Ezekiel 43:9

Now let them remove far from Me their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings, and I will dwell among them forever.

Study Bible

Now let them remove far from Me their prostitution
This phrase calls for the Israelites to abandon their idolatrous practices, often metaphorically referred to as "prostitution" in the Bible. This imagery is used to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God by worshiping other deities. The call to remove these practices signifies a return to covenant faithfulness. In the historical context, Israel's idolatry was a recurring issue, leading to their exile. The prophets frequently used the metaphor of prostitution to highlight the spiritual adultery of the people (e.g., Hosea 1-3, Jeremiah 3:6-10).

and the funeral offerings for their kings
This refers to the practice of making offerings to deceased kings, which may have included rituals that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. Such practices could have been influenced by surrounding pagan cultures, where deified kings were venerated. The removal of these offerings signifies a rejection of syncretism and a return to pure worship. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God’s people being set apart from the nations (Leviticus 20:26).

and I will dwell among them forever
This promise of God's presence among His people is a central theme in the Bible, echoing the covenantal promise of God dwelling with Israel (Exodus 29:45-46). It anticipates the ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where God dwells with humanity through Jesus Christ (John 1:14) and the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). The phrase also points to eschatological hope, where God's presence will be fully realized in the new creation (Revelation 21:3). The assurance of God's eternal dwelling among His people underscores His desire for a restored relationship with them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and the one receiving God's visions and messages.

2. Israelites
The people of God who are being addressed in this passage, called to repentance and purity.

3. Prostitution
Symbolic of Israel's unfaithfulness to God, often used in the Bible to describe idolatry and spiritual adultery.

4. Lifeless Idols
Refers to the false gods and idols that the Israelites worshipped, which were powerless and offensive to God.

5. God's Dwelling
The promise of God's presence among His people, contingent upon their repentance and removal of idolatry.

Teaching Points

Call to Repentance
Just as the Israelites were called to remove idolatry, we are called to examine our lives for anything that takes precedence over God.

God's Holiness
Understanding the holiness of God should lead us to live lives that reflect His purity and righteousness.

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just ancient history; it can manifest in modern forms such as materialism, career, or relationships that take priority over God.

Promise of God's Presence
God's promise to dwell among His people is contingent upon our willingness to remove sin and idolatry from our lives.

Living as God's Temple
As believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we must strive to keep our lives free from anything that defiles.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our relationship with God, and how can we remove them?

2. How does understanding God's holiness influence the way we live our daily lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that God remains the central focus of our worship and devotion?

4. How does the promise of God's presence among His people encourage us in our spiritual walk?

5. How can we apply the principle of being God's temple in our personal and communal lives as believers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, emphasizing God's desire for exclusive worship.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
The call for believers to honor God with their bodies, paralleling the call for purity and holiness.

2 Corinthians 6:16-18
The New Testament echo of God's promise to dwell among His people, contingent on separation from idolatry.

Jeremiah 7:30
A similar rebuke of idolatry and the defilement of God's temple.

Revelation 21:3
The ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling among His people in the new heaven and new earth.