Ezekiel 16:3 - Summary and Interpretation

Bible Verse: "And say, Thus saith the Lord God unto Jerusalem; Thy birth and thy nativity is of the land of Canaan; thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite."

Meaning of Ezekiel 16:3

This verse serves as a pivotal introduction to God’s indictment of Jerusalem, understood both literally and symbolically. The imagery used here underscores the origins of Jerusalem in terms of its mixed heritage and ungodly alliances. It illustrates God's view of the city as being rooted in idolatry and rebellion against Him.

Contextual Significance

Ezekiel is tasked with delivering a message to Jerusalem, emphasizing its unworthy lineage. In the ancient world, lineage played a crucial role in identity, and here, God points out that Jerusalem's founders came from nations known for their wickedness. This serves as a reminder of the city's historical failures and God's desire for repentance.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the grace of God in calling out Jerusalem despite its poor heritage. He notes that God’s identification of Jerusalem as the daughter of Canaan and a descendant of the Amorites and Hittites serves to remind them of their beginnings and their need for divine intervention.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes points out that this verse highlights the sinful state of Jerusalem. He contextualizes the verse within God’s overall plan for redemption, illustrating God’s desire to transform the city despite its impure origins.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke speaks to the implications of Jerusalem's heritage, discussing the significance of the terms used to describe her parentage. He stresses that God’s acknowledgment of her lineage is a call to recognize the need for spiritual awakening and cleansing.

Cross-References

To deepen the understanding and explore thematic Bible verse connections, consider the following verses that relate to Ezekiel 16:3:

• Genesis 15:16: "But in the fourth generation they shall return hither: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full."
• Jeremiah 3:2: "Lift up your eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lain with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness."
• Isaiah 51:1: "Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged."
• Psalms 106:34-36: "They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them: But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works."
• Revelation 18:4: "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
• Matthew 1:6: "And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias."
• Acts 15:17: "That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things."

Thematic Connections

Through comprehensive Biblical cross-referencing, we see the theme of redemption from iniquity. The genealogy of Jerusalem not only illustrates her need for repentance but also sets the stage for God’s redemptive narrative throughout Scripture.

Tools for Further Study

To explore these connections and obtain a deeper understanding, the following tools for Bible cross-referencing can be utilized:

• Bible Concordance: A detailed index to find every verse and its context.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: A resource that helps to navigate connections between verses.
• Bible Reference Resources: For comprehensive materials that enhance your study experience.
• Bible Chain References: A method of linking verses thematically for better understanding.
• Cross-Referencing Bible Study Methods: Techniques to analyze and interpret scriptural ties.

Conclusion

The weight of Ezekiel 16:3 serves to reaffirm that despite our backgrounds, God calls humanity to redemption and transformation. By studying the interconnectedness of scripture, believers can gain profound insights into the continuity of God’s message and purpose across the ages.