Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: This verse ends the section on the judgment of Judah. Again the traditional prophetic formula introduces the words of God (see verse 22).

Because you have forgotten me and cast me behind your back is a strong way of saying that Oholibah (that is, Judah) had stopped obeying God and had not been faithful to him. Contemporary English Version says simply “You have completely rejected me.” Many languages will have an idiom that keeps the idea of back, for example, cast me behind your back may be rendered “turned your back on me” or “gave me backbone.” However, translators may use other idioms from their language that have the correct meaning of rejecting or abandoning God.

Therefore bear the consequences of your lewdness and harlotry: Because Oholibah has abandoned God, she will be punished for her sexual immorality. For lewdness see verse 21, and for harlotry see Ezek 23.3; see also verse 27, where they also occur together.

Models for this verse are:

• “Now I, the Lord Yahweh, say: You have forgotten me and turned your back on me. Because of that, you will receive the punishment that is due for your bad sexual behavior [or, your sexual immorality] and prostitution.”

• “Now I, the Lord Yahweh, say: You have forgotten me and turned your back on me. So I will punish you as you deserve for your immorality and prostitution [or, because you have been immoral and a prostitute].”

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .