Ezekiel_23.asp

Atlanta Bible Students

The Book of Ezekiel

Chapter 23

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

Verses 1-4 introduction of two unfaithful sisters, Samaria (the elder) and Jerusalem (the younger)
Verses 5-10 describe the sins of Samaria
Verses 11-21 describe the sins of Jerusalem
Verses 22-29 begin to describe what happens to Jerusalem
Verses 30-35 gives more detail about Jerusalem's fall
Verses 36-49 tell us about the combined judgment upon both sisters (Samaria and Jerusalem.)

[1] The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, [2] Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother: [3] And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity. [4] And the names of them were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister: and they were mine, and they bare sons and daughters. Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah.

Verses 1-2 Expanded Bible Comments

The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, [2] Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother:
Question	Suggested Answer
Where do the words come from and to whom are they addressed?	They come from the LORD and are addressed to the Son of Man, Pastor Russell.
How many women are described here and how are they related?	Three women, the mother and her two daughters.
Who or what is pictured by the "one mother?"	The Sarah feature of the Abrahamic Covenant. C297; R5246 – The early church was the LORD's, yet even then "the mystery of iniquity doth already work."

Verse 3 Expanded Bible Comments

And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is pictured by Egypt?	A313 - "Egypt represents the world."
How did they commit "whoredoms in their youth?"	After the death of the Apostles, even before the church nominal became united with the state in 314 A.D., those who desired worldly advantage had made overtures to Rome. – One might say that some in the early church began "flirting" with the world (Egypt), which later lead to infidelity with the earthly powers.
What do we understand is meant by "there they bruised the teats of their virginity?"	This verse seems to indicate this took place in the "early church."

Verse 4 Expanded Bible Comments

And the names of them were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister: and they were mine, and they bare sons and daughters. Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is the meaning of "Aholah?"	Aholah Strong's H170 אָהֳלָהּ אָהֳלָה 'ohŏlâh 'ohŏlâhh o-hol-aw', o-hol-aw' The first form is in form a feminine of H168, but is in fact for the second form; from H168; her tent (that is, idolatrous sanctuary); Oholah, a symbolic name for Samaria: - Aholah. Samaria was one of the names given to the 10 tribes. R1373 – "Samaria is Aholah." This "Aholah the elder" seems to picture the church of Rome. [Notice her name indicates "*idolatrous sanctuary*."]
What is the meaning of "Aholibah?"	Aholibah Strong's H172 אָהֳלִיבָהּ אָהֳלִיבָה 'ohŏlı̂ybâh 'ohŏlı̂ybâhh o''-hol-ee-baw', o''-hol-e-baw' (As with H170 the first form is in form a feminine of H168, but is in fact for the second form); from H168; my tent (is) in her; Oholibah, a symbolic name for Judah: - Aholibah. Judah refers to the two-tribe kingdom of Judah and Benjamin, also referred to as Jerusalem. – "Jerusalem [is] Aholibah." Aholibah (the younger sister) appears to picture Protestantism.
What do we learn from the fact that "they were mine?" – emphasis on "Mine."	These were in a covenant relationship with the LORD.
Why does it say "they were mine?" – emphasis on "were."	Since this message came unto "Son of man" (vs 2) it seems to indicate that this is at some time after 1878 when Babylon was cast off. Jer. 51:6-9
Who, or what, is pictured by the "sons and daughters" of the two sisters?	We suggest that the "sons" were the civil leaders leaders in this unholy union of church and state while the "daughters" were the various denominations of Babylon.

Verses 5-10 are focused on Aholah (the older sister, Samaria – the 10 tribe kingdom, also known as Israel and Ephraim.)

[5] And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours, [6] Which were clothed with blue, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding upon horses. [7] Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself. [8] Neither left she her whoredoms brought from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her. [9] Wherefore I have delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, upon whom she doted. [10] These discovered her nakedness: they took her sons and her daughters, and slew her with the sword: and she became famous among women; for they had executed judgment upon her.

Verses 5-6 Expanded Bible Comments

And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours, [6] Which were clothed with blue, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding upon horses.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who is Aholah?	Aholah is Samaria (a.k.a. Ephraim, the ten-tribe kingdom – R2061)
"Aholah played the harlot." Symbolically, what does that mean?	A woman (church) did not remain faithful to her betrothed (to Christ.)
What is indicated by "when she was mine?"	Same as in verse 4. – At some time in the past (prior to the Gospel Age Harvest), she was the LORD's (i.e, in Covenant relation with Him), but is (at some point during Pastor Russell's day) no longer the LORD's.
Who are her (Samaria's) lovers?	"She doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours."
Who are the Assyrians?	Ephraim (the northern kingdom, the ten tribes) went into captivity to Assyria. Their captivity was because they had taken on the idolatry of the Assyrians. R3463 – We commend the entire article "THE CAPTIVITY OF EPHRAIM." While dealing with the history of natural Israel, the lessons are clearly also intended for Spiritual Israel.
"Captains and rulers" – What does that mean?	Leaders in worldly things. To the worldly minded such men are impressive.
"Desirable young men" – Desirable to whom?	Desirable to young women, in this case, women of ill repute.
"Horsemen riding upon horses." What does that mean?	Horses = doctrines (true or false doctrines.) Horsemen = those riding (promulgating) those doctrines.
Why are these Assyrians said to be "clothed with blue?"	They were faithful to their false doctrines – "horses."

Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments

Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself.
Question	Suggested Answer
"Thus she committed.." Who is "she?"	Aholah, Samaria – the elder sister.
Who are "the chosen men of Assyria?"	The leaders in Pagan Rome.
What is meant by "with all their idols she defiled herself?"	This seems to indicate that the "idols" which became such an integral part of the church of Rome, were incorporated from pagan Rome. Rev. 2:2-5

Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments

Neither left she her whoredoms brought from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is indicated by "her whoredoms brought from Egypt?"	The spirit of worldliness and worldly power first entered the early church. There were those who did not want to give up the world, but rather wanted to bring the world into the church. "The mystery of iniquity doth already work."
What is meant by "they bruised the breasts of her virginity?"	It strongly implies that prior to her dealings with Egypt (the world), she was still a virgin, i.e., had not been unfaithful to her Lord. This also suggests that her "whoredoms" with Assyria came after her "whoredoms" with Egypt. After all, this took place "in her youth." The breasts are for feeding babes. If these have been bruised it becomes very painful to do this feeding.

