Daily Devotions
Ezekiel
"She became a byword among women"
Text: Ezekiel 23:10
SAMARIA’S IGNOMINY
Samaria desired many things in life. Israel had already deserted God and had chosen to worship idols. The Northern Kingdom desired the power and wealth that Assyria possessed. Samaria courted Assyria as her paramour!
“Therefore I have delivered her
Into the hand of her lovers,
Into the hand of the Assyrians,
For whom she lusted.
They uncovered her nakedness,
Took away her sons and daughters,
And slew her with the sword;
She became a byword among women,
For they had executed judgment on her.”
Ezekiel 23:9-10
1. The lust for lovers.
a) Samaria had many lovers.
b) Egypt with its wealth attracted Samaria.
c) Soon, Samaria also lusted after Assyria.
2. Assyria
a) Assyria beguiled Samaria.
b) The powerful nation gave nothing to Samaria.
c) Samaria was despoiled by Assyria.
d) Samaria’s lust for power and wealth saw to her downfall.
3. What Assyria did to Samaria, Israel.
a) Assyria exposed Israel and exploited it.
b) The sons and daughters of Israel became captives and slaves.
c) Many of her sons were slain in battle.
4. Samaria became a byword:
a) For foolishness.
b) For stubbornness.
c) She was “executed” for her permissive and immoral ways.