Ezekiel 8
BSB1 In the sixth year, on the fifth day of the sixth month, I was sitting in my house, and the elders of Judah were sitting before me; and there the hand of the Lord GOD fell upon me. 2 Then I looked and saw a figure like that of a man. From His waist down His appearance was like fire, and from His waist up He was as bright as the gleam of amber. 3 He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. Then the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and carried me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes jealousy was seated. 4 And there I saw the glory of the God of Israel, like the vision I had seen in the plain. 5 “Son of man,” He said to me, “now lift up your eyes to the north.” So I lifted up my eyes to the north, and in the entrance north of the Altar Gate I saw this idol of jealousy. 6 “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what they are doing—the great abominations that the house of Israel is committing—to drive Me far from My sanctuary? Yet you will see even greater abominations." 7 Then He brought me to the entrance to the court, and I looked and saw a hole in the wall. 8 “Son of man,” He told me, “dig through the wall.” So I dug through the wall and discovered a doorway. 9 Then He said to me, “Go in and see the wicked abominations they are committing here." 10 So I went in and looked, and engraved all around the wall was every kind of crawling creature and detestable beast, along with all the idols of the house of Israel. 11 Before them stood seventy elders of the house of Israel, with Jaazaniah son of Shaphan standing among them. Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising. 12 “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? For they are saying, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’" 13 Again, He told me, “You will see them committing even greater abominations." 14 Then He brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the house of the LORD, and I saw women sitting there, weeping for Tammuz. 15 “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see this? Yet you will see even greater abominations than these." 16 So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun. 17 “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see this? Is it not enough for the house of Judah to commit the abominations they are practicing here, that they must also fill the land with violence and continually provoke Me to anger? Look, they are even putting the branch to their nose! 18 Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them."
Study Notes — Ezekiel 8
- 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 8
- Themes from Ezekiel 8
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ezekiel 8
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Ezekiel 8, the prophet is transported to Jerusalem, where he witnesses various forms of idolatry and spiritual adultery. He sees the image of jealousy at the north gate of the inner court, seventy elders offering incense to idols, and women weeping for Tammuz. The chapter highlights the Israelites' blatant disregard for God's commands and their preference for idolatrous practices. As a result, God announces His judgment on the people, promising to deal with them according to their ways. The chapter serves as a warning to the Israelites and a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptations of idolatry.
Context for the Chapter
Ezekiel 8 is part of a larger sequence of visions in the book of Ezekiel, which describe the prophet's experiences and the messages he receives from God. The chapter is situated in the context of the Babylonian exile, during which the Israelites are being punished for their sins. The chapter serves as a warning to the Israelites and a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptations of idolatry. The themes and messages of Ezekiel 8 are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, highlighting the ongoing struggle between God's faithfulness and humanity's tendency towards sin.
Heart Application
As believers, we must recognize the dangers of idolatry and spiritual adultery, and instead, cling to Christ as our only hope for salvation and redemption. We must examine our hearts and lives, ensuring that we are not guilty of idolatrous practices or spiritual adultery. By remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptations of sin, we can experience the joy and freedom of a right relationship with Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Ezekiel 8 describes the prophet's vision of the Israelites' idolatrous practices in Jerusalem. The chapter highlights the severity of God's judgment on their sins and the importance of remaining faithful to Him. As believers, we must recognize the dangers of idolatry and spiritual adultery, and instead, cling to Christ as our only hope for salvation and redemption (Ezekiel 8:6).
Voices from the Church
“The prophet's vision is a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God. As Calvin notes, 'The Lord is a jealous God, and will not tolerate the worship of idols.'”
— John Calvin
“The chapter serves as a warning to believers, emphasizing the importance of avoiding the temptations of sin and remaining faithful to God. As Spurgeon notes, 'Idolatry is a sin that will not go unpunished, and those who engage in it will face the wrath of God.'”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the vision (Ezekiel 8:1-4) — The prophet is transported to Jerusalem, where he witnesses various forms of idolatry and spiritual adultery.
- The image of jealousy at the north gate (Ezekiel 8:5-6) — The prophet sees the image of jealousy at the north gate of the inner court, which represents the Israelites' idolatrous practices.
- The elders offering incense to idols (Ezekiel 8:7-13) — The prophet sees seventy elders offering incense to idols, highlighting the Israelites' blatant disregard for God's commands.
- The women weeping for Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14) — The prophet sees women weeping for Tammuz, which represents the Israelites' preference for idolatrous practices.
- Conclusion and judgment (Ezekiel 8:15-18) — The chapter concludes with God's judgment on the Israelites, promising to deal with them according to their ways and highlighting the consequences of their actions.