Verse 9 Expanded Bible Comments

Wherefore I have delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, upon whom she doted.
Question	Suggested Answer
"I have delivered her.." Who is "her?"	Aholah, Samaria, the elder sister – the developing church of Rome.
Who are "her lovers?"	"the Assyrians." – Pagan Rome.
In this symbology what is the difference between Egypt and Assyria?	Egypt – The world and its ways, interests, etc. Assyria – In this context it appears that Assyria emphasizes the idolatrous nature of pagan Rome. We note the fact that literal Egypt and Assyria both worshipped women. F265:2

Verse 10 Expanded Bible Comments

These discovered her nakedness: they took her sons and her daughters, and slew her with the sword: and she became famous among women; for they had executed judgment upon her.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who are "These" who "discovered her nakedness?"	"The Assyrians." [pagan Rome] – see verse 9.
How did they discover the nakedness of Aholah (Samaria, the developing church of Rome?)	They could see that the real nature of leaders in the developing church of Rome were not spiritual but worldly in nature.
Please explain "they took her sons and her daughters."	Her sons and daughters would be the result of her adulterous union with the world. These "children" were "taken" in (or duped) by the developing church of Rome.
Please explain "slew her with the sword."	She (Aholah, church of Rome) was slain in the sense of losing any standing with the LORD, as well as losing respectability as a "Christian" organization. This may have reference to the time of Napoleon who destroyed her reputation, took her head (the pope) captive and literally slew the papal army.
Did she really become "famous among women?"	Her boasting of being "Christ's Kingdom" was proven false by the actions of Napoleon, so, yes she did become famous among women (churches.)
Did they really "execute judgment upon her?"	They carried out the judgment of God upon her.
Br. Fisher's comments on verses 9-10: 'The rulers discovered the naked, unprotected condition of Romanism; and by hundreds of thousands poured in from the East, literal Tartars, Vandals, Huns and Turks, and the pagan ideas from the same sources, and slew the sons and daughters of Romanism with the literal sword, as well as her children spiritually. Among the Pagan religions (women) Romanist "Christianity" became a name and a byword; for the invaders had executed the judgment of God upon her.' FM425

Verses 11-21 are focused on Aholibah (the younger sister, Jerusalem – the 2 tribe kingdom [symbolic of Protestantism].)

[11] And when her sister Aholibah saw this, she was more corrupt in her inordinate love than she, and in her whoredoms more than her sister in her whoredoms. [12] She doted upon the Assyrians her neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men. [13] Then I saw that she was defiled, that they took both one way, [14] And that she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men portrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, [15] Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity: [16] And as soon as she saw them with her eyes, she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea. [17] And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them. [18] So she discovered her whoredoms, and discovered her nakedness: then my mind was alienated from her, like as my mind was alienated from her sister. [19] Yet she multiplied her whoredoms, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt. [20] For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses. [21] Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.

¿¿ Verses 11-21 sounds like Protestantism from shortly after its beginning with Martin Luther (for it quickly joined with earthly princes) up to the time of the Miller movement disappointment and the Evangelical Alliance ??

Verse 11 Expanded Bible Comments

And when her sister Aholibah saw this, she was more corrupt in her inordinate love than she, and in her whoredoms more than her sister in her whoredoms.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who is "her sister Aholibah" and who does she picture?	Aholibah (Jerusalem, picturing Protestantism) is the younger sister of Aholah (Samaria, picturing the church of Rome).
What is it that Aholibah saw?	That her sister Aholah [Church of Rome] played the harlot, not only with Egypt [the world] but also with Assyria [pagan Rome]. Basically, verses 5-10.
What was the impact on Aholibah?	"She (Aholibah) was more corrupt in her inordinate love than she (Ahola)."
How do the actions of Aholibah (Jerusalem, Protestantism) compare to that of her (elder) sister Aholah (Samaria, Church of Rome?)	"Her whoredoms more than her sister in her whoredoms." Consider Luke 12:47-48

Verse 12 Expanded Bible Comments

She doted upon the Assyrians her neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men.
Question	Suggested Answer
Why are the Assyrians referred to as "her neighbors?"	At this point in time (likely during the 16th century, shortly after the birth of Protestantism) Christendom (Christ's Kingdom, falsely so-called) was in full sway. The people believed in "the divine right of kings, clergy," etc. What was left of the civil power of Rome was largely united with the church. These were indeed their neighbors.
Who were the "captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously?"	Those civil leaders in the various kingdoms. These would be men of wealth, largely due to their association with the corrupt churches. Many of these may have been literally "captains and rulers."
What is indicated by "horsemen riding upon horses?"	The riders (promulgators) of the doctrines (divine right of kings and clergy.)
"All of them desirable young men." How does this fit in with our discussion?	When Protestantism was young it needed the protection of various "nobles" to keep the Papacy from completely crushing them. While these still believed that the "Christian" religion was correct, they could see that the Church of Rome had become corrupt and therefore wanted to help men like Luther and his followers. They had enough political strength to help them. These were "desireable young men" in the sense that they were not so fully tied to the "mother" church but had recently broken away from her.

Verse 13 Expanded Bible Comments

Then I saw that she was defiled, that they took both one way,
Question	Suggested Answer
"I saw that she was defiled." Who is "she?"	Aholibah, Jerusalem (Protestantism) – the younger sister.
How was she defiled?	The same way her sister was defiled. She was supposed to be faithful to the Lord but commited whoredoms, first with "the Egyptians" and then with "the Assyrians."
What does it mean that "They took both one way."	Other translations simply say: JPS – "they both took one way." ISV – "the two of them both were on the same path."

