Eze.23:1-21, The story of two cities(sisters)

Eze.23:1-21, The story of two cities(sisters)

Ch.23 compares the northern Israel(Samaria) &the southern Judah(Jerusalem) to two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah. God warns them of their political adultery.

1. Sins of the two sisters(1-21)–Political adultery: Israel & Judah were a married couple with God(4).

1) Oholah(5-10): She allied with Egypt &Assyria, turned away from God, &served idols. They were eventually destroyed by Assyria(722 B.C.).

2) Oholibah(11-21): Judah became more corrupt than Oholah, relying on Assyria, Egypt, &Babylon &abandoning God. They pursued worldly power &pleasure &broke their covenant with God.

2. Judgment on Oholibah(22-35)–Judah forgot &abandoned God(35, 22:12). God judges them through Babylon, on which they relied.


3. Final Warning &Application(36-49)–Repent. God tells Ezekiel about the sins of the two kingdoms &the reason for their judgment.

1) Exposure of Sin(36-39): They were unfaithful to God, worshipped idols in the temple, &committed the abominable evil of sacrificing their children.

2) Confirmation of Judgment(40-49): God declares that He will surely judge their sins. Through these words, we realize that we must cherish our covenant with God &turn away from the sin of compromising with the world.

4. Decision 1) We must faithfully keep our covenant with God, our bridegroom. 2) Although He is a God of grace, He will surely judge sin. 3) There is still an opportunity for repentance.

Saints, through today’s word, let us resolve to live a more holy life before God. The path to restoration is open to those who return to God now. Amen.