Core Doctrines
- The sinfulness of humanity
- Ezekiel 8 highlights the sinfulness of humanity, emphasizing the Israelites' blatant disregard for God's commands and their preference for idolatrous practices.
- The importance of faithfulness
- The chapter serves as a warning to the Israelites and a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptations of idolatry.
- The severity of God's judgment
- The chapter emphasizes the severity of God's judgment on the Israelites, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
- The hope of redemption
- Through Christ, believers can experience the joy and freedom of a right relationship with God, and avoid the temptations of sin and idolatry.
Lessons from Ezekiel 8
- The dangers of idolatry — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
- The importance of faithfulness — The chapter serves as a warning to the Israelites and a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptations of idolatry.
- The severity of God's judgment — The chapter emphasizes the severity of God's judgment on the Israelites, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
- The hope of redemption — Through Christ, believers can experience the joy and freedom of a right relationship with God, and avoid the temptations of sin and idolatry.
- The importance of self-examination — The chapter serves as a warning to believers, emphasizing the importance of examining our hearts and lives, and ensuring that we are not guilty of idolatrous practices or spiritual adultery.
Themes from Ezekiel 8
- Idolatry and spiritual adultery — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and spiritual adultery, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God.
- Faithfulness and obedience — The chapter serves as a warning to the Israelites and a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptations of idolatry.
- Judgment and consequences — The chapter emphasizes the severity of God's judgment on the Israelites, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
- Redemption and salvation — Through Christ, believers can experience the joy and freedom of a right relationship with God, and avoid the temptations of sin and idolatry.
- Self-examination and repentance — The chapter serves as a warning to believers, emphasizing the importance of examining our hearts and lives, and ensuring that we are not guilty of idolatrous practices or spiritual adultery.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which we can avoid the temptations of idolatry and spiritual adultery in our own lives?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's judgment on the Israelites relate to our own understanding of sin and redemption?
- What are some practical steps we can take to remain faithful to God and avoid the temptations of sin?
- How does the chapter's depiction of the Israelites' idolatrous practices relate to our own cultural context and the dangers of idolatry in our own time?
- What are some ways in which we can apply the lessons of Ezekiel 8 to our own lives and relationships with God?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the vision (Ezekiel 8:1-4)
| 8:1 | The prophet is transported to Jerusalem, where he witnesses various forms of idolatry and spiritual adultery. |
| 8:2 | The prophet sees a figure like a man, from his waist up he looked like gleaming bronze, and from his waist down he looked like fire. |
| 8:3 | The prophet is taken by the hair of his head, and the Spirit lifted him up between heaven and earth and brought him to Jerusalem. |
| 8:4 | The prophet sees the glory of the God of Israel, and is commanded to look and see the abominations that the house of Israel is committing. |
2. The image of jealousy at the north gate (Ezekiel 8:5-6)
| 8:5 | The prophet sees the image of jealousy at the north gate of the inner court, which represents the Israelites' idolatrous practices. |
| 8:6 | The prophet is told that the Israelites have committed great abominations, driving God far from His sanctuary. |
3. The elders offering incense to idols (Ezekiel 8:7-13)
| 8:7 | The prophet sees a hole in the wall, and is told to dig into the wall and look. |
| 8:8 | The prophet sees a door, and is told to enter and see the abominations that the house of Israel is committing. |
| 8:9 | The prophet sees seventy elders of the house of Israel, each with a censer in his hand, and the room was filled with the cloud of incense. |
| 8:10 | The prophet sees every form of creeping things and beasts and detestable things, with all the idols of the house of Israel, carved on the wall. |
| 8:11 | The prophet sees the seventy elders offering incense to these idols, and is told that this is the great abomination that the house of Israel is committing. |
| 8:12 | The prophet is told that each of the elders has his room of images, and that the house of Israel has committed great abominations. |
| 8:13 | The prophet is told that he will see still greater abominations than these. |
4. The women weeping for Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14)
| 8:14 | The prophet sees women weeping for Tammuz, which represents the Israelites' preference for idolatrous practices. |
5. Conclusion and judgment (Ezekiel 8:15-18)
| 8:15 | The prophet is told that he will see still greater abominations than these. |
| 8:16 | The prophet sees twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the Lord and their faces toward the east, and they were bowing down to the sun. |
| 8:17 | The prophet is told that the house of Israel has committed great abominations, and that God will deal with them according to their ways. |
| 8:18 | The prophet is told that God will not spare or have pity, and that He will set His face against them. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the image of jealousy at the north gate?
The image of jealousy at the north gate represents the Israelites' idolatrous practices and their preference for other gods over the one true God (Ezekiel 8:5-6).
Who are the seventy elders offering incense to idols?