Verse 14 Expanded Bible Comments

And that she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men portrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion,
Question	Suggested Answer
Who are "the Chaldeans?"	The Babylonians. 2 Kings 25:1,4 ["Chaldeans" - H3778. In 2 Kings 25:4 "Chaldees" is H3778]
What caused Aholibah to "increase her whoredoms?"	She saw "the images of the Chaldeans portrayed" upon the wall. Compare Eze. 8:9-10
What is "vermilion?"	"Vermilion.. is both a brilliant red or scarlet pigment, originally made from the powdered mineral cinnabar, and the corresponding color. It is commonly used in Hindu culture, primarily by women, and was widely used in the art and decoration of Ancient Rome, in the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages, in the paintings of the Renaissance, and in the art and lacquerware of China." – Wikipedia Webster: "a vivid reddish orange."

Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments

Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity:
Question	Suggested Answer
What is indicated by the Chaldeans being "Girded with girdles upon their loins?"	Having the loins girded always indicates an outpouring of strength, such as preparing for a long journey or going into battle. These Chaldeans (Babylonians) are ready for battle. Consider Exo. 12:11; 1 Ki. 18:46; Luke 12:35; Job 38:3; 40:7; 1 Pet. 1:13; Eph 6:14
What is pictured by them having "dyed attire upon their heads?"	In every place where "dyed" is used in Scripture the color is red (for blood.) Notice Isa. 63:1-5 (especially vss 2-3.) Their heads (intellects) are covered in red (blood) because these are NOT saints but are worldly princes connected to Christendom.
Why does it say "the Babylonians of Chaldea?"	Technically Chaldea refers to the land. Chaldeans refers to its inhabitants. Babylonians refers to those whose allegiance is to that empire.
What is meant by "the land of their nativity?"	These were born into this arrangement, much as people today are said to be born Catholic or Baptist.
Why does it say in vs. 14 "the images of the Chaldeans" and here in vs. 15 "after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea?"	It does not say the actual Babylonians in either case. Instead it refers to "the images of the Chaldeans" and "after the manner of the Babylonians." We suggest that this is referring to "image of the beast." Rev. 13:14-15
Who are the Babylonians?	Those who are in the confusion of believing that Christendom really was Christ's kingdom.

Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments

And as soon as she saw them with her eyes, she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is indicated by "she saw them with her eyes?"	It seems to suggest that Aholah really noticed them with desire for the first time. She may have seen them before but paid them little or no attention.
She "sent messengers unto them.." Why?	Because these newly formed Protestants felt defensless against the church of Rome.
What is "Chaldea?"	Strong's H3778 כַּשְׂדִּימָה כַּשְׂדִּי kaśdı̂y kaśdı̂ymâh kas-dee', kas-dee'-maw (Occasionally shown as the second form with enclitic; meaning towards the Kasdites); patronymic from H3777 (only in the plural); a Kasdite, or descendant of Kesed; by implication a Chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people): - into Chaldea), patronymicallyn. from H3777 (only in the plural); a Kasdite; or descendant of Kesed; by implication a Chaldan (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people): - Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. Chaldea is Babylon.

Verse 17 Expanded Bible Comments

And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them.
Question	Suggested Answer
"The Babylonians came to her into the bed of love." What does this mean?	These Babylonians switched sides from being united to Papacy to being united to Protestantism.
How was she "polluted with them?"	The same way she was polluted with Papacy.
If she (Aholibah, Protestant churches) "was polluted with them," how is it that "her mind was alienated from them?"	It would appear that Aholibah (protestants) began to realize that they had compromised in order to avoid persecution.

Verse 18 Expanded Bible Comments

So she discovered her whoredoms, and discovered her nakedness: then my mind was alienated from her, like as my mind was alienated from her sister.
Question	Suggested Answer
"So she discovered her whoredoms, and discovered her nakedness." Who is "she" and who is "her?"	They both refer to Aholibah. One might say this was a point of self-discovery, i.e., she realized just exactly what she had become (a spiritual harlot) and that she had no protection (justification, white robe) for her sins.
"My mind was alienated from her.." Who is here speaking?	The LORD.
Why at this point did our LORD say this?	Because it was at this point that Aholibah (protestantism) realized her falsehood, her guilt, that she was no longer the LORD's.

Verse 19 Expanded Bible Comments

Yet [in spite of the fact that she now has realized her guilt and (instead of repenting her ways)] she multiplied her whoredoms, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth [during the days of the early church], wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt. [See vs. 3]

Yet she multiplied her whoredoms, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt.
Question	Suggested Answer

Verse 20 Expanded Bible Comments

For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.

Question

Suggested Answer

What is meant by "whose flesh is as the flesh of asses?"

An ass is a beast of burden, a pack animal, yet is not as strong as an ox. This suggests a union with lesser leaders (as opposed to a union with kings.) An ass is also very stubborn.

What is meant by "whose issue is like the issue of horses?"

Horses = doctrines. As a new creature is begotton by the word of Truth (James 1:18), so the children of this form of Protestantism will come from their false doctrines, especially the 9 points agreed upon by the Evangelical Alliance - the "image of the beast."

#	Evangelical Alliance Doctrine	True / False	What's Wrong with the Doctrine
1	The Divine inspiration, authority, and sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures.	True
2	The right and duty of private judgment in the interpretation of the Holy Scriptures.	True
3	The Unity of the Godhead, and the Trinity of the persons therein.	False	1 Tim. 2:5-6; John 1:1-2 correct translation;
4	The utter depravity of human nature in consequence of the Fall.	False	If man were "utterly" depraved then they would be beyond salvation.
5	The incarnation of the Son of God, his work of atonement for the sins of mankind, and his mediatorial intercession and reign.	False	Concerning "incarnation" please see E93:3. Please also see 2 John 1:7
6	The justification of the sinner by faith alone.	True
7	The work of the Holy Spirit in the conversion and sanctification of the sinner.	True	We would have worded this differently, indicating the difference between justification and sanctification, but the basic idea is correct.
8	The immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the body, the judgment of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, with the eternal blessedness of the righteous, and the eternal punishment of the wicked.	False	Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Eze. 18:4; Ecc. 9:5,10
9	The divine institution of the Christian ministry, and the obligation and perpetuity of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.	False	While not completely wrong, this idea lead to the "Divine right of the clergy," one of the three unclean spirits like frogs. Rev. 16:13

