Ezekiel_16.asp

Atlanta Bible Students

The Book of Ezekiel

Chapter 16

Go To Verse 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

Verses 1-5 describe Jerusalem as a woman born without any loving parents and cast into a field.

[1] Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [2] Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations, [3] And say, Thus says the Lord GOD unto Jerusalem; Your birth and your nativity is of the land of Canaan; your father was an Amorite, and your mother an Hittite. [4] And as for your nativity, in the day you were born your navel was not cut, neither were you washed in water to supple you; you were not salted at all, nor swaddled at all. [5] No eye pitied you, to do any of these unto you, to have compassion upon you; but you were cast out in the open field, to the loathing of your person, in the day that you were born.

Verses 1-2 Expanded Bible Comments

Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [2] Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations,
Question	Answer
Who is the "Son of man?"	Pastor Russell. – Son of man
From where does he get his instructions?	The LORD, from God.
What is he told to do?	Let Jerusalem know of her abominations.
Does "Jerusalem" refer to Israel after the flesh or to Israel after the spirit?	Yes.

Verse 3 Expanded Bible Comments

And say, Thus says the Lord GOD unto Jerusalem; Your birth and your nativity is of the land of Canaan; your father was an Amorite, and your mother an Hittite.
Question	Answer
In delivering the message, does the "Son of man" refer to himself ("I am going to do this, etc.?")	No. The message is strictly from the Bible: "Thus saith the Lord GOD."
To whom is this message directed?	To "Jerusalem," i.e., to Christendom.
What is the difference between "your birth" and "your nativity?"	Birth: Strong's H4351 מְכֹרָה מְכוּרָה mekûrâh mekôrâh mek-oo-raw', mek-o-raw' From the same as H3564 in the sense of digging; origin (as if a mine): - birth, habitation, nativity. Nativity: Strong's H4138 מוֹלֶדֶת môledeth mo-leh'-deth From H3205; nativity (plural birth place); by implication lineage, native country; also offspring, family: - begotten, born, issue, kindred, native (-ity). Based upon the above definitions it would appear that "your birth" refers to "your origin" (as an individual) and "your nativity" seems to refer to "your people" or "the land of your people."
What is the significance of both origin and native country being from "the land of Canaan?"	Canaan was the "promised land." This seems to indicate that they had the potential to be God's true people.
What is the importance of "your father was an Amorite?"	What is significant about the Amorites? In Gen. 15:13-16 Abram is told that his descendants will be servants would serve in a land where they would be strangers. Verse 16 then states "But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." In the days of Joshua they were destroyed in a remarkable way, especially when we think in terms of type and antitype. The account is recorded in Joshua 10:1-15. The prominent parts of this battle are that "all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains" were destroyed. During the battle "the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them.. and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword."* The other prominent part is described in verses 12-15 where Joshua commanded both the Sun and the moon to stand still, giving time to complete the destruction of the Amorites. Based on this we suggest that the Amorites picture the enemies of God. Here in Ezekiel 16, the expression "your father was an Amorite" seems to be another way of saying "you are a descendant of the enemies of God," in much the same way as Jesus said "you are of your father the devil."
What is the importance of "your mother was a Hittite?"	The following is from: http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/hittites.htm "The Hittites were a people who once lived in what is modern Turkey and northern Syria. Most of what we know about them today comes from ancient texts that have been recovered. It would seem that the first indication of their existence occurred in about 1900 BC, in the region that was to become Hatti. There, they established the town of Nesa. Over the next three hundred years, their influence grew until in about 1680 BC, a true empire was born. "This original kingdom was founded by a leader known as Labarna, and the kingdom was expanded by later rulers all across Anatolia and down to the Mediterranean Sea. So strong was this kingdom that in 1595 BC, they were able to raid Babylon. However, this initial serge of the Hittite empire was staggered due to the lack of a clear custom for the succession of Kings. Hence, the kingdom was only as strong as the current ruler, and within about 120 years, it began to crumble." Hittite Strong's H2851 חִתִּית chittı̂yth khit-teeth' From H2865; fear: - terror. Even though they were a people which grew to be an empire, the only place in the Bible where they are mentioned is here in the Book of Ezekiel. The word (Strong's H2851) occurs 10 times. Two times (here in vs 3 and again in vs 45) it is translated as "Hittite." The other 8 times it is translated "terror." This would seem to be a good description of Christendom, for they began within the true church and grew into what could be described as the greatest terrorist organization ever.

Verse 4 Expanded Bible Comments

And as for your nativity, in the day you were born your navel was not cut, neither were you washed in water to supple you; you were not salted at all, nor swaddled at all.
Question	Answer
What is meant by "in the day that you were born?"	This would seem to have reference to the early development of "the man of sin." 2 Thess. 2:7 – See also Rev. 12:1-5. Please note that while the reference in Revelation is to the "man-child" (the man of sin,) here in Ezekiel the reference is to Christendom (the false church) as a woman (growing out of her association with the true church,) the bride of Christ.
Why does it say "your naval was not cut?"	"Your umbilical cord wasn't cut" (ISV.) This appears to be saying that the man-child (who would become "the man of sin,") still was in direct contact with the true church the still claimed the Bible as being from where it received its nourishment.
What is meant by "Neither were you washed in water to supple you?"	"You weren't washed with water to clean you." (ISV) – No, the "man of sin" was never cleansed by the water of truth. "To supple you." The man of sin never learned to be flexible in its dealings with its enemies.
Explain "You were not salted."	The man of sin was never in harmony with "the salt of the earth."
What is meant by "nor swaddled at all."	The Lord never wrapped up the man of sin in his loving arms to protect him from the Adversary and his ways.

Verse 5 Expanded Bible Comments

No eye pitied you, to do any of these unto you, to have compassion upon you; but you were cast out in the open field, to the loathing of your person, in the day that you were born.
Question	Answer
"No eye pitied you." – Why not?	Because "you" are the "man of sin, the mystery of iniquity" which grew up as a cancer from within the true church.
"To do any of these unto you." – What things?	"To have compassion upon you."
How were they "cast out in the open field, to the loathing of your person?"	Compare with Rev. 12:4.
When did this take place?	"In the day that you were born?" This appears to refer to the time between the early church (Paul's day) to somewhere around the 4th century when the church nominal became united with the civil power of the Roman Empire (314 A.D.)

Verses 6-14 describe how God took Jerusalem (as a cast out woman,) cleaned her up, clothed her with silk, gave her adornments and jewels, made a covenant with her, and caused her to "prosper into a kingdom."

These verses describe Jerusalem as a girl that reaches puberty. She is naked and having her period. The LORD cleans her up, clothes her as one would clothe a princess or a queen. She is given an embroidered robe and a crown and is given food fit for royalty. While speaking to Jerusalem as if she were indeed a pure chaste young woman (i.e., the True Church,) the church already has "the mystery of iniquity" working in her.

[6] And when I passed by you, and saw you polluted in your own blood, I said unto you when you were in your blood, Live; yea, I said unto you when you were in your blood, Live. [7] I have caused you to multiply as the bud of the field, and you have increased and waxen great, and you are come to excellent ornaments: your breasts are fashioned, and your hair is grown, whereas you were naked and bare. [8] Now when I passed by you, and looked upon you, behold, your time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over you, and covered your nakedness: yea, I sware unto you, and entered into a covenant with you, says the Lord GOD, and you became mine. [9] Then washed I you with water; yea, I thoroughly washed away your blood from you, and I anointed you with oil. [10] I clothed you also with broidered work, and shod you with badgers' skin, and I girded you about with fine linen, and I covered you with silk. [11] I decked you also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon your hands, and a chain on your neck. [12] And I put a jewel on your forehead, and earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. [13] Thus were you decked with gold and silver; and your raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; you did eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and you were exceeding beautiful, and you did prosper into a kingdom. [14] And your renown went forth among the heathen for your beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon you, says the Lord GOD.