The seventy elders are the leaders of the house of Israel, who have committed great abominations by offering incense to idols (Ezekiel 8:7-13).
What is the meaning of the women weeping for Tammuz?
The women weeping for Tammuz represents the Israelites' preference for idolatrous practices and their disregard for God's commands (Ezekiel 8:14).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 8:1 → Exodus 24:9-11 | The prophet's vision is similar to the vision of the elders of Israel in Exodus 24:9-11, where they see God's glory and are fed by God. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 8:3 → 2 Kings 23:11 | The prophet's vision of the image of jealousy at the north gate is similar to the description of the image of the Asherah in 2 Kings 23:11. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 8:5 → Deuteronomy 32:16 | The image of jealousy at the north gate is a symbol of the Israelites' idolatrous practices, which are condemned in Deuteronomy 32:16. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 8:6 → Psalm 78:58 | The prophet's statement that the Israelites have driven God far from His sanctuary is similar to the statement in Psalm 78:58, where the Israelites' idolatrous practices are said to have provoked God to anger. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 8:7 → Leviticus 10:1-2 | The prophet's vision of the seventy elders offering incense to idols is similar to the description of the sons of Aaron offering strange fire to God in Leviticus 10:1-2. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 8:10 → Romans 1:23 | The prophet's vision of the detestable things and idols on the wall is similar to the description of the idolatrous practices of the Gentiles in Romans 1:23. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 8:12 → Matthew 24:15 | The prophet's statement that each of the elders has his room of images is similar to the statement in Matthew 24:15, where Jesus warns the disciples to beware of the abomination of desolation. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 8:14 → Isaiah 17:10-11 | The prophet's vision of the women weeping for Tammuz is similar to the description of the women weeping for the idols in Isaiah 17:10-11. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 8:16 → 2 Kings 23:5 | The prophet's vision of the twenty-five men bowing down to the sun is similar to the description of the idolatrous practices of the Israelites in 2 Kings 23:5. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 8:18 → Hebrews 10:26-31 | The prophet's statement that God will not spare or have pity is similar to the statement in Hebrews 10:26-31, where the author warns the readers of the consequences of deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth. |
Sermons on Ezekiel 8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Crime of Unbelief by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had, where he witnessed a horrible crime being committed behind closed doors in God's house. The preacher e |
|
The Glory of God and the Image of Jealousy by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher warns the congregation about the dangers of turning away from God and indulging in sinful behavior. He emphasizes that those who take pleasure in wicke |
|
Modern Day Witchcraft and Sorceries Exposed by Mose Stoltzfus | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of addressing and exposing sin in society. He believes that people are often unaware of their own sins and need to be awakened |
|
(Common Market) Its Religion - Part 1 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of the "great whore" mentioned in Revelation 17. The speaker believes that this whore represents a system or institution rather t |
|
|
(Revelation) Part 1 the Scarlet Womans Future Judgement by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation Chapter 17 and the woman mentioned in the text. The woman is described as sitting upon many waters, representing peoples, nations |
|
|
The Image of God by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the real image of God, highlighting the dangers of false images and the need for a face-to-face encounter with the true Christ. It |
|
Ephesians by J.B. Rowell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a hardworking mother who sacrificed to send her son to college. When the mother visits her son's room at college, she notices the p |
|
Marked Men #2 by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories that illustrate the brokenness and suffering in the world. The first story is about a missionary in Haiti who brings doctors |
|
God Sees Everything by Roy Daniel | The sermon begins with a personal story about a dog on a farm, leading into a reflection on Ezekiel 8:12. The speaker then prays for God's word to impact the listeners' lives and r |
|
The Delapitated House by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of a house that was once a shining example of God's creative power. The house, which represents our testimony as believers, is des |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 8
In this chapter, we see the prophet Ezekiel transported to Jerusalem, where he witnesses the abominable idolatries of the Israelites. The Lord shows him the image of jealousy at the north gate, the seventy elders offering incense to idols, and the women weeping for Tammuz. The prophet is told that these abominations have driven God far from His sanctuary, and that He will not spare or have pity. This chapter serves as a warning to the Israelites and a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptations of idolatry. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is a jealous God, and will not tolerate the worship of idols.' We must examine our hearts and lives, ensuring that we are not guilty of idolatrous practices or spiritual adultery, and instead, cling to Christ as our only hope for salvation and redemption. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Israelites' blatant disregard for God's commands
The chapter highlights the Israelites' preference for idolatrous practices, despite God's clear commands against such actions. This disregard for God's commands is a recurring theme throughout the chapter.
The severity of God's judgment
The chapter emphasizes the severity of God's judgment on the Israelites, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
The importance of faithfulness
The chapter serves as a warning to the Israelites and a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptations of idolatry.