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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 16 - Verse 28

16:28
Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied.

Meaning

Within this verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible, God is using the metaphor of a woman who has been unfaithful to her husband to illustrate the unfaithfulness of the Israelites to Him. The term "played the whore" is used to describe the act of idol worship that the Israelites engaged in, particularly with the Assyrians. God accuses the Israelites of being insatiable and constantly seeking after other gods, even though they were unable to find true satisfaction in their pursuits. Despite their efforts to seek fulfillment in other sources, they were still left feeling empty and unsatisfied. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and seeking fulfillment in worldly desires. It warns against the dangers of idolatry and the emptiness that comes from trying to find true satisfaction outside of a relationship with God.

Theological Overview

It is essential to delve into the theological interpretation of Ezekiel 16:28 to understand the gravity of the language used. The Prophet Ezekiel uses strong imagery comparing Israel's unfaithfulness to playing the harlot with the Assyrians. The term "whore" or "harlot" is symbolic of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. In this context, the Assyrians represent false gods or alliances that Israel sought after in search of satisfaction. The phrase "unsatiable" emphasizes Israel's insatiable appetite for these worldly things, yet they could never find true fulfillment. The repeated use of language like "playing the whore" and "yet couldest not be satisfied" highlights the futility of seeking fulfillment outside of a relationship with God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of straying from God and seeking fulfillment in the world.

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