As we go through verses 6-14 it would be good to keep in mind that while the primary descriptions apply to the saints, the true church, it is still being addressed to Jerusalem, to that which developed into Christendom. This is another reminder that these verses are similar to looking at the seven messages given to the seven churches found in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Each of these messages apply to the nominal church

Verse 6 Expanded Bible Comments

And when I passed by you, and saw you polluted in your own blood, I said unto you when you were in your blood, Live; yea, I said unto you when you were in your blood, Live.
Question	Answer
"When I passed by you.." Who is "I?"	Our heavenly Father.
Who is "you?"	Jerusalem, picturing the early church. At this stage she has not yet been corrupted into Christendom. That would come later.
"And saw you polluted in your own blood." What does that mean?	This appears to refer to a young woman during her monthly period.
Why does is say she was "polluted in your own blood?"	In the law a woman is considered to be unclean for 7 days after giving birth to a son (Lev. 12:2.) When a woman has her monthly cycle she is considered to be unclean for 7 days (Lev. 15:19,25) The early church came from natural Israel, under the law, and were therefore considered to be unclean (until they made consecration and received the holy spirit.)
What does the Lord say to her, and what does that mean?	"Live!" Reject the world and its dead ways and follow Jesus in the "narrow way" of life.
Why is this repeated?	Suggestion: The first refers to those of natural Israel who were transferred from Moses to Christ (29-36 A.D.) The second refers to those who came in from 36 A.D. and forward during the early stages of the church. The Lord rescued those of the early church from death at the hands of their enemies. First the religious leaders in Israel and the Romans. Later from the false church.

Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments

I have caused you to multiply as the bud of the field, and you have increased and waxen great, and you are come to excellent ornaments: your breasts are fashioned, and your hair is grown, whereas you were naked and bare.
Question	Answer
How did God cause her "to multiply as the bud of the field?"	In the first few days of the early Church (beginning with Pentecost) there were brought in over eight thousand. Acts 2:41,47; 4:4
How did they "increase and wax great?"	Not only did the numbers of the early church continue to grow, but so did their stature in the eyes of others. They became important enough to be persecuted by pagan Rome.
What is meant by "you are come to excellent ornaments?"	This would seem to refer to the "exceeding great and precious promises" which encourage and strengthen the church. - The words "excellent ornaments" are really the same word (Strong's H5716) repeated (as if to say "ornaments ornaments.") In Hebrew this is the way of indicating strong emphasis.
What is indicated by "your breasts are fashioned, and you hair is grown?"	The church has grown up, matured.
What is the above phrase contrasted with and what does that indicate?	It is contrasted with her prior condition, i.e., "whereas you were naked and bare." Now the saints within the church have been completely adopted by God and they have grown up from being a (relatively) young child into being a mature church.

Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments

Now when I passed by you, and looked upon you, behold, your time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over you, and covered your nakedness: yea, I sware unto you, and entered into a covenant with you, says the Lord GOD, and you became mine.
Question	Answer
"Now when I passed by you.." What is different this time from verse 6?	In verse 6 when He passed by, she was entering puberty, naked and polluted. Now she is grown.
What is meant by "your time was the time of love?"	As a young woman she has reached the time for marriage.
What is meant by "I spread my skirt over you?"	Please compare with Ruth 3:1-11. This makes the tie in with the Lord as our near Kinsman, the Kinsman redeemer.
If this has reference to the early church, why does the Lord say "and covered your nakedness?"	Because this is not speaking of a moment in time but rather it is a more general statement being applied to the early church. All who came in did indeed need to be covered.
"I sware unto you, and entered into a covenant with you." Weren't they already in a covenant with the Lord? What does this mean?	Much as the previous answer. God, as he had done with natural Israel, entered into a covenant relationship with the early church.
"And you became mine." Weren't they already His? What does this mean?	Basically the same as above.

Verse 9 Expanded Bible Comments

Then washed I you with water; yea, I thoroughly washed away your blood from you, and I anointed you with oil.
Question	Answer
Why does the LORD say "I washed you with water," and then adds "I thoroughly washed away your blood from you?"	Washed with the water of truth. This leads to a greater appreciation of the LORD and the desire to be closer to Him, which leads from the consecration to Righteousness to a full and complete consecration. At that point the church's sins (uncleanness, pictured by the blood of her monthly cycle) washed away (as she receives justification to life.)
What is meant by "I anointed you with oil?"	At this point the church receives the Holy Spirit. In other words, this verse describes the steps leading from tentative Justification to Full consecration, Justification and Spirit begetting, coming under the anointing of the Christ.

Verse 10 Expanded Bible Comments

I clothed you also with broidered work, and shod you with badgers' skin, and I girded you about with fine linen, and I covered you with silk.
Question	Answer
What is indicated by being clothed "with broidered work?"	The skirt of the High Priest's garment was embroidered. The scriptures seem to indicate that this was initially a pattern impressed in the garment. This pattern was filled in with colored needlework. It seems to picture the perfect pattern set in gold (divine promises) worn by our High Priest. We each get our robe (Christ's righteousness) which is to be embroidered (filled in by each member of His body) as we develop more and more the character of the Master.
Why "shod with badgers' skin?"	This was one of the coverings for the Tabernacle – T127. It also was used to cover the ark of the covenant when the Tabernacle was moved. This phrase seems to indicate that we (as new creatures) are specially covered and hidden from the view of the world.
Please explain "girded you about with fine linen."	The church is strengthened (girded) by the robe of righteousness (fine linen.)
What is indicated by "covered with silk."	Silk would be worn by Royalty.

Verses 11-12 Expanded Bible Comments

I decked you also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon your hands, and a chain on your neck. [12] And I put a jewel on your forehead, and earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head.
Question	Answer
"I decked you also with ornaments." Is this any different from verse 7? If so, what might this suggest?	In verse 7 it is "excellent ornaments." Here it is not. This may be hinting that the church (nominal, but containing the true) is no longer appreciating what the promises lead to, i.e., the Divine Nature.
What is the significance of "I put bracelets upon your hands?"	The word "jewel" is Strong's H5141. The word "forehead" is Strong's H639. With this in mind, compare this to what Eliezer (Abraham's eldest servant, a type of the holy spirit) said in Gen. 24:47 when he found a bride for Isaac. – "I put the earring [H5141] upon her face [H639], and the bracelets upon her hands."
What is the significance of "I put a jewel on your forehead?"
Why put "a chain on your neck?"	This was given as an indication of high honor or rank. Pharaoh put a gold chain on Joseph's neck and made him second ruler in his kingdom (Gen. 41:42.) King Belshazzar did the same to Daniel and made him third ruler in his kingdom (Dan. 5:16).
What is meant by placing "a beautiful crown upon your head?"	Pro. 4:9; 16:31; Isa. 28:5; 62:2-3

Verse 13 Expanded Bible Comments

Thus were you decked with gold and silver; and your raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; you did eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and you were exceeding beautiful, and you did prosper into a kingdom.
Question	Answer
What does it mean to be "decked with gold and silver?"	Gold = things divine (divine promises, Little Flock – inheritors of the divine nature). Silver = Truth, Great Company.
What is indicated by raiment of (1) fine linen (2) silk (3) broidered work?	1) Fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Rev. 19:8 (2) Silk – usually worn by royalty. (3) Broidered work Strong's H7553 רִקְמָה riqmâh rik-maw' From H7551; variegation of color; specifically embroidery: - broidered (work), divers colours, (raiment of) needlework (on both sides). Psa. 45:13-14
What is signified by eating "fine flour, and honey and oil?"	Fine flour – used in offerings to the Lord. Honey – The sweetness of present truth. Eze. 2:8-10; 3:1-3; Rev. 10:9-10 Oil – Symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Often times it was required that the fine flour be mingled with oil.
Please explain "You were exceeding beautiful, and you did prosper into a kingdom."	Compare with Isa. 5:1-4.

Verse 14 Expanded Bible Comments

And your renown went forth among the heathen for your beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon you, says the Lord GOD.
Question	Answer
What is meant by "Your renown went forth among the heathen for your beauty?"	There was the beauty of character attained by the saints within her. There was also the beauty of her favor with God because of the saints within her (even though they were far outnumbered by the nominal Christians.)
How was it that her beauty "was perfect?"	"Through my comeliness."
Did she obtain this by herself?	No. "Through my comeliness, which I had put upon you, says the Lord GOD."

