Ezekiel 6:9

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.

Study Bible

Then in the nations to which they have been carried captive
This phrase refers to the Babylonian exile, a significant event in Israel's history where the people were taken from their homeland as a consequence of their disobedience to God. The exile served as both punishment and a means of purification. The dispersion among the nations fulfilled earlier prophecies (Deuteronomy 28:64) and demonstrated God's sovereignty over all nations. It also foreshadows the New Testament concept of believers as sojourners in a foreign land (1 Peter 2:11).

your survivors will remember Me
The act of remembering God signifies a return to covenant faithfulness. In exile, the Israelites would reflect on their relationship with God, leading to repentance. This remembrance is a theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of recalling God's past deeds and promises (Psalm 77:11). It also points to the hope of restoration and renewal, as seen in the return from exile and ultimately in the redemptive work of Christ.

how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts that turned away from Me
This phrase highlights God's personal and emotional response to Israel's unfaithfulness, likened to spiritual adultery. The imagery of adultery is used throughout the prophets to describe Israel's idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 3:6-10). It underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the pain it causes God, who desires an exclusive relationship with His people. This reflects the New Testament teaching of the Church as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27).

and by their eyes that lusted after idols
The eyes symbolize desire and covetousness, leading to idolatry. This phrase indicates the Israelites' attraction to the pagan practices of surrounding nations, which led them away from God. The warning against idolatry is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the need to guard one's heart and eyes (Matthew 6:22-23). It also serves as a reminder of the first commandment, to have no other gods before the Lord (Exodus 20:3).

So they will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their abominations
This self-loathing is a sign of genuine repentance and acknowledgment of sin. The recognition of their abominations, or detestable practices, is crucial for restoration. This mirrors the process of repentance described in the New Testament, where godly sorrow leads to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10). It also points to the transformative power of God's grace, which enables believers to turn from sin and seek holiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people of God who have been exiled due to their disobedience and idolatry.

3. Nations
Refers to the foreign lands where the Israelites have been taken captive, primarily Babylon.

4. Adulterous Hearts
Symbolic of Israel's unfaithfulness to God, likened to marital infidelity.

5. Idols
The false gods and objects of worship that led Israel away from their covenant with Yahweh.

Teaching Points

The Grief of God
God is deeply grieved by our unfaithfulness and idolatry. Understanding His heart helps us appreciate the seriousness of sin.

The Call to Remember
In exile, the Israelites are called to remember God. In our own "exiles," we must also remember and return to Him.

Self-Loathing and Repentance
Genuine repentance involves a deep sorrow for sin, leading to a transformation of heart and actions.

Idolatry in Modern Times
Reflect on what modern "idols" may be drawing us away from God, such as materialism, career, or relationships.

Hope in Captivity
Even in judgment, God provides hope and a path to restoration for those who turn back to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean for God to be "grieved" by our actions, and how should this affect our relationship with Him?

2. How can we identify and remove "idols" in our lives today that may be turning our hearts away from God?

3. In what ways can we practice remembering God in our daily lives, especially during challenging times?

4. How does the concept of self-loathing for past sins align with the New Testament teachings on repentance and grace?

5. How can the experiences of the Israelites in exile inform our understanding of God's discipline and His desire for our restoration?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:29-31
This passage speaks of seeking God with all one's heart and soul, promising that God will not abandon or destroy His people if they return to Him.

Jeremiah 3:6-10
Jeremiah also uses the metaphor of adultery to describe Israel's idolatry, emphasizing God's call for repentance.

Hosea 2:13-14
Hosea portrays Israel as an unfaithful spouse, yet God promises to allure her back, showing His enduring love and desire for reconciliation.

Psalm 51:17
Highlights the importance of a contrite heart, which aligns with the Israelites' loathing of their past sins as described in Ezekiel 6:9.