And they shall come against you from the north …: In contrast to the way her lovers came to Oholibah before, now they will come against her in full armor, dressed ready for battle. From the north renders a Hebrew word that is not used anywhere else, so its meaning is unknown. Based on its similarity with other words, translators have guessed it might mean “from the north” (Revised Standard Version/New Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation, Jerusalem Bible/New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Bible en français courant, Septuagint), “with war-horses” (Revised English Bible; similarly New King James Version ), “with weapons” (New International Version, New American Standard Bible; similarly New Century Version), and “equipped” (Hebrew Old Testament Text Project). There is no way of knowing which is correct, so translators are free to choose whichever rendering makes most sense to them.

With chariots and wagons and a host of peoples: Chariots were war wagons or battle carts, usually with two wheels and drawn by one or two horses. They usually carried one driver and a soldier who fought from it. In areas where readers do not know of chariots, translators may use a descriptive phrase, such as “carts for battle” or “war carts [or, vehicles] pulled by horses.” The Hebrew word for wagons (literally “wheels”) may refer to “supply wagons” (Good News Translation), that is, carts that carry food and spare weapons for the soldiers, but it is possible that the Hebrew words for chariots and wagons should be taken together to mean “chariots with [big] wheels” (so New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh with “wheeled chariots”). In the context of the parable about the two sisters, the Hebrew expression for a host of peoples refers to a large group of people from many different tribes, but most translations understand it as “a large army” (Good News Translation; similarly Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation, New Century Version).

They shall set themselves against you on every side with buckler, shield, and helmet: The large army will come with weapons both to attack Oholibah (that is, Judah) and to defend themselves. Set themselves against you on every side may be rendered “take up positions against you on every side” (New International Version; similarly New Living Translation) or simply “surround you” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version). In the historical situation this phrase carries the sense of besiege and attack. The shield was a defensive weapon, which a soldier carried on his arm to ward off blows from swords, spears or clubs, as well as to stop any missiles such as arrows, stones, or javelins. Shields were disks made of wood, closely-woven wickerwork, or metal. In regions where shields are completely unknown, translators may use a descriptive phrase, such as “weapon which a soldier carried to protect himself.” The Hebrew words for shield and buckler refer to two different sizes of shield; the first is a large shield that protects the whole body and may be carried by a servant in front of the soldier, and the second is a smaller round shield held by the soldier himself. A helmet was a leather or metal hat that protected the head of a soldier. Shield, buckler, and helmet have a collective sense here, meaning that each soldier had them, so these words may be translated as plurals; for example, New International Version says “with large and small shields and with helmets.” If necessary, translators may add “for protection in war.”

And I will commit the judgment to them, and they shall judge you according to their judgments: These two clauses emphasize the coming punishment—the Hebrew root meaning “judge” is repeated three times. I will commit the judgment to them means God will allow Oholibah’s former lovers to implement the punishment. This clause may be rendered “I will give them the task of punishing you.” They shall judge you according to their judgments means they will punish Oholibah using their own rules and customs. Good News Translation says “they will judge you by their own laws,” and New Living Translation has “they can do with you as they please.” Some of their rules and customs, which were very cruel, are described in the next few verses.

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 .