Adultery Again?

Ezekiel 22-23

            Again, an extended comparison of Israel’s idolatry with adultery and prostitution. What is it with sexual sin that so resonates with the prophets?

            Part of it is certainly our problem. We live in an age in which sex has been reduced to mere biology. The culture around us regularly depicts people falling into and out of bed with each other and it pays little attention to the emotional ramifications of sex. I’d argue there is no such thing as “casual” sex; all sex has consequences and entanglements. Paul agrees. In 1 Corinthians 6:16 he says, “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘The two will become one flesh.’” That last line is from Genesis 2:24, a passage in which the “one flesh” idea is associated with marriage. Now, I would argue that the “one flesh” of marriage is more than sexual, but Paul wants us to know it’s at least sexual.

            The point is to see that sex involves emotional, even spiritual, commitments that our age tries to minimize or eliminate. But they are there. So, when the prophets liken Israel’s idolatry to adultery, we are supposed to understand the deep sense of betrayal, of broken trust, of defilement, to use Ezekiel’s word. Idolatry is incredibly personal for the Lord. It is a rejection of Him as thorough as any marital cheating.