Ezekiel 6
BSB1 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them. 3 You are to say: ‘O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places. 4 Your altars will be demolished and your incense altars will be smashed; and I will cast down your slain before your idols. 5 I will lay the corpses of the Israelites before their idols and scatter your bones around your altars. 6 Wherever you live, the cities will be laid waste and the high places will be demolished, so that your altars will be laid waste and desecrated, your idols smashed and obliterated, your incense altars cut down, and your works blotted out. 7 The slain will fall among you, and you will know that I am the LORD. 8 Yet I will leave a remnant, for some of you will escape the sword when you are scattered among the nations and throughout the lands. 9 Then in the nations to which they have been carried captive, your survivors will remember Me—how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts that turned away from Me, and by their eyes that lusted after idols. So they will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their abominations. 10 And they will know that I am the LORD; I did not declare in vain that I would bring this calamity upon them. 11 This is what the Lord GOD says: Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and cry out “Alas!” because of all the wicked abominations of the house of Israel, who will fall by sword and famine and plague. 12 He who is far off will die by the plague, he who is near will fall by the sword, and he who remains will die by famine. So I will vent My fury upon them. 13 Then you will know that I am the LORD, when their slain lie among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the mountaintops, and under every green tree and leafy oak—the places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols. 14 I will stretch out My hand against them, and wherever they live I will make the land a desolate waste, from the wilderness to Diblah. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’"
Study Notes — Ezekiel 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ezekiel 6
- Themes from Ezekiel 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ezekiel 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Ezekiel 6 begins with God instructing Ezekiel to prophesy against the mountains of Israel, declaring that they will be laid waste and their altars and high places will be destroyed (Ezekiel 6:1-4). The chapter then explains that this judgment is a result of Israel's idolatry and rebellion against God, and that God will scatter the people among the nations (Ezekiel 6:5-10). The chapter concludes with a call to repentance and a warning of the severity of God's judgment (Ezekiel 6:11-14).
Context for the Chapter
Ezekiel 6 is part of the larger narrative of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, which took place during the Babylonian exile. The chapter fits into the first section of the book, which describes God's judgment on Israel and the nations surrounding them. The chapter's themes of idolatry, rebellion, and judgment are central to the book of Ezekiel and are echoed throughout the Old Testament.
Heart Application
This chapter calls us to examine our own hearts and lives, recognizing the seriousness of rebellion against God. We are reminded of the importance of repentance and the need to turn back to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and lordship in our lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Ezekiel 6 is about God's judgment on Israel for their idolatry and rebellion. God warns Israel of the destruction that will come upon them, but also calls them to repentance. As seen in Ezekiel 6:7, God's ultimate goal is that Israel would know Him and acknowledge His lordship. This chapter reminds us of the importance of turning back to God and recognizing His sovereignty in our lives.
Voices from the Church
“The judgments of God are not to be trifled with, for they are the manifestations of His holy and righteous character.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord's purpose in judgment is not only to punish the wicked, but also to call His people to repentance and restoration.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to God's Judgment (Ezekiel 6:1-5) — God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy against the mountains of Israel, declaring that they will be laid waste and their altars and high places will be destroyed.
- Reasons for God's Judgment (Ezekiel 6:6-10) — The chapter explains that God's judgment is a result of Israel's idolatry and rebellion against Him, and that He will scatter the people among the nations.
- Call to Repentance (Ezekiel 6:8-10) — Despite the severity of the judgment, God calls Israel to repentance, offering them a chance to turn back to Him and avoid the destruction.
- Conclusion and Warning (Ezekiel 6:11-14) — The chapter concludes with a warning of the severity of God's judgment and a call to repentance, emphasizing that God's ultimate goal is that Israel would know Him and acknowledge His lordship.
- Final Thoughts (Ezekiel 6:11-14) — The chapter ends with a final warning and a call to repentance, reminding Israel of the importance of turning back to God and recognizing His sovereignty in their lives.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the judgment of Israel. As seen in Ezekiel 6:7, God declares that the slain will fall in Israel's midst, and they will know that He is the Lord.
- Human Rebellion
- The chapter highlights the reality of human rebellion against God, particularly through idolatry and refusal to listen to His prophets. This rebellion is the primary reason for God's judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 6:3-4.
