In Ezekiel 16, two types of “prostitution” are mentioned, both symbolizing Israel’s betrayal of its relationship with Yahweh. First, idol worship is depicted as a form of spiritual unfaithfulness, likened to prostitution.
Second, Israel’s alliances with foreign nations are also described this way, emphasizing the nation’s abandonment of trust in God for security.
In Ezekiel 8, four types of idol worship in Jerusalem are described, each illustrating the depth of Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness. First, an “idol of jealousy” is placed in front of the altar (Ezekiel 8:3, 5-6), provoking God to anger.
Second, seventy elders worship different idols within the temple, each in their own private cubicles (Ezekiel 8:7-12). Third, women are seen weeping for Tammuz, a pagan god of unknown origin (Ezekiel 8:14). Lastly, some men have turned their backs on Yahweh, choosing instead to worship the sun (Ezekiel 8:16).
These acts foreshadow the “spiritual prostitution” vividly depicted in Ezekiel 16, where God decries Israel’s betrayal of their covenant with Him.
Alliances Instead of Trust
Another form of spiritual unfaithfulness in chapter 16 involves Israel’s alliances with foreign nations. The issue with these alliances is that God did not direct Israel to make them.
Instead, God desired Israel to remain faithful to Him, allowing Him to demonstrate His character and power through their relationship.
In Ezekiel 16, the leaders of Jerusalem are condemned for forming alliances with Egypt, Philistia, Assyria, and Babylon, relationships that God did not sanction. Instead of trusting in Him, they sought security and advantage from these foreign nations, acting against His will.
Consequently, God likens this behavior to “prostitution,” signifying their unfaithfulness to Him (Ezekiel 16:26-29).
In the days of Ezekiel, when Israel formed alliances with other nations, they entered into what was known as a suzerain treaty. Under this arrangement, the weaker nation—Israel—pledged allegiance to the stronger nation, such as Egypt, Philistia, Assyria, or Babylon.
This suzerain treaty also required Israel to acknowledge the gods of these stronger nations. As a result, Israel became entangled not only politically but also spiritually with these foreign powers, compromising their devotion to the One True God.
One of the key lessons we learn from studying the Bible is that people become like the gods they serve. Yahweh embodies qualities such as faithfulness, righteousness, justice, love, and mercy.
In contrast, the gods of Israel’s surrounding nations were known for ruthlessness, unpredictability, self-interest, and exploitation of people.
Israel was called to reflect God’s character to the world, not to adopt the world’s behavior and impose it on the vulnerable.
Materialism and Idolatry
In this week’s YouTube videos, Rudy Ross identifies materialism in America as a modern form of idolatry. It’s interesting to see how this perspective aligns closely with Paul’s teachings in the New Testament.
Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry) – (Colossians 3:5).
It should not surprise us that idolatry can manifest as an excessive attachment to material desires, replacing God in one’s priorities.
I researched the Internet for the correlation between greed and human suffering in 2024. You may be interested to see a summary of the results.
- Economic Inequality and Social Unrest: Greed fosters economic inequalities and fuels social unrest by widening wealth gaps and encouraging consumerism, eroding societal trust and satisfaction.
- Impact on Relationships and Mental Health: A focus on material gain can undermine empathy and community values, leading to strained relationships, loneliness, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
- Disruption of Social Cohesion: The drive for excessive consumption disrupts social cohesion, creating environments where individuals face dissatisfaction, continually driven by an insatiable desire for more.
- Food Security and Conflict: Greed’s societal impact extends to essentials like food, with economic and resource pressures intensifying food-related conflicts, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa where climate crises and economic inequality exacerbate hunger and violence.
- Environmental Degradation: Unchecked consumption harms the environment, contributing to resource depletion and climate instability, which further strains food systems and impacts accessibility for vulnerable populations.
How could God judge Israel while sparing American society, which, despite its awareness of His covenant relationship, turns away from Him in favor of American idols?
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 