrew: וְ - ve ): Connective particle.
• wheels ( Hebrew: גלגל - galgal ): This could refer to the wheels of the chariots and wagons, highlighting their mobility and the speed of the assault. In broader symbolic terms, "wheels" can represent progress, destiny, or the machinery of judgment. Some scholarly interpretations suggest it could also allude to specific types of siege equipment. The sound and relentless movement of "wheels" can also evoke a sense of terror and an unstoppable force, much like the "noise of chariots" in Joel 2:5. The phrase can also denote a circular motion, perhaps implying inescapable judgment or the turning wheel of history and divine retribution.
• and ( Hebrew: וְ - ve ): Connective particle.
• with ( Hebrew: בסלו - bĕsalu ): This word is often translated as "with a company," "with a troop," or "with abundance." It describes the manner of their coming—in a large, overwhelming number, possibly equipped with additional siege devices or provisions. The root might be related to a vessel or basket, suggesting carriers of destruction.
• with ( Hebrew: בסלוא – bĕsalluwa'): Similar to the previous word, this might imply a filling or loading of these vehicles or troops with the spoils of war or implements of destruction. It further emphasizes the extensive nature of the coming force.
• a company ( Hebrew: רֶבֶה – rebeh ): This word is more clearly a numerical quantifier, meaning "a great multitude," "many," or "a host." It reinforces the idea of a massive and overwhelming invading army.

Group by words-group analysis:

• "chariots, wagons, and wheels": This triad paints a vivid picture of a powerful, organized military force advancing. The combination of chariots and wagons suggests a well-equipped army capable of both swift maneuvers and prolonged campaigns. The inclusion of "wheels" emphasizes their relentless, forward momentum, implying an unstoppable advance of judgment. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic pronouncements of invasion where military might is used to represent God's executing power.
• "with a company, with slough": These terms, particularly "slough" (often interpreted from the Hebrew root related to "fill" or "basket"), suggest not only the size of the force but also their purpose: to "fill" themselves with plunder, to "carry away" spoils, or to inflict thorough devastation. "Company" is unequivocally a large number, ensuring the thoroughness of the conquest and judgment. The collective sense is of a highly equipped and numerous force bent on complete subjugation and destruction.

Ezekiel 23 24 Bonus section

The concept of "wheels" in this context can also be understood through the lens of divine sovereignty in action. Similar to Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim with wheels (Ezekiel 1:15-21), where the wheels represented the Spirit's ability to go anywhere God directed, these "wheels" here represent the efficient and inescapable mechanism of God's judgment being deployed. They signify the predictable, unstoppable, and determined movement of divine wrath upon those who have rejected His covenant. The totality of the imagery—chariots, wagons, numerous troops—portrays a complete and crushing military and divine judgment, leaving no room for escape for the unrepentant.

Ezekiel 23 24 Commentary

God announces the formidable attack against Oholibah (Judah) by her "lovers" (foreign nations, specifically Babylon). They will come with a highly equipped and numerous army, utilizing chariots, wagons, and their wheels to execute swift and comprehensive judgment. This judgment is a consequence of Judah’s repeated betrayals and spiritual whoredom with foreign powers. The imagery underscores the overwhelming nature of the military invasion, signifying that their fortifications and defenses will be no match for the onslaught. It serves as a stark warning of the utter desolation that awaits the unfaithful nation as a direct result of their covenant-breaking actions.