Ezekiel 23 Study Notes

23:34 Beating the breast was the customary response to a crisis (Is 32:12; Nah 2:7). The tearing of breasts intensified the image.

23:35-37 On cast me behind your back see 1Kg 14:9; Neh 9:26. Contrast Is 38:17.

23:38-39 The defiling of God’s sanctuary in Jerusalem was documented in chap. 8. Samaria, by its practice of worship at the illegal sanctuary of Bethel, defiled God’s true sanctuary (1Kg 12:25-30).

23:40-41 Incense and oil not only belonged to the Lord, but they were products used in the offering of sacrifices.

Zimmah can indicate good plans (Jb 17:11) but in Leviticus and Ezekiel signifies depravity (Lv 19:29; Ezk 16:43,58). It implies evil scheme/plan (Ps 26:10; 119:150), ulterior motive (Pr 21:27), or plot (Is 32:7). Then follows shameful conduct (Pr 10:23), disgrace (Jb 31:11), or atrocity (Hs 6:9). Zimmah connotes depraved (Jr 13:27; Ezk 23:44), horrible, shameful, obscene, and with depravity (Ezk 22:11). Related zamam (13x) involves planning (Jr 4:28) good or evil. It may originally have suggested the buzzing sound of murmuring. Zamam means plot (Ps 31:13), scheme (Pr 30:32), evaluate (Pr 31:16), determine (Ps 17:3), resolve (Zch 8:14-15), decide (Zch 1:6), or intend (Dt 19:19). Mezimmah (19x) suggests evil scheme/plan (Jr 11:15; Ps 37:7) and deceit (Ps 139:20), but also discretion (Pr 1:4) and God’s plans (Jb 42:2) or purposes (Jr 23:20). Zemam represents goals of the wicked (Ps 140:8).

23:42 The word drunkards may also be rendered as “men from Sheba.” Sheba was located at the southwest corner of the Arabian Peninsula (modern Yemen) and was known for trading (27:22; 38:13; 1Kg 10:1-10; Jb 6:19).

23:43-45 The rest of the detestable practices are rehearsed before the verdict is given.

23:46 Terror and plunder were standard types of covenant punishments (Lv 26:16-17; Dt 28:31,66-67; 32:25).

23:47 Stoning was the prescribed punishment for idolatry, child sacrifice, and adultery (Lv 20:2; Dt 13:10; 17:5; 22:21,24). These are the same judgments Ezekiel had pronounced earlier (16:40-41).

23:48 The actions of the Israelites and the consequences they suffer will provide a warning to other nations.