What is the context?
The Lord explains why Israel was scattered. Their ways and deeds defiled the land through bloodshed and idolatry, and He judged them according to that conduct.
The comparison with a woman’s impurity draws on the language of ritual uncleanness to describe the people’s defilement. The wrongdoing named is their violence and idol worship.
Exile then brought dishonor to the name associated with them. The nations could say that these were the Lord’s people, yet they had been forced out of His land. The Lord declares His concern for His holy name among those nations.
How is this passage commonly understood?
The USCCB notes explain the problem as the impression that God could not protect His people. Cambridge likewise connects the exile with the nations’ misunderstanding of His power and His rule over His own people.
Wesley also emphasizes the people’s wrongdoing and the dishonor it brings. The passage holds together the justice of the exile and the need for the nations to know the Lord truly.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.