Ezekiel 5–8
Common Theme
God declares judgment against Jerusalem for its rebellion, idolatry, and defilement of His sanctuary. His glory departs from the temple as a sign that His holiness cannot coexist with their corruption.
Questions
- What does the departure of God’s glory from the temple reveal about His response to persistent sin?
- How does Ezekiel’s vision challenge us to consider what competes with God’s rightful place in worship?
God Shot
God is holy and will not tolerate the defilement of His name or His dwelling place. His glory is weighty and pure, and when people abandon Him for idols, He withdraws to show that He alone is worthy of worship.
Deeper✝
Ezekiel 5
In this passage, the Lord commands the prophet to use a sharp sword to symbolize the impending destruction of Jerusalem. The hair is divided into three parts: one-third is burned, one-third struck with a sword, and one-third scattered to the wind, representing the fate of the city’s inhabitants. Jerusalem is described as having rebelled against God’s laws, leading to severe judgments. The Lord declares that He will execute unprecedented judgments, resulting in extreme suffering, including famine and violence among families. The city will become a desolation and a reproach among nations, facing divine wrath through famine, wild beasts, and pestilence. Ultimately, the passage emphasizes God’s anger and the consequences of Jerusalem’s disobedience.
Ezekiel 6
The LORD commands the prophet to prophesy against the mountains of Israel, declaring destruction upon them. High places and altars will be desolate, and the slain will be laid before idols. The cities will become waste, and the people will recognize the LORD through their suffering. Some will survive and remember their transgressions against God. The LORD expresses sorrow over their idolatry and announces that calamities such as sword, famine, and pestilence will befall them. Ultimately, the people will know that He is the LORD when they see the devastation around their idols and altars.
Ezekiel 7
The passage conveys a dire message from the LORD regarding impending judgment on the land of Israel. It announces the end has come, with disasters approaching and divine wrath set to be unleashed. The inhabitants are warned that their abominations will lead to punishment, and they will recognize the LORD’s authority through their suffering. The text describes a day of turmoil, where pride and violence have taken root, leading to the downfall of the people. Economic activities will be futile, as the wrath of the LORD overshadows all. Those who survive will be filled with despair and shame, unable to find solace or redemption. The passage emphasizes the futility of wealth in the face of divine judgment, as it becomes a source of iniquity. The LORD will allow foreign nations to invade and profane the land, leading to widespread violence and anguish. Ultimately, the people will experience terror and despair, realizing that their actions have led to their downfall, and they will know that the LORD is in control.
Ezekiel 8
In the sixth year, the Lord’s hand came upon the speaker, revealing a vision of a man-like figure with fire and brightness. The Spirit lifted him to Jerusalem, showing him the "image of jealousy" at the inner court’s gateway, provoking God’s anger. He was instructed to observe the abominations committed by Israel, which drove God away from His sanctuary. Upon digging through a wall, he discovered vile images and idols, with seventy elders worshiping in secret, believing God had forsaken them. He witnessed women mourning for Tammuz and men worshiping the sun, turning their backs to the temple. God expressed His anger at these actions, declaring that He would not spare or show pity despite their cries for help.
✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.