Ezekiel 16:38-40 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock - (Leviticus 20:10; cf. Ezekiel 16:2). In the case of individual adulteresses, stoning was the penalty (John 8:4-5). In the case of communities, the sword. Also apostasy (Deuteronomy 13:10) and sacrificing children to Moloch (Leviticus 20:1-5) incurred stoning. Thus, the penalty was doubly due to Israel; so not only is it said, "They shall stone thee with stones," but also the other penalty which was decreed against an apostate city (Deuteronomy 13:15-16) is added, "and thrust thee through with their swords." The Chaldeans hurled stones on Jerusalem at the siege, and slew with the sword on its capture.

And shed blood are judged - (Genesis 9:6, "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed").

I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy - image taken from the fury of a husband in jealousy shedding the blood of an unfaithful wife, such as Israel had been toward God, her husband spiritually. Literally, 'I will make thee (to become) blood of fury and jealousy.'

Verse 39. They shall throw down thine eminent place - literally, 'fornication-chamber' (note, Ezekiel 16:24), the temple which Israel had converted into a place of spiritual fornication with idols, to please the Chaldeans (Ezekiel 23:14-17).

They shall strip thee ... of thy clothes - (Ezekiel 23:26; Hosea 2:3) they shall dismantle thy city of its walls.

Shall take thy fair jewels - literally, vessels of thy fairness or beauty; the vessels of the temple (Grotius). All the gifts wherewith God hath adorned thee (Calvin).

Verse 40. They shall also bring up a company against thee - (Ezekiel 23:10; Ezekiel 23:46, "Thus saith the Lord God, I will bring up a company upon them). Compare as to the destruction under Titus, Luke 19:43-44.

Ezekiel 16:38-40

38 And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.

39 And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fairl jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.

40 They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.