Ezekiel 6:13

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.

Study Bible

Then you will know that I am the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the recurring theme in Ezekiel that God's actions are meant to reveal His identity and sovereignty. The recognition of God as LORD is a central goal of His judgments and blessings. This echoes the covenantal language found throughout the Old Testament, where God desires His people to acknowledge Him as their sole deity (Exodus 6:7, 1 Kings 20:13).

when their slain lie among their idols
The imagery of the slain lying among their idols highlights the futility and impotence of idol worship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, idols were often seen as protectors, yet here they are powerless to save. This serves as a stark contrast to the living God who has power over life and death (Psalm 115:4-8).

around their altars
Altars were central to worship practices, often used for sacrifices and offerings. The presence of the slain around these altars signifies the judgment upon false worship. This is reminiscent of the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where the true God demonstrated His power (1 Kings 18:20-40).

on every high hill
High places were commonly used for idol worship in ancient Israel and surrounding nations. These locations were chosen for their elevation, believed to be closer to the divine. The condemnation of these sites is frequent in the Old Testament, as they were often associated with pagan practices (2 Kings 17:10-11).

on all the mountaintops
Mountaintops, like high hills, were seen as sacred spaces in many ancient cultures. The use of these sites for idol worship was a direct violation of God's command to worship Him alone. The judgment upon these places underscores the exclusivity of worship that God demands (Deuteronomy 12:2-3).

and under every green tree and leafy oak
Trees, particularly oaks, were often associated with fertility cults and pagan rituals. The reference to these locations indicates the widespread nature of idolatry among the people. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe the pervasive unfaithfulness of Israel (Jeremiah 2:20, Hosea 4:13).

the places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols
Incense was a common element in worship, symbolizing prayers and offerings to deities. The use of incense in idol worship is condemned as it represents a misdirected devotion that belongs to God alone. This practice is contrasted with the incense offerings prescribed in the worship of Yahweh (Exodus 30:7-9).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were in rebellion against Him, engaging in idolatry and other sins.

3. Idols
Objects of worship that the Israelites turned to instead of the one true God, often associated with pagan practices.

4. High Hills and Mountaintops
Common locations for idol worship in ancient Near Eastern cultures, symbolizing places of false worship.

5. Green Tree and Leafy Oak
Natural settings often used for pagan rituals, representing the allure and pervasiveness of idolatry.

Teaching Points

Recognition of God's Sovereignty
The phrase "And you will know that I am the LORD" emphasizes God's ultimate authority and the certainty of His judgment. Believers are reminded to acknowledge God's sovereignty in all aspects of life.

Consequences of Idolatry
The vivid imagery of slain bodies among idols serves as a stark warning about the consequences of turning away from God. Christians are called to examine their lives for modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or self-reliance.

Call to Repentance
The passage underscores the need for repentance and returning to God. Believers should regularly seek God's forgiveness and strive to align their lives with His will.

Holiness in Worship
The misuse of creation for idol worship contrasts with the call to worship God in spirit and truth. Christians are encouraged to ensure their worship is pure and focused solely on God.

Community Accountability
The communal nature of Israel's sin highlights the importance of accountability within the body of Christ. Believers should support one another in maintaining faithfulness to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of slain bodies among idols in Ezekiel 6:13 challenge our understanding of the seriousness of idolatry?

2. In what ways can modern Christians identify and combat idolatry in their own lives, drawing from the lessons in Ezekiel 6:13?

3. How does the call to destroy places of idol worship in Deuteronomy 12:2-3 relate to the message in Ezekiel 6:13?

4. What role does community accountability play in preventing idolatry, and how can we apply this in our church communities today?

5. How can the recognition of God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 6:13 inspire us to live lives that honor Him in every aspect?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
This passage commands the Israelites to destroy all the places where the nations they dispossess worship their gods, highlighting the ongoing struggle against idolatry.

Jeremiah 3:6
Jeremiah speaks of Israel's idolatry under every green tree, showing the consistency of this sin across prophetic writings.

1 Kings 14:23
Describes how Judah built high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree, illustrating the widespread nature of idol worship.