Verse 21 Expanded Bible Comments

Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is suggested by "Thou [Aholibah] calledst to remembrance.."	That Protestantism is remembering that they had "left thy first love" back in the days of the early church.
This verse refers to "thy youth" two times. What does this tell us?
Why the reference to Egypt?	Perhaps to remind us of the fact that this worldly mindedness of seeking union with the world (Egypt) began in the days of the Apostles. Rev. 2:4

[22] 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; [23] The Babylonians, and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, and Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them: all of them desirable young men, captains and rulers, great lords and renowned, all of them riding upon horses. [24] And they shall come against thee with chariots, wagons, and wheels, and with an assembly of people, which shall set against thee buckler and shield and helmet round about: and I will set judgment before them, and they shall judge thee according to their judgments. [25] And I will set my jealousy against thee, and they shall deal furiously with thee: they shall take away thy nose and thine ears; and thy remnant shall fall by the sword: they shall take thy sons and thy daughters; and thy residue shall be devoured by the fire. [26] They shall also strip thee out of thy clothes, and take away thy fair jewels. [27] Thus will I make thy lewdness to cease from thee, and thy whoredom brought from the land of Egypt: so that thou shalt not lift up thine eyes unto them, nor remember Egypt any more. [28] For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will deliver thee into the hand of them whom thou hatest, into the hand of them from whom thy mind is alienated: [29] And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.

Verse 22 Expanded Bible Comments

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;
Question	Suggested Answer
Who are Aholibah's lovers?	They are listed in verse 23.
At the time of fulfillment of this prophecy, what is Aholibah's view of her "lovers?"	"I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy mind is alienated."
What do her "lovers" do?	They rise up against her.
Why do they do this?	"thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee"
From where do her "lovers" come against her?	"I will bring them against thee on every side."

Verse 23 Expanded Bible Comments

The Babylonians, and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, and Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them: all of them desirable young men, captains and rulers, great lords and renowned, all of them riding upon horses.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who were Aholibah's (protestantism's) "lovers?"	They are listed in the remainder of this verse.
Who are "the Babylonians" and who are "the Chaldeans?"	As mentioned in vs. 15, technically Chaldea refers to the land. Chaldeans refers to its inhabitants. Babylonians refers to those whose allegiance is to that empire. This may be the same as the "earth-dwellers" of Revelation.
Who is "Pekod?"	Strong's H6489 פְּקוֹד peqôd pek-ode' From H6485; punishment; Pekod, a symbolical name for Babylon: - Pekod. Please see the only other place where "Pekod" is used: Jer. 50:21-23. In that context Pekod is clearly associated with Babylon and its destruction.
Who is "Shoa?"	Strong's H7772 שׁוֹעַ shôa‛ sho'-ah The same as H7771; rich; Shoa, an Oriental people: - Shoa. This verse in Ezekiel is the only occurrence of this word. Rev. 3:17-18 Strong's H7771 שׁוֹעַ shôa‛ sho'-ah From H7768 in the original sense of freedom; a noble, that is, liberal, opulent; also (as noun in the derived sense) a halloo: - bountiful, crying, rich. Strong's H7768 שָׁוַע shâva‛ shaw-vah' A primitive root; properly to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively to halloo (for help, that is, freedom from some trouble): - cry (aloud, out), shout. Rev. 18:9-10,15-19.
Who is "Koa?"	Strong's H6970 קוֹעַ qôa‛ ko'-ah Probably from H6972 in the original sense of cutting off; curtailment; Koa, a region of Babylon: - Koa. Strong's H6972 קוּץ qûts koots A primitive root; to clip off; used only as denominative from H7019; to spend the harvest season: - summer. This seems to suggest that Babylon is cut off at the end of the harvest of that system. This is the only occurrence of the word Koa.
Who are the Assyrians?	What was left of pagan Rome and had been largely absorbed by Papal Rome. Please refer to vs. 5.
What is indicated by: (a) "all of them desireable young men?" (b) "captains and rulers" (c) "great lords and renowned"	Please refer to vs. 5.
What is pictured by "all of them riding horses?"	Promulgators of (false) doctrines. Please refer to vs. 5.

Verse 24 Expanded Bible Comments

Corrected translation: And they shall come against thee with weapons, chariots, and wheels, and with an assembly of people, which shall set against thee buckler and shield and helmet round about: and I will set judgment before them, and they shall judge thee according to their judgments.
Question	Suggested Answer
In the KJV verse 24 says "they shall come against thee with chariots, wagons, and wheels." Why does the "Corrected translation" read "with weapons, chariots, and wheels?"	"Chariots" (KJV) Strong's H2021 הֹצֶן hôtsen ho'-tsen From an unused root meaning apparently to be sharp or strong; a weapon of war: - chariot. Total KJV occurrences: 1 "Wagons" (KJV) is Strong's H7393 occurs 119 times and is translated 115 times as "chariot" or "chariots." This is the only time it is translated as "wagons."
What are pictured by: 1. weapons 2. chariots 3. wheels?	1. Arguments, reasonings as well as literal weapons. 2. organizations 3. Strong's H1534 גַּלְגַּל galgal gal-gal' By reduplication from H1556; a wheel; by analogy a whirlwind; also dust (as whirled): - heaven, rolling thing, wheel.
"They shall come.. with an assembly of people." What does this mean?	Various translation render this as "a great band of peoples," "a host of peoples," "large armies," "a multitude of people." Please see Isa. 13:4.
In general, what are "buckler and shield and helmet?"	They are elements carried by warriors into battle.
Why does this verse add "round about?" What does that mean?	This attack is not coming simply from one direction, but rather from all sides.
Who determined that this judgment should come?	The LORD. "I will set judgment before them."
Who sets the standard of this judgment?	"They shall judge thee according to their judgments."

