Ezekiel 23:14

And that she increased her whoredomes: for when shee saw men pourtrayed vpon the wall, the images of the Caldeans pourtrayed with vermilion, Ezekiel 23:14 (KJV)

And

that she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion, Ezekiel 23:14 (KJV)

Context: Before delving into Ezekiel 23:14, it is essential to grasp the surrounding narrative. The prophet Ezekiel pronounces judgment on two symbolic sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. These sisters are portrayed as committing spiritual adultery through idolatry and political alliances with foreign powers.

Symbolic language: Ezekiel 23:14 employs vivid symbolism drawn from pagan worship practices. The verse describes Oholibah increasing her whoredoms after seeing the wall of Israel’s house painted with images of the Chaldeans, rendered in vermilion. The “wall” likely denotes a prominent structure in Jerusalem—perhaps a palace or temple wall—where such idolatrous images were displayed.

Spiritual adultery: The term “whoredoms” symbolizes Judah’s unfaithfulness to the covenant with God. It denotes the people’s turn from worship of the one true God to the worship of foreign deities and the formation of illicit alliances. Just as physical adultery breaches marital vows, spiritual adultery severs the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Images on the wall: The painted Chaldean figures represent idols or symbols associated with neighboring nations. Their presence on the wall suggests that Judah’s populace was attracted to, and influenced by, the idolatrous customs of those nations, allowing foreign worship to infiltrate the holy city.

The Chaldeans and vermilion: The Chaldeans, a dominant civilization that later formed the Babylonian Empire, were known for their cultural and political influence. Vermilion, a bright red pigment linked to royalty and wealth, underscores the allure of the Chaldeans’ material prosperity. The reference to vermilion‑colored images highlights how the splendor and power of foreign nations enticed Judah into further spiritual compromise.