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"She increased her harlotry"

Text: Ezekiel 23:14

LUSTING AFTER THE BABYLONIANS

Jerusalem was miraculously delivered from the Assyrians (Isaiah 37). But shortly after, Jerusalem received a visit from the Babylonians. Judah became very impressed with the Babylonians. The nation then lusted for the Babylonians!

“But she increased her harlotry;
She looked at men portrayed on the wall,
Images of Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion,
Girded with belts around their waists,
Flowing turbans on their heads,
All of them looking like captains,
In the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea,
The land of their nativity.
As soon as her eyes saw them,
She lusted for them
And sent messengers to them in Chaldea.”
Ezekiel 23:14-16

1. Babylon

a) It was a rising force.

b) The existing Assyrian empire began to decline.

c) Babylon would rise up and overcome the Assyrians.

d) Babylon would be the next mighty empire.

2. Images of Babylon

a) Bas-relief pictures were common features in Babylon.

b) Many beautiful pictures were painted on the walls.

c) The Babylonians painted pictures of:

i) Impressive looking captains.

ii) They were dressed in great finery.

3. King Hezekiah received emissaries from Babylon.

a) Foolishly he showed them the wealth of Judah.

b) Isaiah contended with Hezekiah for what he did.

c) He warned of the day when the Babylonians would conquer Judah.

d) But Hezekiah refused to give heed to the words of Isaiah (2 Kings 20).

4. Ur of Chaldea

a) It was the land of Abraham’s nativity.

b) He had left Ur of Chaldea because of God’s word.

c) Judah was now poised to return to the land of their captivity (not nativity).

d) Judah courted the favour of the Babylonians.

e) The Babylonians came not to court Judah but to conquer it.