Verse 25 Expanded Bible Comments

And I will set my jealousy against thee, and they shall deal furiously with thee: they shall take away thy nose and thine ears; and thy remnant shall fall by the sword: they shall take thy sons and thy daughters; and thy residue shall be devoured by the fire.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is the relationship between God setting "my jealousy against thee" and "they shall deal furiously with thee?"	God is using Aholibah's former "lovers" to execute His judgment upon her. The English Standard Version translates thus: "And I will direct my jealousy against you, that they may deal with you in fury."
What is the signifagence of taking "away thy nose and thine ears?"	With our nose we are able to smell the sweet savour of our Lord's sacrifice. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Rom. 10:13-14 Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; Rev. 3:6,13,22.
Who are Aholibah's "sons and daughters?"	Protestantism's offspring. While this sounds like the those begotten by her errors, there might be a subtle indication that not all spirit begotten had yet "come out of her."
In this verse the words "remnant" and "residue" are both the same word, Strongs H319. This is the only verse which uses either of "remnant" or "residue" as the translation for this word. Of the 59 remaining occurrences it is translated "posterity" 3 times. In the remaining 56 occurrences the translation is related to time as "end" "latter end" "hindermost" and "last." All this tends to make the correct understanding a bit confusing. If we ignore any thoughts of "posterity" and replace the word with Rotherham's translation, it then becomes "that which is left of thee." With this in mind, the last half of this verse would read: "and that which is left of thee shall fall by the sword: they shall take thy sons and thy daughters; and that which is left of thee shall be devoured by the fire."
Who (or what) constitute Aholibah's remnant ("that which is left of thee?")	Those in her who still have a measure of faith.
What is meant by Aholibah's remnant "(that which is left of thee) shall fall by the sword?"	The Truth and its spirit (sword) would cause these to fall from Protestantism's ranks by no longer holding on to their faith in Protestantism as being part of Christ's kingdom (falsely so-called.)
What is indicated by "thy remnant (that which is left of thee) shall be devoured by the fire?"	The fire of anarchy destroys their faith.

Verse 26 Expanded Bible Comments

They shall also strip thee out of thy clothes, and take away thy fair jewels.
Question	Suggested Answer
"They shall also strip thee.." Who are "they" and who is "thee?"	"They" refers to Aholibah's former lovers and "thee" (and "thy") refer to Aholibah.
What are Aholibah's clothes?	Since this chapter does not appear to directly speak of Aholibah's clothes, we may reasonably speculate thus: Outwardly they appeared to be robes of righteousness, but in reality they were "filthy garments."
What were her "fair jewels?"	We had a similar situation in Eze. 16:39 [2) last question] where the answer was "Their claim of royalty (fair jewels) was removed when they lost their connection to the Kings (royalty) of Europe." There is also the thought of the Lord's jewels (Mal. 3:17) who were never really appreciated by the nominal churches. These obeyed the command to "come out of her my people."

Verse 27 Expanded Bible Comments

Thus will I make thy lewdness to cease from thee, and thy whoredom brought from the land of Egypt: so that thou shalt not lift up thine eyes unto them, nor remember Egypt any more.
Question	Suggested Answer
What does the LORD mean by saying "Thus will I make thy lewdness to cease from thee?"	"Lewdness" Strong's H2154 Strong's H2154 זַמָּה זִמָּה zimmâh zammâh zim-maw', zam-maw' From H2161; a plan, especially a bad one: - heinous crime, lewd (-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose, thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness). The fact that this word comes from a word meaning "a plan" would seem to suggest that Aholibah's behavior was not a result of mere weekness (as being momentarily overtaken in a fault) but rather involved planning on her part.
What is the difference between "lewdness" and "whoredom?"	"Lewdness" appears to be the consideration (plan) to commit an unfaithful act while "whoredom" is the carrying out of the act.
From where did the "whoredom" originate?	"From the land of Egypt," the world.
"Thou shalt not lift up thine eyes unto them." Who is "them?"	Egypt, symbolic of the world.
Why were "they" not to "remember Egypt any more?"	Because the LORD said "I make thy lewdness to cease from thee." The desire they formerly had for the world (Egypt) and its spirit had diminished.

Verse 28 Expanded Bible Comments

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will deliver thee into the hand of them whom thou hatest, into the hand of them from whom thy mind is alienated:
Question	Suggested Answer
"I will deliver thee into the hand of them whom thou hatest." How certain are we that this must take place?	"Thus saith the Lord GOD.."
How do we know that Aholibah hates her former lovers?	The LORD says that He will deliver Aholibah into the hands of two groups: (1) "them whom thou hatest" and (2) "from whom thy mind is alienated." In verse 22 we are told "I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy mind is alienated."

Verse 29 Expanded Bible Comments

And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.
Question	Suggested Answer
"They shall deal with thee.." Who is "they?"	Aholibah's former lovers.
In what manner do her former "lovers" treat her?	"They shall deal with thee hatefully."
What does it mean that that "they shall take away all thy labour?"	They take away all the fruits of Aholibah's labor. Consider the following from britannica.com Protestantism Protestantism since the early 20th century Mainstream Protestantism World War I broke Europe´s waning self-confidence in the merits of its own civilization and, because it was fought between Christian nations, weakened worldwide Christianity. The seizure of power by a formally atheist government in Russia in 1917 brought negative pressure on Christendom and sharpened the social and working class conflicts of western Europe and the United States. During the following 40 years the Protestant churches in Europe suffered inestimable losses in adherents and formal influence.
"Naked and bare." Is there a difference between the two?	Very slight. They basically mean exactly what one would think. The Hebrew word for naked comes from a word that carries the thought of being crafty or subtle.
What is meant by "the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered?"	"Discovered" is Strong's H5140 Strong's H1540 גָּלָה gâlâh gaw-law' A primitive root; to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively to reveal: - + advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, X plainly, publish, remove, reveal, X shamelessly, shew, X surely, tell, uncover. This seems to be saying that Aholiba's (protestantism's) relations with the worldly powers would be revealed.

Verses 30-35 explain why the LORD is judging Aholibah (younger sister, Jerusalem, Protestantism) more harshly than Aholah (elder sister, Samaria, Catholicism.)

