You
trusted in your beauty, and played the prostitute because of your renown, and poured out your prostitution on everyone who passed by; his it was.
Ezekiel 16:15
Thus you were decked with gold and silver; and your clothing was of fine linen, and silk, and embroidered work; you ate fine flour, and honey, and oil; and you were exceeding beautiful, and you prospered to royal estate. Your renown went out among the nations for your beauty; for it was perfect, through my majesty which I had put on you, says the Lord Yahweh.
Ezekiel 16 [15.] But you trusted in your beauty, and played the prostitute because of your renown, and poured out your prostitution on everyone who passed by; his it was. You took of your garments, and made for yourselves high places decked with various colors, and played the prostitute on them. This shall not come, neither shall it be. You also took your beautiful jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself images of men, and played the prostitute with them; and you took your embroidered garments, and covered them, and set my oil and my incense before them. My bread also which I gave you, fine flour, and oil, and honey, with which I fed you, you even set it before them for a pleasant aroma; and so it was, says the Lord Yahweh.
Meaning:
This verse continues the metaphorical imagery of Jerusalem as an unfaithful wife who has betrayed her covenant relationship with God. Here, Jerusalem's sin is described as playing the prostitute, which symbolizes her spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness to God.
The phrase "trusted in your beauty" highlights Jerusalem's pride and self-reliance. Instead of acknowledging God as the source of her blessings and security, Jerusalem placed her confidence in her own beauty and reputation. This misplaced trust led her down a path of spiritual rebellion and idolatry.
Furthermore, Jerusalem's sin is described as being poured out on everyone who passed by. This imagery suggests the widespread nature of her spiritual adultery, as she sought after other gods and engaged in unholy alliances with foreign nations.
Ezekiel's portrayal of Jerusalem's unfaithfulness serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It highlights the dangers of pride, self-reliance, and spiritual adultery, which can lead to spiritual destruction and judgment.
However, amidst the depiction of Jerusalem's sin, there is also a message of hope and redemption. Despite Jerusalem's faithlessness, God remains faithful to His covenant promises. As Ezekiel's prophecy unfolds, we see God's desire to restore and renew His relationship with His people, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who turn to Him in repentance.
In Ezekiel 16:60-63, we see God's promise to remember His covenant with Jerusalem and to establish an everlasting covenant with her:
"Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish to you an everlasting covenant. Then you shall remember your ways, and be ashamed, when you shall receive your sisters, your elder sisters and your younger; and I will give them to you for daughters, but not by your covenant. I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall know that I am Yahweh; that you may remember, and be confounded, and never open your mouth any more, because of your shame, when I have forgiven you all that you have done, says the Lord Yahweh." (Ezekiel 16:60-63).
This passage demonstrates God's grace and mercy, even in the face of Jerusalem's sin. It reminds us of God's faithfulness to His promises and His willingness to forgive and restore those who repent and turn to Him.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 16:15 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness and the enduring faithfulness of God. It calls us to examine our own hearts and lives, ensuring that we do not place our trust in anything other than God Himself. And it encourages us to turn to God in repentance, knowing that He stands ready to forgive and restore all who come to Him in faith.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible