Old Testament
Ezekiel 23:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: I am going to stir up your former lovers against you — the ones you turned away from in disgust — and I will bring them against you from every direction:
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Therefore, O Aholibah, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy mind is alienated, and I will bring them against thee on every side;
What Ezekiel 23:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God speaks directly to Oholibah, representing a city or people who have turned away from Him. He warns that those she once loved and relied on will now come back to confront her. This is a powerful reminder that abandoning true love and loyalty can lead to consequences. The former lovers symbolize the nations and alliances that Oholibah had once trusted but later rejected. God is saying that these very nations will rise up against her, coming from all sides. This serves as a warning about the dangers of betrayal and the importance of staying true to what is right. When we turn away from what is good, we may find ourselves facing the very things we thought we could escape. The message is clear: our choices have consequences, and turning away from genuine relationships can lead to regret and turmoil. It’s a call to reflect on our commitments and the paths we choose in life, urging us to remain faithful to what truly matters and to those who care for us.
How to apply Ezekiel 23:22 to your life
Consider the relationships in your life. Are there connections you’ve neglected or turned away from? Reflect on the importance of loyalty and commitment. Rebuild those bonds and stay true to what matters most. Remember, our choices shape our future interactions and experiences with others. Be mindful of your decisions and their impact on your life journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 23:22 mean?
Ezekiel 23:22 conveys God's warning to Oholibah, symbolizing a city or people who have turned away from Him. It indicates that those she once trusted will now confront her, highlighting the consequences of betrayal and the importance of loyalty.
What is the significance of 'former lovers' in Ezekiel 23:22?
The 'former lovers' in Ezekiel 23:22 represent the nations and alliances that Oholibah had previously relied on but later rejected. Their return signifies the repercussions of abandoning true relationships and the dangers of betrayal.
How does Ezekiel 23:22 relate to loyalty?
Ezekiel 23:22 emphasizes the theme of loyalty by illustrating how abandoning genuine relationships can lead to regret. It warns that turning away from what is good can result in facing negative consequences from those we once trusted.
What lessons can we learn from Ezekiel 23:22?
From Ezekiel 23:22, we learn the importance of maintaining loyalty and commitment in our relationships. It encourages reflection on our choices and their impact, reminding us that neglecting bonds can lead to turmoil.
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