Ezekiel 16:38-40

And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock - (; cf. ). In the case of individual adulteresses, stoning was the penalty (John 8:4). In the case of communities, the sword. Also apostasy () and sacrificing children to Moloch (Leviticus 20:1) incurred stoning. Thus, the penalty was doubly due to Israel; so not only is it said, "They shall stone thee with stones," but also the other penalty which was decreed against an apostate city () is added, "and thrust thee through with their swords." The Chaldeans hurled stones on Jerusalem at the siege, and slew with the sword on its capture.

And shed blood are judged - (, "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed").

I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy - image taken from the fury of a husband in jealousy shedding the blood of an unfaithful wife, such as Israel had been toward God, her husband spiritually. Literally, 'I will make thee (to become) blood of fury and jealousy.'

Verse 39. They shall throw down thine eminent place - literally, 'fornication-chamber' (note, ), the temple which Israel had converted into a place of spiritual fornication with idols, to please the Chaldeans (Ezekiel 23:14).

They shall strip thee ... of thy clothes - (; ) they shall dismantle thy city of its walls.

Shall take thy fair jewels - literally, vessels of thy fairness or beauty; the vessels of the temple (Grotius). All the gifts wherewith God hath adorned thee (Calvin).

Verse 40. They shall also bring up a company against thee - (; , "Thus saith the Lord God, I will bring up a company upon them). Compare as to the destruction under Titus, .