Jerusalem plays the harlot

[15] But you did trust in your own beauty, and played the harlot because of your renown, and poured out your fornications on every one that passed by; his it was. [16] And of your garments you did take, and decked your high places with divers colours, and played the harlot thereupon: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so. [17] You have also taken your fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given you, and made to yourself images of men, and did commit whoredom with them, [18] And took your broidered garments, and covered them: and you have set mine oil and mine incense before them. [19] My meat also which I gave you, fine flour, and oil, and honey, wherewith I fed you, you have even set it before them for a sweet savour: and thus it was, says the Lord GOD. [20] Moreover you have taken your sons and your daughters, whom you have borne unto me, and these have you sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of your whoredoms a small matter, [21] That you have slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them? [22] And in all your abominations and your whoredoms you have not remembered the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, and were polluted in your blood.

Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments

But you did trust in your own beauty, and played the harlot because of your renown, and poured out your fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.
Question	Answer
"You did trust in your own beauty." Who is "you?"	The nominal church (which included the true.)
From where did she get her beauty?	From the Lord via the precious promises.
What is meant symbolically by "harlotry?"	The true church is described as a pure virgin waiting for her bridegroom (Christ.) The church nominal (having been taken over by the worldly spirit) did not want to wait for marriage, so she, as a harlot, joined herself to the rich and powerful of the earth. – 2 Cor. 11:2
How did she become "renown?"	Because of her rapid growth, reports of miracles and eventually her popularity among the population of the Roman Empire. – 2 Cor. 11:3-4
Why does it say "(you) played the harlot because of your renown?"	Suggestion: Her beauty and fame (renown) allowed her to play the harlot.
With whom did she "play the harlot," and what does that mean?	With "every one that passed by." A modern day equivalent would be someone like Eva Paron of Argentina. – [Disclaimer] We do not know if the reports of her moral character are accurate. We are merely using these reports as a possible example that fits the scriptural concept. [end disclaimer] – Reportedly the woman, enticed men of power, then dropped them when a man of greater power came along until she eventually became wife of the country's leader.

Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments

And of your garments you did take, and decked your high places with divers colours, and played the harlot thereupon: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so.
Question	Answer
What garments did she take?	Her own garments, NOT the ones given to her by the Lord. – "Of your garments you did take." – Isa. 64:6
What is meant by "decked your high places with divers colours?"	"High places" are places of worship. Divers (various) colors – The Lord indicated specific colors: blue = faithfulness, red (scarlet) = ransom related, purple = royalty, etc. Using various colors implies that the (false) church added colors of their own in places of worship. Things like Mariolatry, Divine Right of Kings, etc.
What did she do on her "high places?"	Played the harlot.
"the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so." What does this mean?	Rotherham: "Which ought not to have befallen And not to have come to pass."

Verse 17 Expanded Bible Comments

You have also taken your fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given you, and made to yourself images of men, and did commit whoredom with them,
Question	Answer
What is pictured by jewels of gold and of silver?	Gold = Things Divine (or related to the Divine Nature.) Silver = Truth or Great Company. As these are jewels to be worn these would indicate Divine (gold) promises based on Truth (silver.)
Why does it say "You have.. taken your fair jewels of my gold and my silver?" Which is it. "Your jewels" or "my jewels?"	They were always God's jewels. The answer to the question is contained in this verse: "which I (God) had given you." Since God gave these jewels to the church, they now belonged to her.
What does it mean for the nominal church to have taken these jewels and "made to yourself images of men?"	They took these precious promises and interpreted them in such a manner as to appeal to fallen man.
How did they use these promises to "commit whoredom?"	By making them both mysterious and also palatable to men (especially to the ruling class) the church nominal was able to join with the kings of the earth in an illicit union rather than remaining as a virgin waiting for her true Bridegroom. This is how she could say "I sit a queen and am no widow." – Rev. 18:7
Br. Fisher's comment for vs. 17: "She took the Divine treasures of Truth, and shaped and distorted them into the form of traditions of men." [FM440]

Verse 18 Expanded Bible Comments

And took your broidered garments, and covered them: and you have set mine oil and mine incense before them.
Question	Answer
How was it that they took their "broidered garments, and covered them?"	See comments for vs. 10. Instead of accepting Christ's robe of righteousness and attempting to follow the pattern of embroidery on it, they covered that up and made their own pattern. "Give to our coffers and you will get to heaven more quickly."
How is it that the nominal church could "have set mine oil and mine incense before them?"	Oil usually refers to the Holy Spirit. It was also used to anoint prophets, priests and kings. Incense was placed (burning) on the Golden altar in the Holy. Its fragrance penetrated into the Most Holy. This indicated prayer and praise under the trials (coals of fire) of the Gospel Age. These (oil and incense) were presented to men (especially rulers) in a more palatable manner to entice them into the illicit union.

Verse 19 Expanded Bible Comments

My meat also which I gave you, fine flour, and oil, and honey, wherewith I fed you, you have even set it before them for a sweet savour: and thus it was, says the Lord GOD.
Question	Answer
What is meant by "My meat?"	The food given by God, i.e., His word.
How did she get it?	"Which I gave you."
God says that He fed them with the following 3 ingredients in this food. Fine flour, oil and honey. What is indicated by these ingredients?	Fine flour was used as a meat offering. Oil is associated with the Holy Spirit. Psa. 133; 2 Pet. 1:20-21 Honey relates to the Joy that the Truth brings, to us it is sweet.
What did the nominal church do with this Heavenly food?	She set it before her worldly lovers in a manner that made it palatable to them.
The spiritual food of the Word of God was spiced with human errors; such as Divine right of kings and clergy, immortality, Trinity and eternal torment, preached in a way to please the ruling powers and serve their unholy purposes. FM440

Verses 20-21 Expanded Bible Comments

Moreover you have taken your sons and your daughters, whom you have borne unto me, and these have you sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of your whoredoms a small matter, [21] That you have slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them?
Question	Answer
Who are "your sons and daughters, whom you have borne unto me?"	The spirit begotten within the nominal church.
How were these "sacrificed unto them to be devoured?"	They were sacrificed to the on the altar of worldliness. "Do anything to increase our numbers and our coffers. Never mind the truth of God's word. We will not even attempt to feed those who desire the real truth because that will let all know that the standard is too high for most to attain to it. Instead we will present a watered down version along with bringing in pagan teachings in order to appeal to the worldly minded."
Did the nominal church (now much overrun with tares) consider their pleasing and joining with the kings of the earth at the sacrifice of the saints in their midst to be a matter of great importance?	Actually they did, but not in their view of what the Lord would look at it. Their attitude was "The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth" (Eze. 8:12.) They wanted to add to their numbers and increase both their influence and their coffers.
How did the nominal church slay the Lord's children?	They did this both literally and symbolically. The literal persecutions are well documented. The symbolic slaying was by demeaning them and their influence for the Truth, ruining their reputations, etc.
How did the nominal church deliver "them to cause them to pass through the fire for them?"	We suggest that they did this by turning them over to the civil power (the state) who would then enforce the condemnations which the (false) church decreed. Remember, at this time the "woman" was riding "the beast." Rev. 17:3

Verse 22 Expanded Bible Comments

And in all your abominations and your whoredoms you have not remembered the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, and were polluted in your blood.
Question	Answer
What were some of the "abominations" of the nominal church?	Doctrine of the Mass – Abomination that maketh desolate. In Exo. 20:23-26 – how to build altars to the Lord. All the churches in Europe (which are now places tourists visit) violate each of these items mentioned by God. Rev. 17:3-5 Woman arrayed .. Mystery, Babylon the Great.. 2 Thes. 2:7?
What were their "whoredoms?"	2 Cor. 11:2
What should they have remembered about their former condition?	James 1:17-21; What have you that you have not received. Filthy garments. Rev. 3:14-19

Jerusalem has put their idols everywhere and played the harlot with all her neighbors, even Egypt, the Philistines and Babylon

[23] And it came to pass after all your wickedness, (woe, woe unto you! says the Lord GOD;) [24] That thou have also built unto you an eminent place, and have made you an high place in every street. [25] You have built your high place at every head of the way, and have made your beauty to be abhorred, and have opened your feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied your whoredoms. [26] You have also committed fornication with the Egyptians your neighbours, great of flesh; and have increased your whoredoms, to provoke me to anger. [27] Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over you, and have diminished your ordinary food, and delivered you unto the will of them that hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of your lewd way. [28] You have played the whore also with the Assyrians, because you were unsatiable; yea, you have played the harlot with them, and yet could not be satisfied. [29] You have moreover multiplied your fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet you were not satisfied herewith.

