The Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 23:1-49

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

After another pause, the prophet enters on another elaborate parallel, after the pattern of Ezekiel 16:1-63; but with a marked variation. There we have the history of one harlot, s.c. of Israel in its collective unity. There we have two sister harlots, the daughters of one mother, and they are Samaria and Jerusalem, as both belonging to Israel. For the purpose of the parable, they are represented as having had a separate existence, even during the period of the sojourn in Egypt. This was probably historically true, the line of cleavage caused by the claims of Ephraim to supremacy appearing again and again long before the revolt of the tea tribes under Jeroboam ( 8:1; 12:1; 2 Samuel 19:43). Both were alike tainted with idolatry, as in the history of the golden calf, when they came out of Egypt (comp. Ezekiel 16:7; Ezekiel 20:7, Ezekiel 20:8). Yet even then Jehovah, like Hoses in the personal history which was to be to him as a parable of that of Israel, had compassion on them, harlots though they were (Hosea 1:2). They became his, and "bare sons and daughters."

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Matthew Henry on Ezekiel 23:1-49Ezekiel 23:1-49 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryIn this parable, Samaria and Israel bear the name Aholah, "her own tabernacle;" because the places of worship those kingdoms had, were of their own devising. Jerusalem and Judah bear the name of Aholibah, "my tabernacle…The Sins of Samaria and Jerusalem. (b. c. 591.)Ezekiel 23:1-10 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE SINS OF SAMARIA AND JERUSALEM. (B. C. 591.) God had often spoken to Ezekiel, and by him to the people, to this effect, but now his word comes again; for God speaks the same thing once, yea, twice, yea, many a time,…The Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 23:1-49Ezekiel 23:1-49 · The Pulpit CommentaryInexcusable infidelity. What it must have cost the patriotic prophet to write this chapter passes our power to imagine. The Jew was naturally and pardonably proud of his country and of its history. No thoughtful Jew cou…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Ezekiel 23:1-49In this parable, Samaria and Israel bear the name Aholah, "her own tabernacle;" because the places of worship those kingdoms had, were of their own devising. Jerusalem and Judah bear the name of Aholibah, "my tabernacle…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Sins of Samaria and Jerusalem. (b. c. 591.)THE SINS OF SAMARIA AND JERUSALEM. (B. C. 591.) God had often spoken to Ezekiel, and by him to the people, to this effect, but now his word comes again; for God speaks the same thing once, yea, twice, yea, many a time,…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 23:1-49Inexcusable infidelity. What it must have cost the patriotic prophet to write this chapter passes our power to imagine. The Jew was naturally and pardonably proud of his country and of its history. No thoughtful Jew cou…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 23:4The occurrence of proper names is almost unique in the parables of the Bible, the Lazarus of Luke 16:20 being the only other instance. Their meaning is sufficiently clear. Aholah (but both names should begin with O rath…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 23:4Aholah and Aholibah. "Her tent" and "My tent is in her." These names stand respectively for Israel and Judah. Israel, the northern kingdom, had her own tent, i.e. she was independent after secession from Judah, like a w…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5The history of both the sisters passes from the time of the Exodus to that of their separate existence, and starts, in fact, from their first intercourse with the great monarchies of Asia. So far it is less a survey of…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 23:5Exalted relationship and enormous sin. "And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine." I. A RELATIONSHIP OF THE HIGHEST PRIVILEGE. "She was mine." Aholah is intended to represent the people of Israel as distinguished…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 23:6Clothed with blue. The same word as that used in the description of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:4; Exodus 26:31, et al.). It was probably some hue of the Tyrian purple kind which marked the official dress of the "captains…Joseph S. Exell and contributors