- Repentance and Restoration
- Despite the severity of the judgment, God calls Israel to repentance, offering them a chance to turn back to Him and avoid the destruction. This call to repentance is seen in verses such as Ezekiel 6:9, where God declares that He will not destroy them completely.
- God's Holiness
- The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and righteous character, which are manifested in His judgment on Israel. As seen in Ezekiel 6:7, God declares that the slain will fall in Israel's midst, and they will know that He is the Lord.
Lessons from Ezekiel 6
- The Importance of Recognizing God's Sovereignty — This chapter teaches us the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty over all things, including our lives and the world around us.
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and the importance of turning away from sin and towards God.
- The Call to Repentance — Despite the severity of God's judgment, the chapter calls us to repentance, offering us a chance to turn back to God and avoid the destruction.
- The Importance of Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a holy life, free from sin and rebellion against God.
- The Hope of Restoration — The chapter offers a glimmer of hope for Israel's restoration, which is fully realized in Christ. This reminds us that even in the midst of judgment, God's ultimate goal is restoration and redemption.
Themes from Ezekiel 6
- God's Judgment — The chapter emphasizes God's judgment on Israel for their idolatry and rebellion against Him.
- Idolatry and Rebellion — The chapter highlights the reality of human rebellion against God, particularly through idolatry and refusal to listen to His prophets.
- Repentance and Restoration — Despite the severity of the judgment, God calls Israel to repentance, offering them a chance to turn back to Him and avoid the destruction.
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the judgment of Israel.
- God's Holiness — The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and righteous character, which are manifested in His judgment on Israel.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which we can rebel against God, and how can we recognize these patterns in our own lives?
- How does God's sovereignty over judgment relate to His love and mercy?
- What are some ways in which we can respond to God's call to repentance, and how can we encourage others to do the same?
- How does the theme of idolatry in Ezekiel 6 relate to our own struggles with sin and temptation?
- What are some ways in which we can cultivate a deeper understanding of God's holiness and righteous character, and how can this impact our daily lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to God's Judgment (Ezekiel 6:1-5)
| Ezekiel 6:1 | God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy against the mountains of Israel, declaring that they will be laid waste and their altars and high places will be destroyed. |
| Ezekiel 6:2 | Ezekiel is to prophesy against the mountains of Israel, declaring that God will stretch out His hand against them and make them desolate. |
2. Reasons for God's Judgment (Ezekiel 6:6-10)
| Ezekiel 6:6 | The chapter explains that God's judgment is a result of Israel's idolatry and rebellion against Him, and that He will scatter the people among the nations. |
| Ezekiel 6:7 | God declares that the slain will fall in Israel's midst, and they will know that He is the Lord. |
3. Call to Repentance (Ezekiel 6:8-10)
| Ezekiel 6:8 | Despite the severity of the judgment, God calls Israel to repentance, offering them a chance to turn back to Him and avoid the destruction. |
| Ezekiel 6:9 | God declares that He will not destroy them completely, but will leave a remnant that will be scattered among the nations. |
4. Conclusion and Warning (Ezekiel 6:11-14)
| Ezekiel 6:11 | The chapter concludes with a warning of the severity of God's judgment and a call to repentance, emphasizing that God's ultimate goal is that Israel would know Him and acknowledge His lordship. |
| Ezekiel 6:12 | God declares that those who are far off will die by the sword, and those who are near will fall by the sword, and those who are in the siege will die by the famine. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Ezekiel 6?
The main theme of Ezekiel 6 is God's judgment on Israel for their idolatry and rebellion against Him, as seen in Ezekiel 6:3-4. This theme is emphasized throughout the chapter, with God declaring that He will stretch out His hand against the mountains of Israel and make them desolate.
Why does God judge Israel in Ezekiel 6?
God judges Israel in Ezekiel 6 because of their idolatry and rebellion against Him, as seen in Ezekiel 6:7. This rebellion is the primary reason for God's judgment, and it is emphasized throughout the chapter.
What is the significance of the 'mountains of Israel' in Ezekiel 6?