Verses 23-24 Expanded Bible Comments

And it came to pass after all your wickedness, (woe, woe unto you! says the Lord GOD;) [24] That you have also built unto you an eminent place, and have made you an high place in every street.
Question	Answer
What does "woe" mean?	Strong's H188 אוֹי 'ôy o'-ee Probably from H183 (in the sense of crying out after); lamentation; also interjectionally, Oh!: - alas, woe.
Why does the LORD repeat this word ("woe, woe?")	The normal reason for doubling up like this is for emphasis. Another possibility is that the Lord is not only reminding the nominal Jewish house of their corruption, but is also hinting that this will be true of the nominal Christian house at the second advent.
Who is "you?"	"You" is Jerusalem (picturing Christendom.) – see verse 3: "Thus saith the Lord GOD unto Jerusalem; Your birth and your nativity.." etc.
In our context, when does God declare "woe, woe" to Jerusalem?	After all the wickedness previously described.
What is an "eminent place?"	A brothel. Several translations so indicate, using words like "brothel," "house of fornication," "place of debauchery," etc. – Roth, Brenton, Darby, Douay-Rheims
What is "an high place?"	A place of worship. – Lev. 26:30; Num. 33:52; 2 Kings 14:4
What does it mean to build these "in every street?"	They wanted to make it so that all paths would lead to church and state united (Christendom) as being THE authority.

Verse 25 Expanded Bible Comments

You have built your high place at every head of the way, and have made your beauty to be abhorred, and have opened your feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied your whoredoms.
Question	Answer
What is meant by building their "high place at every head of the way?"	By claiming in some fashion that all roads lead to heaven, so long as it involves coming to acknowledge (in some way) the claims of Christendom. – The three unclean spirits.
How did Jerusalem make its "beauty to be abhorred?"	When a beautiful woman degrades herself and plays the harlot, her natural beauty quickly fades. The way she presents herself causes most men to notice that she looks cheap, trashy, etc. The Christian element of Christendom had (in the beginning) the beauty of purity, but Christendom lost that over the years.
How did she multiply her whoredoms "to every one that passed by?"	By continually lowering the standard of righteousness she attempted to draw in anyone who would fill the pews and increase her coffers.

Verse 26 Expanded Bible Comments

You have also committed fornication with the Egyptians your neighbours, great of flesh; and have increased your whoredoms, to provoke me to anger.
Question	Answer
Who are pictured by "the Egyptians your neighbours?"	Egypt is a picture of the world.
What is meant by the Egyptians being "great of flesh?"	The world (Egypt) is filled with the worldly (fleshly) minded. They do not appreciate the things of the spirit.
How did Jerusalem "increase her whoredoms?"	She lowered her standards to the point of making it popular with the worldly minded in order to increase her numbers.
What was the result?	"To provoke me (God) to anger."

Verse 27 Expanded Bible Comments

Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over you, and have diminished your ordinary food, and delivered you unto the will of them that hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of your lewd way.
Question	Answer
What is meant by "I have stretched out my hand over you?"	God is about to exercise His power. Exo. 3:20; 7:5,19; 8:5; 9:15,22; 10:12,21; 14:16,26
What is meant by "thine ordinary food?"	Strong's H2706 חֹק chôq khoke From H2710; an enactment; hence an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage): - appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree (-d), due, law, measure, X necessary, ordinance (-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. The word seems always to be translated by a word related to law/ordinance/just due/decree, etc., while the definition seems to carry the thought of appointment/time/quantity. Putting this all together suggests a diminishing of their appointed food. For the Lord's people this would suggest the heavenly food (manna.) Their food diminished, especially since they rejected "present truth" in 1878 ("I will spue thee out of my mouth.") This diminishing would continue onward to 1914 (the time of Christendom's visitation.) R177:1; Luke 19:44
How was Christendom (Jerusalem) "delivered unto the will of them that hate you?"
Who are pictured by "the daughters of the Philistines?"	The Philistines were the traditional enemies of Israel. They "stopped" the wells dug by Abraham (Gen. 26:15). The Philistines were the enemy throughout the book of Judges.
How/why were the daughters of the Philistines "ashamed of your lewd way?"

Verse 28 Expanded Bible Comments

You have played the whore also with the Assyrians, because you were unsatiable; yea, you have played the harlot with them, and yet could not be satisfied.
Question	Answer
Who are pictured by the Assyrians?	Not sure. It was at the hands of the Assyrians that Israel (the 10 tribes) fell.
Was the addition of joining with them enough to satisfy Christendom?	No.

Verse 29 Expanded Bible Comments

You have moreover multiplied your fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet you were not satisfied herewith.
Question	Answer
What is "the land of Canaan?"	The land of promise, the land of Israel. This pictures the reward of the true saints. We are traveling to the Spiritual Canaan.
What is "Chaldea?"	Literally, Babylon. This would suggest an attempt to bring non-Christian religions in to join with Christendom. Consider the 1893 World Parliament of Religions – D182.
Was this bringing in the Chaldeans (Babylonians, the most worldly, even those just slightly associated with the nominal church) enough to satisfy Christendom?	No. Pro. 30:15-16. It is interesting that the Psalmist says "Four things say not, It is enough." [1. Sheol, 2. the Barren Womb, 3. The earth not filled with water, 4. the fire] Here in verses 26-29 there are four groups with which Christendom plays the harlot: 1. the Egyptians 2. the Philistines 3. the Assyrians 4. the Chaldeans (Babylonians)

Jerusalem, as a harlot, instead of receiving payment, she pays her lovers

[30] How weak is your heart, says the Lord GOD, seeing you do all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman; [31] In that you built your eminent place in the head of every way, and make your high place in every street; and have not been as an harlot, in that you scorn hire; [32] But as a wife that commits adultery, which takes strangers instead of her husband! [33] They give gifts to all whores: but you give your gifts to all your lovers, and hire them, that they may come unto you on every side for your whoredom. [34] And the contrary is in you from other women in your whoredoms, whereas none follow you to commit whoredoms: and in that you give a reward, and no reward is given unto you, therefore you are contrary.

Verse 30 Expanded Bible Comments

How weak is your heart, says the Lord GOD, seeing you do all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;
Question	Answer
What is the significance of Jerusalem (Christendom) having a weak heart?	Prov. 4:23; Mark 12:30; Psa. 31:23-24; Isa. 29:13
"Seeing you do all these things." – What things?	All the things described in the previous verses; playing the harlot, placing idols everywhere, etc.
What does "imperious" mean?	Strong's H7986 שַׁלֶּטֶת shalleṭeth shal-leh'-teth Feminine from H7980; a vixen: - imperious. Webster's 1828 Dictionary Imperious IMPE'RIOUS, a. [L. imperiosus.] 1. Commanding; dictatorial; haughty; arrogant; overbearing; domineering; as an imperious tyrant; an imperious dictator; an imperious man; an imperious temper. 2. Commanding; indicating an imperious temper; authoritative; as imperious words. 3. Powerful; overbearing; not to be opposed by obstacles; as a man of a vast and imperious mind. 4. Commanding; urgent; pressing; as imperious love; imperious circumstances; imperious appetite. 5. Authoritative; commanding with rightful authority.
What "work" did Christendom do?	See verse 31.

Verses 31-32 Expanded Bible Comments

In that you built your eminent place in the head of every way, and make your high place in every street; and have not been as an harlot, in that you scorn hire; [32] But as a wife that commits adultery, which takes strangers instead of her husband!
Question	Answer
What is meant by "you built your eminent place in the head of every way?"	See vs 25
Why did they "make your high place in every street?"	See vs 24
In what way did Christendom's illicit activities differ from that of a normal harlot?	Christendom was supposed to be married to Christ. Instead of remaining faithful, she acted more as an adulterous woman. A harlot gives her favors for some money or some other form of payment. An adulteress is a married woman who does the same with someone who is not her husband, without receiving such payment.