[30] I will do these things unto thee, because thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and because thou art polluted with their idols. [31] Thou hast walked in the way of thy sister; therefore will I give her cup into thine hand. [32] Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large: thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much. [33] Thou shalt be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of thy sister Samaria. [34] Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out, and thou shalt break the shards thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. [35] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast forgotten me, and cast me behind thy back, therefore bear thou also thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.

Verse 30 Expanded Bible Comments

I will do these things unto thee, because thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and because thou art polluted with their idols.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who is the one taking action here?	The LORD. "I will do these things.."
Why is action being taken?	"Because thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen."
What does that mean?	Instead of being faithful to God, Aholibah (protestantism) chased after and united with those not in a relationship with God, i.e., "the heathen."
What does it mean to be "polluted with their idols?"	Please see Question and Suggested Answer for verse 7.

Verse 31 Expanded Bible Comments

Thou hast walked in the way of thy sister; therefore will I give her cup into thine hand.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who is the sister of Aholibah (protestantism?)	Aholah (catholicism).
What was "the way of thy sister" (Aholah, catholicism?)	Remember that both sisters were at one time, the Lord's (verse 4.) "They committed whoredoms in Egypt (Verse 3.)"
As a result of Aholibah's action, what does the LORD do?	"Therefore will I give her cup into thine hand."

Verse 32 Expanded Bible Comments

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large: thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much.
Question	Suggested Answer
What does it mean for Aholibah to "drink of thy sister's cup deep and large."	Aholibah's (protestantism's) sister was Aholah (church of Rome.) We read of her in Rev. 18:6. We suggest that drinking "deep and large" indicates both sisters receive full judgment.
Please explain "Thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision."	Can you say "The Great Parliament of Religions?" D182

Verse 33 Expanded Bible Comments

Thou shalt be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of thy sister Samaria.
Question	Suggested Answer
What does it mean for Aholibah (protestantism) to "be filled with drunkenness?"	See Jer. 13:12-14 and note how this compares to Eze. 8:18. Protestantism had become so like the church of Rome that they were drunk with their false doctrines.
What is indicated by "the cup of astonishment and desolation?"	These terms are used often to describe Jerusalem or Babylon. At the times when they were in power, no one could imagine their fall. For people to be "astonished" at their fall indicates a great change in their affairs. To be a "desolation" means there is no one left. Jer. 9:11; Jer. 51:29,37.
What is "the cup of thy sister Samaria?"	In verse 4 we are told "Samaria is Aholah" i.e., the church of Rome or "Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth." Rev. 17:5 In Rev. 18:6 and on through the end of the chapter we are told of her "cup" and the results of her filling that cup.

Verse 34 Expanded Bible Comments

Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out, and thou shalt break the shards thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
Question	Suggested Answer
What does it mean symbolically to "drink" of a cup?	To go through the experiences (the cup.) John 18:11
This verse adds the expression: "and suck it out." What does that mean?	This sounds much like "drink ye all of it," or "to the very last drop."
What do we learn by the phrase "thou shalt break the shards thereof?"	It tells us that the "cup" will be broken into pieces. Then the pieces ("shards") will be further broken down. To get an idea of what this means, try doing an internet search on "how many protestant denominations exist?" The lowest number i found was 188. Most claim there are thousands. My search was done April 5, 2022.
What is meant by "Pluck off thine own breasts?"	A woman's breasts are for feeding her young. To remove them would seem to signify there was no longer a way to feed her children. Her children may have reference to (1) any spirit begotten in her at the beginning of the Harvest or (2) tentatively justified believers in her or (3) Tares.
Are we sure that this is to take place?	"For I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD."

Verse 35 Expanded Bible Comments

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast forgotten me, and cast me behind thy back, therefore bear thou also thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.
Question	Suggested Answer
"Therefore.." What does this say to us?	Consider what has just previously been said and then remember cause and effect.
Is what is said here important?	"Thus saith the Lord GOD."
What are the specific reasons for the LORD taking action here?	"Because (1) thou hast forgotten me, and *(2)* cast me behind thy back."
Before The LORD takes the above stated action was there any hope that Aholibah might escape her punishment?	Yes. That statement begins with "Because." This implies that she had opportunity to change direction and to respect the LORD and at least try to follow His directions.
What is the result of all this?	"Bear thou also [the penalty for] thy lewdness and thy whoredoms."

[36] The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations; [37] That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them. [38] Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths. [39] For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house. [40] And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments, [41] And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil. [42] And a voice of a multitude being at ease was with her: and with the men of the common sort were brought Sabeans from the wilderness, which put bracelets upon their hands, and beautiful crowns upon their heads.

Verse 36 Expanded Bible Comments

The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations;
Question	Suggested Answer
To whom did the LORD speak?	To Son of Man.
What did the LORD ask of him?	If he would judge the two sisters.
Did "Son of man" answer Him?	No, not here. Instead the LORD told him to judge them by showing them their abominations. He did answer back in Eze. 9:11 when he said "I have done as thou hast commanded me," which included letting them know, not only of their unholy union with the state, but also of its consequences.

Verse 37 Expanded Bible Comments

That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them.
Question	Suggested Answer
Before getting into considerations of the beginning of this verse, we suggest the key to our thoughts here should be to remember "their sons, whom they bare unto me."
What is meant by "they have committed adultery?"	They (Ahola and Aholibah) were betrothed to the Lord, the true King, but did not remain faithful and instead joined with kings of the earth.
How is it that "blood is in their hands?"	This, of course, indicates responsibility for suffering and loss of life.
How could they commit adultery "with their idols?"
This verse speaks of "their sons." Do these "sons" refer to the "tare" class?	Absolutely not because the next phrase says "whom they bare unto Me."
What does it mean for these "sons" to "pass through the fire?"	They are being sacrificed to false gods (idols.)
Were these "sons" sacrificed literally or symbolically?	Yes.
Are there other places where this occurs?	Yes. Lev. 18:21; Deu. 18:10; 2 Kings 16:3; 17:17; 23:10; 2 Chron. 33:6; Jer. 32:35; Eze. 16:21; 20:26,31

