Chapter 16 – Jerusalem’s Abominations and G‑d’s Everlasting Covenant

1. Jerusalem’s Origins and Early State (Verses 1–7)

• G‑d commands Yechezkel: “Let Jerusalem know its abominations.”
• Jerusalem’s beginnings are described as lowly:
  • Born of Canaanite lineage—father an Amorite, mother a Hittite.
  • At birth, abandoned and uncared for—navel not cut, not washed, not swaddled.
• G‑d passed by and said: “In your blood, live!” Twice affirming life.
• G‑d caused her to grow and flourish like the plants of the field, reaching beauty—but still naked.

2. G‑d’s Covenant and Adornment (Verses 8–14)

• At the time of love, G‑d spread His garment over her, covered her nakedness, and entered a covenant, declaring: “You were Mine.”
• He washed, anointed, and clothed her in splendor:
  • Embroidered garments, fine linen, silk, ornaments, crown of glory.
• Her beauty became renowned among nations—enhanced by G‑d’s majesty.

3. Jerusalem’s Betrayal and Idolatry (Verses 15–34)

• She trusted in her beauty and fame, committing spiritual harlotry:
  • Offered herself to every passerby.
  • Used G‑d’s gifts—gold, silver, garments—to make idols and male images.
  • Offered G‑d’s bread, oil, and honey to idols.
• Worst abomination: Sacrificed sons and daughters—G‑d’s children—to idols.
• Her harlotry extended to Egypt, Assyria, Chaldea—yet never satisfied.
• Unlike other harlots, she paid her lovers instead of receiving payment—utter degradation.

4. G‑d’s Judgment (Verses 35–43)

• G‑d gathers all her lovers and haters to expose her shame.
• She will be judged as an adulteress and murderer:
  • Stripped, stoned, pierced by swords, houses burned.
• Purpose: To end her harlotry and calm G‑d’s fury.

5. Comparison to Sodom and Samaria (Verses 44–59)

• Jerusalem is worse than her “sisters”: Samaria and Sodom.
• Sodom’s sin: Pride, abundance, neglect of the poor.
• Samaria’s sin was less than Jerusalem’s.
• Jerusalem vindicated her sisters by surpassing their abominations.
• She will bear her disgrace for breaking the covenant.

6. G‑d’s Everlasting Covenant and Restoration (Verses 60–63)

• Despite betrayal, G‑d promises:
  • “I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth and establish an everlasting covenant.”
• Jerusalem will be humbled, ashamed, and silent when G‑d forgives her.
• Purpose: To restore relationship—“You will know that I am the Lord.”

Central Themes

• G‑d’s grace and love contrasted with Israel’s betrayal.
• Idolatry and moral corruption lead to severe judgment.
• Yet G‑d’s mercy endures—His covenant is eternal.