In essence, Ezekiel 23:40 reminds us that pursuing alliances at the expense of God’s covenant leads to spiritual ruin.
Ezekiel 23:40 offers a startling picture of God’s people pursuing forbidden alliances, explicitly describing that “Furthermore, they have even sent for men who come from afar, to whom a messenger was sent; and behold, they came—for whom you bathed, painted your eyes and decorated yourselves with ornaments.” (v.40) This verse falls within a larger prophetic message where two symbolic sisters, representing Samaria (capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel from 931 BC to its fall in 722 BC) and Jerusalem (capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah from 930 BC until its capture in 586 BC), commit spiritual adultery by turning to the idols, customs, and influences of foreign nations, instead of remaining true to their covenant with God. The prophet Ezekiel, who ministered to the exiles from around 593 to 571 BC, uses vivid imagery to frame the extent of their unfaithfulness.
In this passage, the prophet paints a metaphorical scene of preparation and allure. By saying they “sent for men who come from afar … for whom you bathed, painted your eyes and decorated yourselves with ornaments” (v.40), God highlights a spiritual betrayal: the people of Jerusalem, much like Samaria before them, readied themselves in a manner similar to someone preparing for a romantic liaison. They were attempting to attract alliances with foreign powers and gods in a way that disregarded the protection and provision that only the Lord can provide (see Exodus 20:3-5). The geographical detail of men “coming from afar” underscores the lengths to which God’s people went in search of outside assistance, revealing that they depended on distant nations instead of trusting the One who had sustained them through the desert and established them in the Promised Land.
This imagery connects with the broader narrative of the Bible, pointing ultimately to humanity’s need for a Savior who redeems us from this propensity to seek life and security elsewhere (John 14:6). Just as Israel and Judah needed repentance, so too does every heart need to turn away from the enticements that lure us away from covenant faithfulness. Ezekiel’s graphic descriptions serve as a solemn warning and a call to purity, devotion, and singular reliance on the Lord rather than on any foreign or worldly source of hope.
Set to dark mode
Ezekiel 23:40 meaning
Ezekiel 23:40 offers a startling picture of God’s people pursuing forbidden alliances, explicitly describing that “Furthermore, they have even sent for men who come from afar, to whom a messenger was sent; and behold, they came—for whom you bathed, painted your eyes and decorated yourselves with ornaments.” (v.40) This verse falls within a larger prophetic message where two symbolic sisters, representing Samaria (capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel from 931 BC to its fall in 722 BC) and Jerusalem (capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah from 930 BC until its capture in 586 BC), commit spiritual adultery by turning to the idols, customs, and influences of foreign nations, instead of remaining true to their covenant with God. The prophet Ezekiel, who ministered to the exiles from around 593 to 571 BC, uses vivid imagery to frame the extent of their unfaithfulness.
In this passage, the prophet paints a metaphorical scene of preparation and allure. By saying they “sent for men who come from afar … for whom you bathed, painted your eyes and decorated yourselves with ornaments” (v.40), God highlights a spiritual betrayal: the people of Jerusalem, much like Samaria before them, readied themselves in a manner similar to someone preparing for a romantic liaison. They were attempting to attract alliances with foreign powers and gods in a way that disregarded the protection and provision that only the Lord can provide (see Exodus 20:3-5). The geographical detail of men “coming from afar” underscores the lengths to which God’s people went in search of outside assistance, revealing that they depended on distant nations instead of trusting the One who had sustained them through the desert and established them in the Promised Land.
This imagery connects with the broader narrative of the Bible, pointing ultimately to humanity’s need for a Savior who redeems us from this propensity to seek life and security elsewhere (John 14:6). Just as Israel and Judah needed repentance, so too does every heart need to turn away from the enticements that lure us away from covenant faithfulness. Ezekiel’s graphic descriptions serve as a solemn warning and a call to purity, devotion, and singular reliance on the Lord rather than on any foreign or worldly source of hope.