Again, He told me, "You will see them committing even greater abominations." Again, He told meThis phrase indicates a continuation of a vision or message from God to the prophet Ezekiel. It suggests a sequence of revelations, emphasizing the progressive nature of the visions Ezekiel is receiving. In the context of Ezekiel 8, God is revealing the idolatrous practices occurring in the temple in Jerusalem. This ongoing communication underscores the intimate relationship between God and His prophets, as seen throughout the Old Testament, where God frequently speaks directly to His chosen messengers (e.g., Moses in Exodus 3, Isaiah in Isaiah 6). “You will see them committing even greater abominations.” Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's visions and messages, tasked with delivering them to the Israelites. 2. God The speaker in this verse, revealing to Ezekiel the abominations being committed by the Israelites, highlighting their idolatry and unfaithfulness. 3. Jerusalem The city where these abominations are taking place, specifically within the temple, which was meant to be a holy place dedicated to the worship of Yahweh. 4. The Temple The central place of worship for the Israelites, which has been defiled by idolatrous practices, as shown in the visions given to Ezekiel. 5. Abominations Refers to the idolatrous and sinful practices being committed by the Israelites, which are detestable in the sight of God. Teaching Points The Seriousness of IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can also be anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. We must examine our lives for modern-day idols. The Holiness of God's Dwelling The temple was meant to be a place of holiness. As believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we must strive to keep them pure and dedicated to God. God's Awareness of Sin God sees all actions, even those done in secret. We cannot hide our sins from Him, and we must live with integrity and transparency before God. The Progressive Nature of Sin Sin often starts small but can grow into greater abominations if left unchecked. We must be vigilant in addressing sin in its early stages. The Call to Repentance Despite the abominations, God’s desire is for His people to repent and return to Him. We must be willing to turn away from sin and seek God's forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can take the place of God in our lives, and how can we guard against them?2. How does understanding our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit influence the way we live and make decisions? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and devotion to God remain pure and undiluted by worldly influences? 4. How can we cultivate a lifestyle of transparency and integrity before God, knowing that He sees all things? 5. Reflect on a time when a small sin in your life grew into something larger. What steps can you take to prevent this from happening again? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5This passage outlines the first and second commandments, which prohibit idolatry. The abominations in Ezekiel 8 are a direct violation of these commandments. Jeremiah 7:30 Jeremiah also speaks of the abominations committed in the temple, providing a parallel account of the Israelites' unfaithfulness. 2 Kings 21:4-7 Describes King Manasseh's idolatrous practices in the temple, which set a precedent for the abominations Ezekiel witnesses.
People Ezekiel, Jaazaniah, ShaphanPlaces JerusalemTopics Abominations, Commit, Committing, Disgusting, Greater, Turn, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 8:5-18Library Chambers of Imagery'Then said He unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery!'--EZEKIEL viii. 12. This is part of a vision which came to the prophet in his captivity. He is carried away in imagination from his home amongst the exiles in the East to the Temple of Jerusalem. There he sees in one dreadful series representations of all the forms of idolatry to which the handful that were left in the land were cleaving. There meets … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Message from the Crowned Christ The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and Connivance, Between Fervour and Gentleness. Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul. The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: The Seventh Commandment Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 8:13 NIVEzekiel 8:13 NLT Ezekiel 8:13 ESV Ezekiel 8:13 NASB Ezekiel 8:13 KJV Ezekiel 8:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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