Ezekiel 16

Jerusalem, the Prostitute

1The word of the Lord came to me.

6I passed by and I saw you squirming in your blood. I said to you, “You there, lying there in your blood, live!” and I said to you, “You there, lying there in your blood, live!”[#16:6 Greek and Syriac manuscripts omit the repetition of and I said to you, “You there, lying there in your blood, live!”]

7I made you grow like a sprout in the field. You grew up, you developed, and you became very beautiful. Your breasts were formed and your hair had appeared, but you were completely naked.[#16:7 Or like the most beautiful jewelry]

8I passed by and saw you, and I noticed that you were old enough for love. So I spread the skirt of my robe over you and covered your nakedness. I swore an oath to you to enter into a covenant of marriage with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine.[#16:8 Or your time was the time for love]

9I washed you with water. I washed your blood off you. I anointed you with oil.

10I clothed you with the finest embroidered material and gave you sandals of luxurious leather. I wrapped your head in the best linen and covered you with silk.[#16:10 Literally the hides of sea cows . This type of leather was used in the Dwelling, which was constructed in the wilderness.]

11I adorned you with jewelry. I put bracelets on your wrists and a necklace around your neck.

12I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears, and a glorious crown on your head.

13So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of the best linen, with silk and the finest embroidered material. You ate fine flour, honey, and olive oil. You were extraordinarily beautiful, and you attained the status of a queen.

14Your fame spread throughout the nations because of your beauty. In fact, it was perfect, because of my splendor, which I had bestowed upon you, declares the Lord God.

Evangelical Heritage Version © The Wartburg Project, 2021
Published by: The Wartburg Project