Verses 33-34 Expanded Bible Comments

They give gifts to all whores: but you give your gifts to all your lovers, and hired them, that they may come unto you on every side for your whoredom. [34] And the contrary is in you from other women in your whoredoms, whereas none follows you to commit whoredoms: and in that you give a reward, and no reward is given unto you, therefore you are contrary.
[34] You're different from other women when you commit immorality – no one can match you in that! After all, you pay fees, but no fee is given to you. You're certainly different! – ISV
Question	Answer
What "gifts" did Christendom give to her "lovers?"	It says she gave "gifts" and "hired" her lovers. The nominal church gave the civil power (kings) "Divine Right." We especially note this when on Christmas day 800 A.D. Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne "Emperor of the Romans" and began the (so-called) "Holy Roman Empire."
What is indicated by "You're different from other women when you commit immorality?"	First the reference indicates a woman, i.e., a church. This once again reminds us that while Christendom is church and state united, the primary responsibility for the sinful condition is with the religious element.
What is being described in verse 34?	It sounds a lot like the 1893 World Parliament of Religions.

God reveals the harlotry and idolatry of Jerusalem to others, resulting in her being stoned

[35] Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD: [36] Thus says the Lord GOD; Because your filthiness was poured out, and your nakedness discovered through your whoredoms with your lovers, and with all the idols of your abominations, and by the blood of your children, which you did give unto them; [37] Behold, therefore I shall gather all your lovers, with whom you have taken pleasure, and all them that you have loved, with all them that you have hated; I shall even gather them round about against you, and shall discover your nakedness unto them, that they may see all your nakedness. [38] And I shall judge you, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I shall give you blood in fury and jealousy. [39] And I shall also give you into their hand, and they shall throw down your eminent place, and shall break down your high places: they shall strip you also of your clothes, and shall take your fair jewels, and leave you naked and bare. [40] They shall also bring up a company against you, and they shall stone you with stones, and thrust you through with their swords. [41] And they shall burn your houses with fire, and execute judgments upon you in the sight of many women: and I shall cause you to cease from playing the harlot, and you also shall give no hire any more. [42] So shall I make my fury toward you to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from you, and I shall be quiet, and shall be no more angry. [43] Because you have not remembered the days of your youth, but have fretted me in all these things; behold, therefore I also will recompense your way upon your head, says the Lord GOD: and you shall not commit this lewdness above all your abominations.

Verse 35 Expanded Bible Comments

Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD:
Question	Answer
To whom is this message addressed?	To "O harlot," i.e., Jerusalem – (the religious element of) Christendom.
In verse 35, what are they instructed to do?	"Hear the word of the LORD."
Did they obey this instruction?	Clearly they did not. If they had, they would have taken steps to prevent what was going to happen to them. The reason they did not take the proper steps to prevent their downfall is explained in Eze. 8:12.

Verse 36 Expanded Bible Comments

Thus says the Lord GOD; Because your filthiness was poured out, and your nakedness discovered through your whoredoms with your lovers, and with all the idols of your abominations, and by the blood of your children, which you did give unto them;
Question	Answer
What is her "filthiness?"	Strong's H5178 נְחֹשֶׁת nechôsheth nekh-o'-sheth For H5154; copper; hence, something made of that metal, that is, coin, a fetter; figuratively base (as compared with gold or silver): - brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. This is the only time this word (H5178) is translated as filthiness. The word is really copper. This is why the LORD is so angry with them. They took the imputed righteousness of Christ (copper, remember all things in the court are of copper) and used it in such a vile fashion.
What is indicated by "your nakedness?"	While Rev. 3:18 applies to the church of Laodicea, the principle of the church being clothed with the righteousness of Christ has applied throughout the entire Gospel Age.
What does this have to do with her "copper" being poured out?	Copper pictures perfect human nature. Consider all the vessels and utensils in the Court were made of copper. The Court pictures the stages of the Justified condition.
How was her nakedness discovered?	By the nominal church (Jerusalem, the religious part of Christendom) joining with the civil power of the Roman Empire – her lovers.
What are "the idols of your abominations?"	The various false doctrines of Christendom around which they have created a superstitious fear which teaches that those who oppose these are guilty of heresy. For example: Divine Right of Kings and Clergy; Immortal Soul; Eternal Torment; the worship of Mary as "the mother of God;" the Trinity, etc. We also notice that they have many literal idols and statues, in direct violation of the second commandment. Exo. 20:4. All these were "abominations" in the sight of the LORD.
Who were "your children?"	Those who grew up in the pews of the church nominal. During the Gospel Age this included not only (the vast majority of) Tares, but also a few strands of Wheat.
What is meant by "the blood of your children, which you did give unto them?" – And who is indicated by "them?"	"Your lovers," i.e., the civil power of the Roman Empire.
Verse 35 told us who was being addressed. Verse 36-37 give us cause and effect. Verse 36 tells us the "cause." Verses 37-43 tell us the "effect."

Verse 37 Expanded Bible Comments

Behold, therefore I shall gather all your lovers, with whom you have taken pleasure, and all them that you have loved, with all them that you have hated; I shall even gather them round about against you, and shall discover your nakedness unto them, that they may see all your nakedness.
Question	Answer
Who is to be gathered?	"All your lovers." Rev. 18:3
Who is to do the gathering?	God. Zeph. 3:8[Zeph. 3:8]; Rev. 16:16; Eze. 22:20-22
Is it only Jerusalem's "lovers" that are gathered?	No. ".. with all them that you have hated."
Who would this refer to?	Perhaps those who were not a part of Christendom.
Are these gathered in support of Jerusalem (the religious element of Christendom?)	"I shall even gather them round about against you."
To what purpose are they gathered against her?	"That they may see all your nakedness."
What does that mean?	It means that all these will recognize that the nominal church is just that, nominal or marginal. Their members are NOT clothed with the Robe of Christ's Righteousness. Instead they are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Rev. 3:17

Verse 38 Expanded Bible Comments

And I shall judge you, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I shall give you blood in fury and jealousy.
Question	Answer
Who does the judging?	The LORD – "I shall judge you."
"As women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged." What does that mean?	According to Lev. 20:10 the penalty for adultery was death, as was that of murder (shedding of innocent blood.) Here we note that this death penalty was for BOTH the man and the woman. Since both the man (the civil power of the Roman empire) and the woman (Babylon, the religious element, mother and daughters) were guilty, the death penalty was to be carried out. The man (civil power) was destroyed with the loss of the Kings of Christendom (by the end of 1918.) The women (mother and daughters) are now devoid of spiritual life, yet they are still around, though a mere shadow of their former selves.
What else does the LORD give to Jerusalem (the religious element of Christendom)?	Blood. Life shed, and He does it with a vengeance (in fury and jealousy.) Isa. 63:1-6
Do we have any evidence that this has taken place?	WWI and WWII would seem to be evidence enough.

Verse 39 Expanded Bible Comments

And I shall also give you into their hand, and they shall throw down your eminent place, and shall break down your high places: they shall strip you also of your clothes, and shall take your fair jewels, and leave you naked and bare.
Question	Answer
Who is pushing the action here?	God. "I shall also give you.."
"I shall give you into their hand.." Into whose hand?	God is giving the church nominal (religious element of Christendom) into the hand of her (former) lovers, i.e., into the civil power of the Holy(?) Roman Empire.
How do they "throw down your eminent place, and break down your high places?"	Maybe not so much during the War, but after, when the people saw that there was little or no evidence that God was on their side, then the claims of "Divine Right of Kings" went into the dust bin of history.
When and how did "they" 1) "strip you also of your clothes" 2) "take your fair jewels" 3) "leave you naked and bare?"	"They" is referring to "All your lovers, with whom you have taken pleasure, and all them that you have loved, with all them that you have hated" – verse 37 1) Their claim to be righteous (Christ-like) was shows to be false. 2) Their claim of royalty (fair jewels) was removed when they lost their connection to the Kings (royalty) of Europe. 3) Their claims of "Divine Right of Kings and Clergy" were stripped when the Kings of Christendom fell.