Verse 38 Expanded Bible Comments

Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths.
Question	Suggested Answer
"They have done unto me." Who are "they?"	Aholah (Catholic system) and Aholibah (Protestantism.)
How have "they .. defiled my sanctuary?"	The LORD's sanctuary is where God communicated to man (usually to the high priest.) This refers to the Most Holy (both of tabernacle and temple.) Within the nominal church there were two classes. (1) The sanctuary (the saints) and (2) the host (all others.) This defilement of the sanctuary likely refers to both the (supposed) communication to man from God and also to the ill treatment of the saints (as in the parable of the sheep and goats.) Matt. 25:41-45
How have "they .. profaned my sabbaths?"	The Sabbaths were designed for man to have relief from the curse of working by "sweat of thy face." It therefore pictures the Mediatorial phase of the Kingdom. The religious leaders have done the opposite. They became like the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' day. Please consider Matt. 23:1-4.
What is the significance of these being done "in the same day?"	This "day" likely refers to the Gospel Age. Even after the destruction of Christendom (Christ's kingdom, falsely so-called) the nominal church is still saying "Believe what we say or else your eternity will be horrible."

Verse 39 Expanded Bible Comments

For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house.
Question	Suggested Answer
How did they slay "their children to their idols?"	Literally those unfaithful in Israel did what other nations did, they sacrificed their children to false gods by giving them over to the priests of these false gods to be burned to death (supposedly to placate the anger of these false gods) with the promise of good crops or some other such things. In other words they had their children killed in order to make their own lives less inconvenient. In the symbolic sense they sacrificed the children to the idols of false teaching (trinity, eternal torment, etc.) thus preventing them from advancing to relationship with the Lord.
How did they come "into my sanctuary to profane it?"	They did their best to corrupt those saints (sanctuary class) with their false doctrines and practices.
What is the difference between doing these things "in my sanctuary" and doing them "in the midst of mine house?"	Sanctuary = saints. House = nominal church (including saints prior to the call to "come out of her my people.")
What is the significance of these being done "in the same day?"	At a minimum this would seem to say the "day" would be the Gospel Age, but considering the context, this likely refers to "the day of the Lord."

Verses 40-41 Expanded Bible Comments

And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments, [41] And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is indicated by "Ye have sent for men to come from far?"	"Ye" - Ahola and Aholibah. These two apparently needed some kind of help. The fact that they "sent for men to come from far" seems to indicate that they are reaching for help from outside even nominal Christianity.
What "messenger" was sent?	The invitation to attend "The World's Parliament of Religions." According to Wikipedia: "The Parliament of Religions opened on 11 September 1893 at the World's Congress Auxiliary Building which is now The Art Institute of Chicago, and ran from 11 to 27 September, making it the first organized interfaith gathering." Just to get an idea of how the world viewed the purpose of this parliament, we include here one of the opening speakers remarks. "Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanatacism, having long possessed this beautiful earth. "They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. "Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. "But their time is come. I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism or all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal." September 11, 1893 Swami Vivekananda
Did they come?	Yes, from all over the world.
The two sisters (Ahola and Aholibah) prepare themselves for these men. What is pictured by:
"Wash thyself?"	Made themselves appear to be "clean, or righteous." Matt. 23:27
"Paintedst thy eyes?"	One of the tools in the quiver of women is to beautify their eyes in order to attract men by a look.
"Deckedst thyself with ornaments?"	The wearing of ornaments usually indicates wealth or status.
"Satest upon a stately bed?"	We remember that these two sisters were described earlier as having "committed whoredoms." Having these men "from afar" seeing these two women sitting "upon a stately bed" is a clear indication of their intent.
"A table prepared before it [before the bed]?"	While the Lord has prepared for us a wonderful table filled with magnificient doctrines and promises, this particular table is NOT of His making. Isa. 28:7-8
"Mine incense?"	Incense pictures heart-felt devotion to God and His son. Christendom claimed to be Christ's Kingdom. Thus they were claiming that devotion to them was the same as devotion to God. Rev. 5:8
"Mine oil?"	Mine oil is the Holy Spirit. Christendom replaced this spirit of love, truth, understanding, etc. with a fictitious being which they claimed to be a third part of God. This is the center-piece of the false teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, it is "the foundation of her whole dogmatic system."

Verse 42 Expanded Bible Comments

And a voice of a multitude being at ease was with her: and with the men of the common sort were brought Sabeans from the wilderness, which put bracelets upon their hands, and beautiful crowns upon their heads.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is indicated by "a multitude being at ease with her?"	This is in contrast with the saints who are walking the narrow way and doing their best to maintain the highest standards. This keeps the worldly-minded away because they are not interested in self-sacrifice.
Why does it mention "a voice of a multitude?"
Who else were with her?	"Men of the common sort."
Who is pictured by "Sabeans from the wilderness?"	The following is from www.gotquestions.org/Sabeans.html The Sabeans were an ancient people group mentioned in the Bible as coming from a nation far away from Israel (Joel 3:8). They were a people of stature (Isaiah 45:14) and a rival nation to Israel (Job 1:15). The Sabeans lived in the land of Sheba, which archeology suggests was a Semitic trading state that existed for 1,000 years in the area that is now Yemen. The capital of Sheba was called Marib (or Ma´rib), and the kingdom existed from 1200 BC to AD 275, trading primarily in spices. The land of the Sabeans was eventually destroyed as a result of civil war. The Queen of Sheba, or the Queen of the South, who traveled a long way to hear Solomon´s wisdom, was likely a Sabean..
What is the significance of "bracelets upon their hands, and beautiful crowns upon their heads?"	Bracelets are items of adornment, often quite valuable. See Gen. 24:22,30,47. Crowns indicate rulership, royalty. This is how these sisters were treating their guests.

