Reading Ezekiel 23:20 through a modern lens can be difficult for many individuals because it can feel quite offensive to women. Within this passage, it is important to know the surrounding context before we take it to heart.
The Bible is known for using personification, and Ezekiel 23:20 is one of these instances. If you have come across Ezekiel 23:20 and it has many you do a double take, you are not alone. This is why it is important to understand the context and to read it through a modern lens.
Understanding Ezekiel 23:20
Ezekiel 23:20 says, “There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses.” At first look, this passage seems incredibly offensive to women.
What God is actually telling us through this passage is that Jerusalem had prostituted herself. When we look at the larger context of this passage, we see God is talking about Jerusalem and Samaria.
This passage is known as the “two adulterous sisters.” It is a personification of what God is talking about — not actual sisters.
The “she” spoken of in Ezekiel 23:20 refers to Jerusalem. Often, God refers to Jerusalem/Israel as “her” or “she.” Yet again, it is the practice of personification. Nowhere in this passage is God being derogatory toward women or men.
Instead, He is pointing out Jerusalem’s flaws and sins. Jerusalem had run after the practices of Samaria and going after idols.
Despite God telling Jerusalem to abstain from idols and evil practices, they chose not to listen. This seems to be a common occurrence for Israel throughout the Bible. God instructs them to do one thing, yet they do the exact opposite.
In no way was this Bible verse meant to be negative towards women. It is God referring to Jerusalem as a woman even though it is a place.
God places a high value on women as we are part of God’s beautiful creation. The Bible tells us that both man and woman are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
Never are women excluded from being made in God’s image, nor are women excluded from the promises of eternal life. When Jesus walked on the earth, He treated women with dignity, respect, and love.
The Lord never looked down on women, nor did He see women as second-class citizens. Many people believe the false notion that God created the patriarchy or declared it to be good.
This is not true, as God sees men and women as equal. He never says that men are superior to women. The concept of the patriarchy was created by sinful mankind.
Throughout the Old Testament and New Testament, we see the patriarchal culture; however, it does not mean God endorsed this type of culture. It is important to remember this when we are reading any part of the Bible, including Ezekiel 23:20.
Reading Ezekiel 23:20 Through a Modern Lens
Now that we understand Ezekiel 23:20, we are more equipped to read it through a modern lens. By reading this passage through a modern lens, we can see that it is telling us to not lust after our “lovers,” also known as our idols and the desires of our sinful flesh.
Instead, we need to follow after God and keep our hearts pure. We cannot be fully serving God if we are serving our flesh. In our hearts, there is only room for one God. This can either be the true God or the “god” of our life.
Anything can become an idol to us, just as many things were idols for Jerusalem. Through a modern lens, we can see that we can avoid and turn away from idols by following God.
We don’t need to follow after the evil ways of our past, nor do we need to endorse these evil practices (Ezekiel 23:19). Just as Jerusalem had sold itself out to idols and evil practices, we also can be guilty of these sins.
Sadly, we can see ourselves in Israel. Rather than following after God, we follow after the lusts of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the things of the world. Just as God wanted Israel to return to Him, He wants us to return to Him also.
Following after idols and the things of the world will only leave us feeling hopeless, tired, and worn out. If we follow after God, we will have a heart full of hope, love, and peace. It is up to us to choose which path we will follow, just as Jerusalem decided her fate.
The Lord wants us to choose to follow after Him. Even though Jerusalem had a way of following God and then leaving Him, we don’t have to follow the same practice. Through a modern lens and through hindsight, we can see the best choice is to follow God.
If we continue to turn away from God and proverbially chase after our lovers, we will have to face the consequences of our sin. While it is true that God forgives all of our sins, it does not mean that there are no effects of our sin.
It is important to remember this when we are reading Ezekiel 23:20 through a modern lens. Due to Jerusalem’s disobedience, He was giving them over to their enemies (Ezekiel 23:28-31).
In the same way, if we continue in our sins, disobedience, and following after our false gods, it will lead to trouble.
Our sinful nature will only cause us to have difficulties in life, which is why we need to fight against it. Even though we are several thousands of years after the occurrence of Ezekiel 23, it does not mean we are immune to its effects.
By following false gods and selling ourselves out, we will find ourselves all alone. While nobody is ever without hope, it can feel like this when we have strayed so far from God. If we would turn back to God, He would make us whole.
If you are finding yourself in a similar situation as Jerusalem found itself, turn back to God. Repent of your evil practices, reject all false gods, and choose to follow God.
What Does This Mean?
Ezekiel 23:20 should not be offensive to women because it actually serves as a warning to all people, men, and women alike.
Through a modern lens, we can see that Ezekiel 23:20 is referring to Jerusalem and how it has prostituted itself after the evil practices of Samaria. Jerusalem was lusting after its lovers and desired to follow after them instead of God.
It is a usage of personification, not an offensive type of language. When we see it from this perspective, we understand what it really means.
In no way does God ever speak negatively about women. God loves women just as He loves men. Never does He play favoritism, and never does He treat women as inferior.
Sadly, there are many people in the world who treat women badly, and this can negatively impact how we view the Bible. Many people believe the Bible is sexist or pro-patriarchy, but it is not.
The Bible paints a positive picture of women, and it views men and women as equal in every way. These are important aspects to remember when you are reading Ezekiel 23:20 through a modern lens.
For further reading:
Why Is Reading the Bible in Context Important?
How Can We Read the Bible as Culture Changes?
How Did Jesus Treat Women in the Bible?
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