The 'mountains of Israel' in Ezekiel 6 refer to the geographical and spiritual centers of Israel's idolatry and rebellion against God. As seen in Ezekiel 6:2, God declares that He will stretch out His hand against these mountains and make them desolate.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 6:1 → Leviticus 26:30-33 | The judgment proclaimed in Ezekiel 6:1 is reminiscent of the curses listed in Leviticus 26:30-33, which warns of the consequences of disobedience to God's laws. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 6:7 → Psalm 46:10 | The declaration that 'the slain shall fall in your midst, and you shall know that I am the Lord' in Ezekiel 6:7 is similar to the statement in Psalm 46:10, which says 'Be still and know that I am God.' |
| 3 | Ezekiel 6:8 → Deuteronomy 4:27 | The scattering of Israel among the nations in Ezekiel 6:8 is similar to the warning given in Deuteronomy 4:27, which says that Israel will be scattered among the nations if they disobey God's laws. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 6:9 → Jeremiah 31:35-37 | The declaration that God will not destroy Israel completely in Ezekiel 6:9 is reminiscent of the promise given in Jeremiah 31:35-37, which says that God will not completely destroy Israel. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 6:10 → Romans 11:25-27 | The hope of Israel's restoration in Ezekiel 6:10 is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in Romans 11:25-27, which says that all Israel will be saved. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 6:11 → Matthew 24:21-22 | The warning of the severity of God's judgment in Ezekiel 6:11 is similar to the warning given in Matthew 24:21-22, which says that there will be great tribulation before the return of Christ. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 6:12 → Revelation 6:8 | The declaration that those who are far off will die by the sword, and those who are near will fall by the sword, and those who are in the siege will die by the famine in Ezekiel 6:12 is similar to the description of the fourth seal in Revelation 6:8, which says that a quarter of the earth's population will die by sword, famine, and plague. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 6:13 → 1 Peter 1:17 | The declaration that God will judge Israel according to their ways in Ezekiel 6:13 is similar to the statement in 1 Peter 1:17, which says that God judges each person according to their deeds. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 6:14 → Isaiah 5:6 | The declaration that God will make the land desolate in Ezekiel 6:14 is similar to the warning given in Isaiah 5:6, which says that God will make the land desolate and uncultivated. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 6:1-14 → 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 | The judgment proclaimed in Ezekiel 6:1-14 is reminiscent of the warning given in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, which says that those who do not love the truth will be condemned. |
Sermons on Ezekiel 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Things to Forget and Things to Remember by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering and forgetting certain things in life. He refers to the Apostle Paul's attitude in Philippians 3:13, where Pau |
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The Apostate Church in America: The Cappuccino Church by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the urgent matter that God brings before his rebellious people. He highlights how the people of God have neglected to execute God's judgments |
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Where Have You Taken Jesus? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the struggle of being in a religious environment that is disconnected from the true heart of God. They emphasize the importance of being touch |
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The Cappacino Church of America - e.a. Johnston by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, E.A. Johnston addresses the decline of spirituality in churches and the rise of immorality in society. He criticizes the pulpits for allowing the world into the chu |
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False Religion and Its Doom. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar warns against the dangers of false religion, emphasizing that God demands truth and sincerity in worship. He explains that false religion, regardless of its zeal, is |
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Ezekiel 6:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes God's broken heart over the unfaithfulness of Israel, illustrating how God desires love in return for His own. He explains that while God created humanity fo |
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Loathsome Thoughts by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of true repentance, which involves a deep loathing of both sin and oneself due to sin. He illustrates how a sincere penitent recognizes the w |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 6
In Ezekiel 6, we see the Lord's righteous judgment on Israel for their idolatry and rebellion. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the Lord's purpose in judgment is not only to punish the wicked, but also to call His people to repentance and restoration.' Through Ezekiel's prophecy, God warns Israel of the impending destruction and calls them to turn back to Him. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and living in obedience to His laws, lest we face a similar judgment. As Henry writes, 'the judgments of God are not to be trifled with, for they are the manifestations of His holy and righteous character.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His sovereignty and control over the judgment of Israel. This is evident in verses such as Ezekiel 6:7, where God declares that the slain will fall in Israel's midst, and they will know that He is the Lord.
Israel's Rebellion
The chapter highlights Israel's rebellion against God, particularly their idolatry and refusal to listen to God's prophets. This rebellion is the primary reason for God's judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 6:3-4.
Call to Repentance
Despite the severity of the judgment, God calls Israel to repentance, offering them a chance to turn back to Him and avoid the destruction. This call to repentance is seen in verses such as Ezekiel 6:9, where God declares that He will not destroy them completely.