Ezekiel 23:37

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.

Ezekiel 23:37 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile, a time when the people of Judah were facing judgment for their disobedience and idolatry. This verse is part of a prophetic message exposing the spiritual unfaithfulness of Jerusalem, pictured here as one of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, who represent Samaria and Jerusalem. The language is deliberately symbolic, using the imagery of adultery and bloodshed to depict the people’s covenant unfaithfulness.

Meaning

Adultery in this verse refers to spiritual unfaithfulness—the worship of foreign gods and idols. The people of Judah had broken their covenant with God by pursuing other gods, and the prophet describes this as spiritual adultery. The blood in their hands points to their guilt for shedding innocent blood, including the blood of prophets and righteous people sent by God, as well as the horrific practice of child sacrifice. The phrase “passing their sons through the fire” refers to the abhorrent ritual of offering children to false gods, an act that desecrated the family and violated the covenant, since the children belonged to God. This indictment combines idolatry, murder, and the desecration of the family, showing the depth of their rebellion.

Biblical connections

Throughout the Old Testament, adultery is used metaphorically to describe Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. The covenant relationship between God and His people was like a marriage, and idolatry was its betrayal. The shedding of innocent blood and the sacrifice of children were abominations that God had explicitly forbidden, and they demonstrated the depth of the people’s corruption. The children, whom they bore to God, were considered His own, making the sacrifice a direct violation of the covenant.

Application

This verse reminds us that God takes our faithfulness seriously. Just as Judah’s idolatry and violence brought judgment, our own unfaithfulness—whether through modern idols or neglect of God’s commands—has consequences. It also calls us to examine our hands: are they clean of violence and injustice, or are they stained by actions that dishonor God? The verse challenges us to honor God with our whole lives, including our families, and to turn away from any practice that defiles His name.

Reflection

God’s justice is holy and righteous. He cannot tolerate sin, and the judgment Judah faced was a direct consequence of their rebellion. Yet this passage also shows that God does not ignore sin; He confronts it through His prophets, calling His people to repentance. As we read this sobering indictment, we are invited to consider our own walk with God and to cling to His mercy through confession and obedience.