Verse 40 Expanded Bible Comments

They shall also bring up a company against you, and they shall stone you with stones, and thrust you through with their swords.
Question	Answer
In verse 40, Who are "they" and who is "you?"	"You" refers to the religious element of Christendom, the nominal church (with an emphasis on the Church of Rome.) "They" refers to "all your lovers, with whom you have taken pleasure, and all them that you have loved, with all them that you have hated." – Verse 37
Have "they" brought up a company against Babylon, or is this still future?	Remembering that "they" refers to "all your lovers.. with all them that you have hated," this would seem to have been fulfilled with the two blasts of "The Great War." We should also remember that it is the Lord who gathers "all nations" to "the battle of the great day of God Almighty." Rev. 16:14,16; Isa. 34:2; Hag. 2:7; Zech. 14:2
What does it mean to "stone you with stones?"	Put you to death. Lev. 20:2; Lev. 20:27; Deut. 13:6,10; Deut. 17:2,5; Deut. 21:18,21; see also Joel 2:1-11
What is meant by "thrust you through with their swords?"	While this may have reference to literal weapons of war, the clear symbolic reference is to spoken truth. Isa. 49:2; Rev. 1:16; 2:16; 19:15,21

Verse 41 Expanded Bible Comments

And they shall burn your houses with fire, and execute judgments upon you in the sight of many women: and I shall cause you to cease from playing the harlot, and you also shall give no hire any more.
Question	Answer
What are "your houses?"	Places of worship. Many churches claim to be "the house of the Lord," or "a house of worship."
Who are the "many women?"	Other nominal churches which had little or no connection with Christendom.
"I shall cause you to cease from playing the harlot." What does this mean and is this past, present or future?	The religious element of Christendom will no longer be united, nor be desireable as a partner, for the Kings of earth. We understand this feature is past/present.
How does (or did) come about?	God put an end to it. "I shall cause you to cease.." In a practical way, the Lord stopped it by the revealment to the people that there was no "Divine Right of Kings, clergy," etc. He made the so-called "Kingdom of Christ" (Christendom) to be a stench to the people.

Verse 42 Expanded Bible Comments

So shall I make my fury toward you to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from you, and I shall be quiet, and shall be no more angry.
Question	Answer
How was God's "fury" manifested?	In the seven last plagues – "For in them is filled the wrath of God." Rev. 15:1
What does the Lord mean by "So shall I make my fury toward you to rest?"	Eventually the seven last plagues will have done their work. Then does His fury (wrath) cease (rest.) – Zeph. 3:8-9
What about God's jealousy?	Same answer as the previous question.

Verse 43 Expanded Bible Comments

Because you have not remembered the days of your youth, but have fretted me in all these things; behold, therefore I also will recompense your way upon your head, says the Lord GOD: and you shall not commit this lewdness above all your abominations.
Question	Answer
"You have not remembered the days of your youth." What were "the days of your youth," and what was it about the days of her youth that she should have remembered?	1. The days of her youth refers to the early church. Here, once again, we need to remember that the Lord views Jerusalem (the religious element of Christendom, the nominal church) as being the church throughout the Gospel Age. In the beginning there were only the true followers of Christ. But, as the Apostle Paul said: "The mystery of iniquity doth already work." – 2 Thes. 2:7 2. In "the days of her youth," the church was zealous and loved the Truth. Also, for the most part, she kept those with the wrong spirit out of her. – Acts 5:1-11
How did she "fret" the Lord?	Strong's H7264 רָגַז râgaz raw-gaz' A primitive root; to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear): - be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth. This part of the verse might better read: "but in all these things you have provoked me.."
What was "this lewdness?"	We suggest that "this lewdness" was that referred to in the beginning of the verse, i.e., "You have not remembered the days of your youth," the days of the Apostles.
What other "abominations" did she have?	Please see verses 35-42.
Why was "this lewdness above all your abonimations?"	Because it was the basis for all their mis-deeds. If they had not "left their first love" none of these disgusting actions would have taken place. – Rev. 2:4
What does the Lord do about this?	"Therefore I also will recompense your way upon your head, says the Lord GOD." The Lord gives them a recompense (payment, or pay back) for their deeds. This is done in order to balance the scales of Justice. That is the purpose of the seven last plagues.
What is the result?	"You shall not commit this lewdness."

[44] Behold, every one that uses proverbs shall use this proverb against you, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter. [45] You are your mother's daughter, that loathes her husband and her children; and you are the sister of your sisters, which loathed their husbands and their children: your mother was an Hittite, and your father an Amorite. [46] And your elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at your left hand: and your younger sister, that dwell at your right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. [47] Yet have you not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, you were corrupted more than they in all your ways. [48] As I live, says the Lord GOD, Sodom your sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as you have done, you and your daughters. [49] Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. [50] And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. [51] Neither hath Samaria committed half of your sins; but you have multiplied your abominations more than they, and have justified your sisters in all your abominations which you have done. [52] You also, which have judged your sisters, bear your own shame for your sins that you have committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than you: yea, be you confounded also, and bear your shame, in that you have justified your sisters.

Verse 44 Expanded Bible Comments

Behold, every one that uses proverbs shall use this proverb against you, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter.
Question	Answer
What is meant by "As is the mother, so is her daughter?"	Rev. 17:5

Verse 45 Expanded Bible Comments

You are your mother's daughter, that loathes her husband and her children; and you are the sister of your sisters, which loathed their husbands and their children: your mother was an Hittite, and your father an Amorite.
Question	Answer
Defining the Symbols
Who is the "mother?"	The church of Rome, a.k.a, the Catholic Church.
Who is the mother's "husband?"	The civil power (kings of the earth) of the (so-called) "Holy Roman Empire."
Who are the mother's "children?"	Those who they minister(?) unto.
Who would be the "mother's daughter?"	Organized Protestantism.
Who would be the "sisters?"	The various so-called Protestant sects.
Who would be the "sister's husbands?"	The Kings of Europe to whom the various Protestant churches united with during and after the Reformation in Europe.
Who would be the "sister's children?"	Their followers in the various congregations.
What is the importance of "your mother was a Hittite?"	See vs 3
What is the importance of "your father an Amorite?"	See vs 3
Attempting to put it all together, this verse might be understood like this:
You (one or more of the Protestant churches) are the daughter of the Church of Rome which loathes the waning civil power of the "Holy Roman Empire" (because the Church of Rome used to be the controlling power in that un-holy union.) The Church of Rome also loathes the various Protestant churches (her daughters) which broke away from her during the Reformation. You are not the only daughter of the Catholic Church for there are many Protestant sects and you loathe each of them. (If you are a Baptist, of the "*correct" synod, then you think that you are the only true religion. The same with Lutherans, Greek Orthodox, etc., etc.) Each of these other (so-called) Protestant sects really want to have the Kings to which they were united, to be under their* control, the way that the Church of Rome once had control over those Kings.
Note: This appears to cover the time from our Lord's return until the First World War.

Before attempting to reach a prophetic understanding, let us first attempt to trace exactly what is being said here. The only understanding we are going to assume at this point is that "your mother" refers to the Church of Rome, "the mother of harlots.." The daughters would be (so-called) Protestant churches.

We also are going to analyse the next few verses by following the pronouns. The first step here is to change "ye" and "thou" to "you" and "your" in attempt to make this a little easier to follow.

Verses 45-46. You [Protestants] are your mother's [Catholic Church] daughter, that loathes her [Catholic Church's] husband [Civil Power (Kings) of the "Holy Roman Empire"] and her [Catholic Church's] children [followers]; and you are the sister of your sisters [other Protestant churches], which loathed their husbands [Kings which broke from from the 'mother' church] and their children [followers]: your mother [Catholic Church] was an Hittite, and your father an Amorite. [46] And your [Protestants] elder sister [also Protestant, being a daughter of the 'mother' church] is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at your left hand: and your younger sister [also Protestant, being a daughter of the 'mother' church], that dwells at your right hand, is Sodom and her daughters.

