Ezekiel 23 42

Ezekiel 23:42 kjv

And a voice of a multitude being at ease was with her: and with the men of the common sort were brought Sabeans from the wilderness, which put bracelets upon their hands, and beautiful crowns upon their heads.

Ezekiel 23:42 nkjv

The sound of a carefree multitude was with her, and Sabeans were brought from the wilderness with men of the common sort, who put bracelets on their wrists and beautiful crowns on their heads.

Ezekiel 23:42 niv

"The noise of a carefree crowd was around her; drunkards were brought from the desert along with men from the rabble, and they put bracelets on the wrists of the woman and her sister and beautiful crowns on their heads.

Ezekiel 23:42 esv

The sound of a carefree multitude was with her; and with men of the common sort, drunkards were brought from the wilderness; and they put bracelets on the hands of the women, and beautiful crowns on their heads.

Ezekiel 23:42 nlt

From your room came the sound of many men carousing. They were lustful men and drunkards from the wilderness, who put bracelets on your wrists and beautiful crowns on your heads.

Ezekiel 23 verses

Ezekiel 23 42 Meaning

This verse describes the impending desolation and destruction that will befall Jerusalem and its inhabitants due to their deep-seated corruption and unfaithfulness to God, symbolized by prostitution. It signifies a final judgment, a consequence of their persistent sin.

Ezekiel 23 42 Context

Ezekiel 23 narrates the symbolic spiritual adultery of Samaria (Oholah) and Jerusalem (Oholibah), the two houses of Israel. Oholibah, representing Judah, is accused of worse whoredom than her sister, engaging with powerful nations like Babylon and Egypt, turning away from her true husband, God. This chapter details the profound depths of Jerusalem's idolatry and apostasy. Verse 42 is situated in the latter part of the chapter, announcing the severe and inevitable judgment that will come upon Oholibah for her pervasive sins. It sets the stage for the descriptions of her punishment in the verses immediately following. The historical context is the Babylonian exile, a time when God's people were experiencing the severe consequences of their national sin.

Ezekiel 23 42 Word Analysis

• וְקוֹל (və·qō·wl): And the voice. "Voice" often represents a populace, a proclamation, or a collective cry. Here, it signifies the tumultuous presence of the invaders and their rejoicing over the captured city.

• הַמּוֹן (ham·mō·wn): of the multitude. Denotes a crowd, a throng, or a mass of people. It emphasizes the large number of those who will participate in the destruction, contributing to the chaos and judgment.

• מוּבָא (mū·ḇā): brought unto her. This passive participle indicates being forced, assembled, or summoned. It speaks of an influx of hostile forces and opportunistic onlookers.

• וְעִם (wə·‘im): and with. Connects the multitude to specific groups participating in the judgment.

• אַנְשֵׁי (’an·šê): men. Refers to individuals, specifically masculine.

• שְׁאוּל (šə·’ūl): of the rabble, or out of wine. While "sheol" normally means the grave or underworld, in this context, and likely referring to a derived meaning or a dialectal usage, it suggests the dregs of society, the lowest class, or perhaps even drunkards, who would be part of the attacking forces or those reveling in the destruction. It emphasizes the unseemly and degraded nature of those brought against Jerusalem.

• וַיָּבִאוּ (way·yā·ḇi·’ū): and they brought. The consecutive perfect indicates the consequence or immediate action following.

• עָלֶיהָ (‘ā·lê·hā): upon her. Clearly designates the target of this destructive influx – Jerusalem.

• וְאִישׁ (wə·’îš): and a man. Refers to individuals, contrasting with the "multitude."

• מִדּוֹרֵ֤י (mid·dō·w·rê): of crowds, or companies. Suggests assemblies or specific social groups.

• שֶׁכּוּר (šê·kūr): drunkenness. Directly links these companies with a state of intoxication. This paints a vivid picture of the unbridled chaos and degradation associated with the attackers.

• Grouped analysis: The verse emphasizes both the impersonal, overwhelming force of a "multitude" (המון) and the depraved, reveling aspect of specific "companies" or "drunks" (מדורי שכר). The "voice" (קול) of this mass of humanity signifies the terrifying noise and presence of the invaders who have "brought themselves upon her."

Ezekiel 23 42 Bonus Section

The concept of "drunkenness" (שכר) as a metaphor for moral and spiritual stupor is a recurring theme in scripture, often linked to sin and impending judgment. In this context, the attackers being described in terms that suggest drunkenness can also be interpreted as God sovereignly controlling even the depraved forces that execute His judgment, using their unrestrained nature to bring about the severe consequences for Judah's unfaithfulness. This emphasizes that no earthly power, however chaotic or degraded, can act against God's will.

Ezekiel 23 42 Commentary

This verse signifies the final arrival of God's judgment, manifested through invading armies. The "voice of the multitude" refers to the clamor and approach of the enemy, which will surround and overwhelm Jerusalem. The "men of the rabble" or "companies of drunkenness" underscores the debased character of the attackers themselves, highlighting the depth of degradation associated with the enemies God raises up against apostate nations. It portrays not just military conquest but a profound spiritual and moral reckoning, where the corrupt are judged by those who themselves are also far from righteous, amplifying the shame and despair. This influx marks the beginning of Jerusalem's complete subjugation and the loss of its dignity.