[43] Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them? [44] Yet they went in unto her, as they go in unto a woman that playeth the harlot: so went they in unto Aholah and unto Aholibah, the lewd women. [45] And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. [46] For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled. [47] And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire. [48] Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness. [49] And they shall recompense your lewdness upon you, and ye shall bear the sins of your idols: and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

Verse 43 Expanded Bible Comments

Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them?
Question	Suggested Answer
"Then said I ..." Who is here speaking?	Jehovah.
To whom is He speaking?	"Unto her that was old in adultries," i.e., Aholah and Aholibah.
What does He ask concerning them?	He asks if they will continue with their adulterous ways.

Verse 44 Expanded Bible Comments

Yet they went in unto her, as they go in unto a woman that playeth the harlot: so went they in unto Aholah and unto Aholibah, the lewd women.
Question	Suggested Answer
"They went in unto her.." Who is "they?"	"They" appear to be the men referred to in vss 40, 42, i.e. "men.. from afar," "men of the common sort," and "Sabeans from the wilderness."
What does the remainder of verse 44 describe and what does that mean?	It describes the behavior of these men with harlots. In this case the harlots are the two sisters Ahola and Aholibah. This indicates that they were joined with these other worldly governments.

Verse 45 Expanded Bible Comments

And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who are "the righteous men?"	Those who are Justified (those who are pictured in the Tabernacle as being in the "court" or the "holy" condition.) See Matt. 13:16-17
How shall they judge them?	"After the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood."
What does that mean?	The penalty for adultery was death by stoning Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:21. This was accomplished in 1914-18 (compare Dan. 2:34-35.
Why are they judged in this manner?	"Because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands."
How or why does being an adulteress mean that "blood is in their hands?"	Adultery kills marriage.

Verses 46-47 Expanded Bible Comments

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled. [47] And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.
Question	Suggested Answer
The questions and suggested answers which follow are given from the standpoint of someone standing at the beginning of the Harvest of the Gospel Age, i.e., 1874.
Considering how verse 46 begins, how confident are we that this will take place?	"For thus saith the Lord GOD." Supremely confident. It would be easier for the moon to fall out of the sky than for God's word to fail.
Will "a company" come "upon them?"	100% Yes!
According to verse 46, what is given for this company do?	"Will give them to be removed and spoiled."
What is meant by "removed" and what is meant by "spoiled?"	They (Ahola, Catholicism) and (Aholibah, Protestantism) are removed out of their illegitimate positions as being part of Christ's Kingdom (Christendom, falsely so-called.) The word "spoiled" here really means to 'be the prey.' In other words, the enemies of Christendom preyed on them.
What is pictured by "the company shall stone them with stones?"	This was the manner in which violators of the law (in Israel) were put to death.
What is pictured by "and dispatch them with their swords?"	This may have reference to the arguments proving that they (Ahola and Aholibah) were NOT Christ's Kingdom, or it may refer to them being ruined by physical battle (WWI) or both.
Who are "their sons and their daughters" and how are they slain?	"Their" refers to Ahola and Aholabah. This refers to their offspring, those who were brought up as children in those organizations pictured by Ahola (catholic) and Aholibah (protestant) systems. - They are slain, as just described, by stones ("it is written") and with swords ("the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"), i.e., the spirit of Truth. Remember that during this time Present Truth was being sent far and wide, tracts and books distributed literally by the millions. See also Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16.
What is pictured by burning "up their houses with fire?"

Verse 48 Expanded Bible Comments

Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness.
Question	Suggested Answer
What does "lewdness" mean?	Lewdness is Strong's H2154 Strong's H2154 זַמָּה זִמָּה zimmâh zammâh zim-maw', zam-maw' From H2161; a plan, especially a bad one: - heinous crime, lewd (-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose, thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness). The definition might lead one to think it is simply a plan. This will lead us astray. Consider how it is translated; In Leviticus, 4 times - wickedness Judges, 1 time - lewdness Job, 1 time - my purposes; 1 time - an heiness crime Psalms, 2 times - mischief Proverbs, mischef; a wicked mind; the thought (of foolishness) Isaiah, wicked devices Jeremiah, lewdness Ezekiel, 14 times - lewd; lewdly; lewdness Hosea, lewdness. In all the above cases the common element is some form of wickedness. The fact that "a plan" is part of this definition lets us know that this wickedness is deliberate.
What is pictured by "the land?"	This likely refers to the territory covered by Christendom (mainly Europe and western Russia.)
What is pictured by "all women?"	All churches, including those not directly part of so-called Christendom.
What is meant by "may be taught not to do after your lewdness?"	Avoid any attempt at church-state union.

Verse 49 Expanded Bible Comments

And they shall recompense your lewdness upon you, and ye shall bear the sins of your idols: and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
With so many pronouns there are times when it may be helpful to replace them with who is being indicated by these pronouns.
And they [the company God brings] shall recompense your [Aholah and Aholibah's] lewdness upon you [Aholah and Aholibah], and ye [Aholah and Aholibah] shall bear the sins of your [Aholah and Aholibah's] idols: and ye [Aholah and Aholibah] shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who is "they?"	Those mentioned in vs. 46 – "For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them."
What does it mean that "they shall recompense your lewdness upon you?"	It means that Aholah (catholicism) and Aholibah (protestantism) are to receive just payment for their actions.
Did Ahola and Aholibah "bear the sins of" their "idols?" If so, how?	Yes. Their "idols" were their false claims (religious teachings.) With the destruction of Christendom (Christ's KINGDOM, falsely so-called) came the realization that their claims (especially the 'divine authority of the clergy') were lies. While the following reference applies specifically to Aholibah (Protestantism) we are free to say that Aholah (Catholicism) has fared no better. – Please see Protestantism's Losses
"Ye shall know that I am the Lord God." Has this taken place?	At this point it is well that we remember exactly who is being spoken of here. Aholah is the Catholic church (a woman being symbolic of a church.) Aholibah is organized Protestantism (again, a church.) It is NOT so-called Christendom (the UNION of the kings of the earth with these nominal churches, which UNION claimed to be Christ's Kingdom reigning over the earth.) With the foregoing in mind, the question still remains. Do these nominal churches know "that I am the Lord GOD?" – In other words, do these two nominal church systems know that their downfall was because God caused it?

Chapter 22 Chapter 24