Verse 46 Expanded Bible Comments

And your elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at your left hand: and your younger sister, that dwells at your right hand, is Sodom and her daughters.
Question	Answer
What does this verse mean?	Br. Fisher: Samaria and Sodom were worshipers of Baal. With like parentage, ecclesiasticism is a sister religion with the heathen religions, even acknowledging in many volumes the unity of all religions, herself included. Samaria, the ten apostate tribes, mingled the religion of Jehovah with that of Baal – a fit religious sister of the "nominal church," which reads the Bible and serves the god of selfishness. Samaria elsewhere types not merely ecclesiasticism's sister, but churchianity herself. Sodom, here named Jerusalem's (ecclesiasticism's) sister religion, is directly identified as churchianity in Rev. 11:8 – "The great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." It types professed Christianity in its lowest phase. FM444
Remember, "you" has already been described as being one of the "sisters." At this point we know of three sisters: 1) "You" (Jerusalem) 2) Samaria 3) Sodom Each one is a daughter of her mother (the Church of Rome.)
Who were the Samaritans?	R2574 If Br. Russell's expression above is correct, the Samaritans were Gentiles who became associated with the Jews during their captivity. This association often came via marriage with Jews.
Who is pictured by the "you," i.e., Jerusalem?	The Reformed church, especially beginning in the days of Luther.
Who then is pictured by Samaria ("your elder sister?")	We suggest that instead of first attempting to identify WHY Samaria is referred to as the elder sister, that we accept that as fact and use that information as a clue to help us identify who is pictured by Samaria. When we look historically at the Reformation we find that the first church to be separated from the mother and be joined to a husband (civil power, king) was the Church of England. We suggest that the Church of England is Samaria, the elder sister. It was in response to "the Oxford movement" (emphasizing its Catholic origins) within the Church of England that the Evangelical Alliance (the Image of the Beast) was established in 1846.
Who would be Samaria's daughters?	1) Those who sit in the pews, her followers. 2) Those churches which closely followed the Church of England in doctrine and practice.
What is the significance of them dwelling "at your left hand?"	The right hand is considered the position of strength, importance, power. The left hand would still picture being at the side, bot not in a position of strength. This suggests that the Church of England (and also the Evangelical Alliance) would become relatively powerless during the time leading up to 1914.
Who is pictured by Sodom, and why is she referred to as "your younger sister?"	We know that Sodom was destroyed in the days of Abraham. It appears that the first mention of Samaria in the Bible is in 1 Kings 13:32, long after the destruction of Sodom. So this cannot be taken literally. Accepting our Lord's definition in Rev. 11:8 which states that Sodom and Egypt are the same and that this is where our Lord was crucified. We know that Egypt generally pictures the world. It was the worldly-minded religous leaders of Jerusalem which pushed the Jews to have Jesus put to death. During the Gospel Age the same has been true of His followers. All this suggests a group of (so-called) Protestants who are perhaps not as ritualistic as the "orthodox" churches. This may include the lesser known "Protestants," like Pentecostals.
Why does she dwell "at your right hand?"	We know that normally the "right hand" signifies the place of power. "Paul is my right hand man."
Who is pictured by the daughters of Sodom?	Similar to the daughters of Samaria.

Verse 47 Expanded Bible Comments

Yet have you not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, you were corrupted more than they in all your ways.
Question	Answer
Whose sins were greater, those of Samaria, of Sodom or of "you" – Jerusalem?	Jerusalem. Once again, because of having sinned against greater light. – Matt. 11:20-24
Br. Fisher's explanation of verse 47	As though the ill-fame of Sodom were not enough, (apostate) Christianity has excelled her in corruption; Sodom's literal depravity was "a very little thing" to ecclesiasticism's ways. FM444

Verse 48 Expanded Bible Comments

As I live, says the Lord GOD, Sodom your sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as you have done, you and your daughters.
Question	Answer
Why is this?	Because "you" have had the greater priviledge and, therefore, the greater responsibility.
Br. Fisher's explanation of verses 48-50	Sodom's greatest depravity (A111, 112) was a result of depraved, sexuality in connection with the religion of Baal. "This dreadful 'consecration' spread over Phoenicia, Syria, Phrygia, Assyria and Babylonia. Ashtaroth, the Greek Astarte, was its chief object." Its antitype in the churches was, for national, state or municipal rulers, under guise of advancing religion, to cause their tributary governments to become "Christianized." Whole nations' were thus "Christianized" and baptized � the peoples of savage governments. Through a letting down of the bars of immorality, spiritual and fleshly, this ministered to the beastly propensities of rulers and of others. The clergy, from Pope to class leader, prostituted religion for the pleasure and profit of association with the rich and powerful. Rulers were assured of the "Divine right of kings," and received homage, as God's representatives. The people were led FM445 to believe that death for rulers was entrance to Heaven, and thousands died in the exhilaration � mistaken for religious uplift � of self-sacrifice in their behalf. Ministers of Satan masquerading as angels of light, preached these falsities and millions believed them, and for their own good, and the good of the world which they have corrupted, God is about to take them away. � Z.'95-56.

Our thought is that the LORD, from this point to the end of the chapter, is changing His focus away from nominal Spiritual Israel to nominal Fleshly Israel. At times speaking only of nominal Fleshly Israel and other times of both nominal fleshly and nominal spiritual Israel.

Verses 49-50 Expanded Bible Comments

Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. [50] And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
Question	Answer
Was it the immorality of Sodom that caused its destruction?	"Pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness" was the cause of her destruction. When viewed properly, those are immoral.
Does this apply to the literal ancient city of Sodom, or to the "Sodom" part of the nominal Christian Church? Please explain.	The answer is "yes." Literal ancient Sodom To the literal ancient city this seems to be true. Remember that it was because of the garden-like land that Lot chose to live in Sodom. Gen. 13:10-11. This seems to fit well as a description of the pagan city of Sodom. Sodom as church of Laodicea We remember that Lot (picturing the Great Company) had to flee from Sodom because of its corruption or else he would have died. So with the so-called Protestant portion of Christendom. The Lot class was still in her (and had not yet obeyed the command to "come out of her my people") up until the time for her destruction. Lot had compromised with the world and, while not joining in with the folly of the Sodomites, he did dwell with them. Notice the account in Gen. 19:16: "And while he [Lot] lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him outside of the city." The angel of the LORD told him that he could not destroy the city until Lot had come out. The "Great City" of Christendom, apparently was not completely destroyed until all of the spirit-begotten had been dealt with, including the great company. The church of Laodicea was described as being "lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot" and their attitude was "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." In this verse Sodom appears to be Laodicea – "Pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness." They became lukewarm.
"I took them away as I saw good." Does this apply to literal ancient Sodom or to symbolic Sodom (so-called Protestantism?)	Yes. He destroyed the ancient city with fire from heaven. He destroyed so-called Christendom with "hail stones and coals of fire."

Verse 51 Expanded Bible Comments

Neither hath Samaria committed half of your sins; but you have multiplied your abominations more than they, and have justified your sisters in all your abominations which you have done.
Question	Answer
What sins had been committed by Samaria?	Literally we are not told, only that it was not the half of the sins committed by Jerusalem.
How is it that "you have multiplied your abominations more than they?"	It seems the theme of these verses is that, due to the greater light given them, the mainstream (so-called) Protestant systems had greater responsibility.
How is it that "you.. have justified your sisters in all your abominations which you have done?"	By comparison to the other groups, Protestants sinned against greater light. Consider the 1878 meating between Pastor Russell and the Protestant ministers of Pittsburgh and Allegheny. Those ministers were presented with the Truth, and they rejected it.

Verse 52 Expanded Bible Comments

You also, which have judged your sisters, bear your own shame for your sins that you have committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than you: yea, be you confounded also, and bear your shame, in that you have justified your sisters.
You [main-stream Protestants] also, which have judged your sisters [other Protestant churches], bear your own shame for your sins that you [main-stream Protestants] have committed more abominable than they [because you have received and rejected the Harvest Message]: they [other Protestant churches] are more righteous than you [main-stream Protestant churches]: yea, be you confounded also [because in rejecting the Truth you have come up with confusing arguments in your feeble attempts to fight against the Truth], and bear your shame [see Vol. 4 chapters 4,5,6], in that you have justified your sisters [by your twisted actions].

You also, which have judged your sisters, bear your own shame for your sins that you have committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than you: yea, be you confounded also, and bear your shame, in that you have justified your sisters.

