Jerusalem’s comparison to notorious neighbors highlights the gravity of spiritual unfaithfulness.
When the prophet Ezekiel addresses the city of Jerusalem, he employs a striking metaphor: “Now your older sister is Samaria, who lives north of you with her daughters; and your younger sister, who lives south of you, is Sodom with her daughters” (v.46). By calling Samaria an “older sister,” Ezekiel is drawing on the historical truth that Samaria became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the nation split into two kingdoms in 930 B.C., and remained so until it fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Samaria, located in what is present-day central Palestine, had a reputation for idolatry and rebellion against the LORD. Through this comparison, Ezekiel warns Jerusalem that it has strayed to such an extent that the city is morally lining up with a place historically known for unfaithfulness to God.
Ezekiel also mentions Sodom, describing it as the “younger sister” to the south, a powerful reference given Sodom’s infamous destruction recounted in Genesis 19. Sodom is typically placed in the region by the Dead Sea, and its downfall is often cited in Scripture as a warning against extreme wickedness (Luke 17:28-30). By treating Sodom as a younger sibling, the prophet is highlighting just how far Jerusalem has fallen—its behavior surpasses even the most notorious examples of sin and corruption known from the earliest days of biblical history, around the time of Abraham (circa 2000 B.C.). Jerusalem, beloved and chosen by God (Psalm 132:13-14), has ended up parallel to cities that were judged severely for their sins.
Ezekiel’s admonition in “Now your older sister is Samaria… your younger sister… is Sodom…” (v.46) signals a dire warning: God’s people cannot rely merely on their privileged status; instead, they must embrace genuine repentance and faithful obedience. In the wider context of the chapter, the prophet exposes Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness by pairing it with Samaria’s rebellion and Sodom’s wickedness. This same call to transformation and trust resonates across Scripture and is ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament, where Jesus extends redemption even to those who have wandered far from God (John 10:16).
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Ezekiel 16:46 meaning
When the prophet Ezekiel addresses the city of Jerusalem, he employs a striking metaphor: “Now your older sister is Samaria, who lives north of you with her daughters; and your younger sister, who lives south of you, is Sodom with her daughters” (v.46). By calling Samaria an “older sister,” Ezekiel is drawing on the historical truth that Samaria became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the nation split into two kingdoms in 930 B.C., and remained so until it fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Samaria, located in what is present-day central Palestine, had a reputation for idolatry and rebellion against the LORD. Through this comparison, Ezekiel warns Jerusalem that it has strayed to such an extent that the city is morally lining up with a place historically known for unfaithfulness to God.
Ezekiel also mentions Sodom, describing it as the “younger sister” to the south, a powerful reference given Sodom’s infamous destruction recounted in Genesis 19. Sodom is typically placed in the region by the Dead Sea, and its downfall is often cited in Scripture as a warning against extreme wickedness (Luke 17:28-30). By treating Sodom as a younger sibling, the prophet is highlighting just how far Jerusalem has fallen—its behavior surpasses even the most notorious examples of sin and corruption known from the earliest days of biblical history, around the time of Abraham (circa 2000 B.C.). Jerusalem, beloved and chosen by God (Psalm 132:13-14), has ended up parallel to cities that were judged severely for their sins.
Ezekiel’s admonition in “Now your older sister is Samaria… your younger sister… is Sodom…” (v.46) signals a dire warning: God’s people cannot rely merely on their privileged status; instead, they must embrace genuine repentance and faithful obedience. In the wider context of the chapter, the prophet exposes Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness by pairing it with Samaria’s rebellion and Sodom’s wickedness. This same call to transformation and trust resonates across Scripture and is ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament, where Jesus extends redemption even to those who have wandered far from God (John 10:16).