Ezekiel 23:36

The Lord said moreouer vnto mee, Sonne of man, wilt thou iudge Aholah and Aholibah? yea declare vnto them their abominations; Ezekiel 23:36 (KJV)

This verse belongs to a larger prophetic passage in the book of Ezekiel in which God delivers a message concerning the unfaithfulness of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Aholah) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (Aholibah). God employs metaphorical language to portray the idolatrous and wicked practices of these two kingdoms.

Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile, a period that began after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. His prophetic ministry was directed toward bringing both judgment and hope to the people of Israel and Judah while they lived under foreign domination.

In the verse God addresses Ezekiel as “Son of man” and asks whether he will judge Aholah and Aholibah. The names Aholah and Aholibah are symbolic, derived from allegorical terms meaning “her tent” and “my tent is in her.” They serve as pictures of the unfaithfulness and idolatry that characterized the northern and southern kingdoms.

The question of judgment does not imply that Ezekiel himself would act as a legal judge; rather, it indicates that he is to proclaim God’s judgment to the nations. As a mouthpiece for the Lord, Ezekiel was called to deliver God’s warnings and revelations, declaring the abominations of the peoples.

The term “abominations” refers to the detestable and sinful practices that the kingdoms had embraced. Throughout Ezekiel these abominations are described in detail, including idol worship, spiritual adultery, and the reliance on foreign nations for help instead of trusting in God.

Overall, Ezekiel 23:36 underscores God’s condemnation of the idolatry and unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah. It serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences that follow when a people turn away from the Lord and pursue false gods and sinful practices.