You [main-stream Protestants] also, which have judged your sisters [other Protestant churches], bear your own shame for your sins that you [main-stream Protestants] have committed more abominable than they [because you have received and rejected the Harvest Message]: they [other Protestant churches] are more righteous than you [main-stream Protestant churches]: yea, be you confounded also [because in rejecting the Truth you have come up with confusing arguments in your feeble attempts to fight against the Truth], and bear your shame [see Vol. 4 chapters 4,5,6], in that you have justified your sisters [by your twisted actions].

[53] When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then shall I bring again the captivity of your captives in the midst of them: [54] That you may bear your own shame, and may be confounded in all that thou have done, in that you are a comfort unto them. [55] When your sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then you and your daughters shall return to your former estate. [56] For your sister Sodom was not mentioned by your mouth in the day of your pride, [57] Before your wickedness was discovered, as at the time of your reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which despise you round about. [58] You have borne your lewdness and your abominations, says the LORD. [59] For thus says the Lord GOD; I shall even deal with you as you have done, which have despised the oath in breaking the covenant.

Look at verses 53-63 as applying to the nominal Jewish house, i.e., to Natural Israel.

Verse 53 Expanded Bible Comments

When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then shall I bring again the captivity of your captives in the midst of them:
Question	Answer
What is the meaning of "captivity?"	Strong's H7622 שְׁבִית שְׁבוּת shebûth shebı̂yth sheb-ooth', sheb-eeth' From H7617; exile; concretely prisoners; figuratively a former state of prosperity: - captive (-ity). This appears to be one of those words which does not easily lend itself to simple expression in English. It has reference to both captives (or prisoners) and also to their being returned from that imprisonment.
When it says "their captivity," who is being spoken of?	The sisters (Sodom and Samaria.)
How can we be sure of this?	Because that is what the verse says: "The captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters."
What else does God promise to do at that time?	"Then shall I bring again the captivity of your captives in the midst of them."

Verse 54 Expanded Bible Comments

That you may bear your own shame, and may be confounded in all that you have done, in that you are a comfort unto them.
Question	Answer
What will happen to Natural Israel at that time?	They will "bear your own shame, and may be confounded in all that you have done."
How will Natural Israel then be "a comfort to them?"	While we are not here told exactly, we may safely project forward to give an answer. Israel was favored both by covenant and by having "the oracles of God." Despite Israel not appreciating this favor, and thus making it more tolerable for Sodom than they, both Sodom and Samaria will see that Israel was not cast off forever. Israel will still have a special place in God's Kingdom. This should be an encouragement to Sodom and to Samaria, and indeed to all nations. They may well say: "If God was this merciful to those who failed to make proper use of His favors to Israel, surely He will now be merciful to us."

Verse 55 Expanded Bible Comments

When your sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then you and your daughters shall return to your former estate.
Question	Answer
What happens to Israel when Sodom and Samaria "return to their former estate?"	Israel will likewise "return to your former estate." - Please see Expanded Bible Comments for this verse.

Verse 56 Expanded Bible Comments

For your sister Sodom was not mentioned by your mouth in the day of your pride,
Question	Answer
Why did Israel avoid the mention of Sodom?	Because they looked down on Sodom, for pride's sake.

Verse 57 Expanded Bible Comments

Before your wickedness was discovered, as at the time of your reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which despise you round about.

Question

Answer

What does this verse mean regarding Judah's wickedness, Syria and the Philistines?

The following (found on biblehub.com) is from

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

Thy reproach of the daughters of Syria – The pronoun should be omitted, and the phrase read, "the reproach." The time referred to, when Jerusalem was too proud to make mention of Sodom, was in the days of her prosperity. Later her "wickedness was discovered," and her pride humbled by such disasters as fell upon her, especially from the days of Ahaz onward. At that time she was hard pressed both by the Syrians and by the Philistines (2Kings 15:37; 2Chronicles 28:18-19), and impoverished herself to obtain aid from Assyria (2Kings 16:8); and such straits continued to mark her subsequent history. (See 2Kings 24:2.) In the weakness and disasters towards the close of her kingdom, Judah became an object of contempt to the surrounding nations, "despised "by Syria and Philistia alike. Another view less probably refers "thy reproach" to Judah�s exultation at the fall of Syria and the Philistines before the march of the Assyrians.

Verse 58 Expanded Bible Comments

You have borne your lewdness and your abominations, says the LORD.
Question	Answer
What does this mean?	This seems to indicate that their unfaithfulness has been exposed to the world – their shame is known. It also signifies that they have no mediator and no advocate.

Verse 59 Expanded Bible Comments

For thus says the Lord GOD; I shall even deal with you as you have done, which have despised the oath in breaking the covenant.
Question	Answer
"For thus says the LORD GOD." What is indicated by the use of this phrase?	While all spoken of by the Prophet comes from God, when God makes such a pronouncement the importance of the matter is greatly hightened.
"I shall even deal with as you have done." What does this tell us?	That Justice and Judgement are the foundation of God's throne. – Psa. 89:14
"Which have despised the oath in breaking the covenant."	This is a reminder that Israel alone had this special covenant relation with God. It also reminds them that, as a result, they have the greater responsibility. – Luke 12:48

[60] Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish unto you an everlasting covenant. [61] Then you shall remember your ways, and be ashamed, when you shall receive your sisters, your elder and your younger: and I will give them unto you for daughters, but not by your covenant. [62] And I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall know that I am the LORD: [63] That you may remember, and be confounded, and never open your mouth any more because of your shame, when I am pacified toward you for all that you have done, says the Lord GOD.

Verse 60 Expanded Bible Comments

Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish unto you an everlasting covenant.
Question	Answer
Why does this verse begin with "Nevertheless?"
What was the covenant "in the days of your youth?"	The Law Covenant.
"I will establish unto you an everlasting covenant." Is this "everlasting covenant" the same covenant that God had with them "in the days of your youth?"	No. This will be the "New Covenant." – Jer. 31:31-34
Staying with the Jer. 31 reference, how do we know that this covenant is NOT made with the true church?	Jer. 31:32 – The original (law) covenant was made with, and broken by, "their fathers," (not the fathers of the church.) That covenant God "made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt." God did NOT bring the church "fathers" out of the land of Egypt.

Verse 61 Expanded Bible Comments

Then you shall remember your ways, and be ashamed, when you shall receive your sisters, your elder and your younger: and I will give them unto you for daughters, but not by your covenant.
Question	Answer
When is "Then?"	When the New Covenant goes into operation.
What happens "When..?"	"You shall remember your ways, and be ashamed."
Who was the "elder" sister?	"Your elder sister is Samaria." – vs. 46
Who was the "younger" sister?	"Your younger sister.. is Sodom." – vs. 46
Who are pictured here by the two sisters who become "daughters" of Israel?	They are representative of all other nations. – R4464
What will their lives be like?	HG27
What does it mean: "But not by your covenant?"	R4464

Verse 62 Expanded Bible Comments

And I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall know that I am the LORD:
Question	Answer
Why does the LORD call it "my covenant" in this verse, when in the previous verse He referred to "thy covenant?"	Because the old Law Covenant made with Israel was exactly that, i.e., made with Israel – exclusively (Amos 3:2.) This covenant Israel could never keep (Rom. 8:3.) When God establishes the New (law) Covenant with Israel, it will eventually be opened up for the entire world to come in under that covenant – will become Israelites.
What will be one of the results of establishing this covenant?	"You shall know that I am the LORD"

Verse 63 Expanded Bible Comments

That you may remember, and be confounded, and never open your mouth any more because of your shame, when I am pacified toward you for all that you have done, says the Lord GOD.
Question	Answer
"[In order] That you may remember.." What is Israel (Jerusalem) supposed to remember?	That they once had the exclusive favor of God, were a people united by a covenant with Him.
Why would they "be confounded, and never open your mouth any more because of your shame?"	Strong's H954 בּוּשׁ bûsh boosh A primitive root; properly to pale, that is, by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed, or delayed: - (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shame (-d), be (put to) confounded (-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. They should indeed be ashamed when they consider the favor they had, and how they demonstrated such a lack of appreciation of it.
When is God "pacified toward you for all that you have done?"	When Israel's "double" ended in 1878. From that point forward God began to be pacified toward them. However there was more to come even after the "double." Consider the "hunters" (primarily the Nazi's) of Jer. 16:16, and note that timing comes after their "double" – Jer. 16:18.

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