Ezekiel 20:28

When I brought them into the land that I swore to give them and they saw any high hill or leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, presented offerings that provoked Me, sent up their fragrant incense, and poured out their drink offerings.

Study Bible

When I brought them into the land
This phrase refers to God's fulfillment of His promise to the Israelites, bringing them into the Promised Land. The Hebrew root for "brought" is "בּוֹא" (bo), which means to come or to bring. This action underscores God's faithfulness and the covenantal relationship He established with Israel. Historically, this is a reference to the Exodus and the subsequent conquest of Canaan, a pivotal moment in Israel's history that demonstrated God's power and commitment to His people.

I had sworn to give them
The phrase highlights God's oath, rooted in the Hebrew word "שָׁבַע" (shaba), meaning to swear or make an oath. This reflects the solemn and binding nature of God's promises. The land was not just a gift but a fulfillment of a divine promise made to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This underscores the theme of divine faithfulness and the importance of the land in Israel's identity and relationship with God.

and they saw any high hill or leafy tree
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, high places and leafy trees were often associated with pagan worship. The Hebrew word for "high hill" is "גָּבַהּ" (gabhah), indicating elevation, both physical and spiritual. These locations were chosen for their perceived proximity to the divine. The Israelites' attraction to these sites reveals a recurring struggle with idolatry, as they were drawn to the practices of surrounding nations, despite God's clear commandments against such worship.

there they offered their sacrifices
The act of offering sacrifices on high hills and under leafy trees was a direct violation of God's instructions. The Hebrew word for "sacrifices" is "זֶבַח" (zevach), which refers to offerings meant to honor or appease a deity. This practice was a corruption of the sacrificial system God had established, intended to be conducted at the tabernacle or temple, and it highlights the Israelites' disobedience and spiritual adultery.

presented offerings that provoked Me
The offerings presented by the Israelites were not just misguided but offensive to God. The Hebrew root "כָּעַס" (kaas) means to provoke or anger. This indicates that their actions were not neutral but actively incited God's righteous anger. The Israelites' idolatry was a breach of the covenant, akin to spiritual infidelity, and it provoked God because it represented a turning away from Him to false gods.

offered their fragrant incense
Incense, or "קְטֹרֶת" (qetoreth) in Hebrew, was used in worship to symbolize prayers ascending to God. However, when offered to idols, it became a symbol of misplaced devotion. The use of incense in pagan rituals was a distortion of its intended purpose in the worship of Yahweh, further illustrating the Israelites' departure from true worship and their adoption of pagan practices.

and poured out their drink offerings
Drink offerings, or "נֶסֶךְ" (nesekh) in Hebrew, were libations poured out as part of worship rituals. In the context of idol worship, these offerings represented a complete giving over of oneself to a false deity. This act of pouring out drink offerings to idols was a significant breach of the covenant, as it symbolized the Israelites' allegiance to gods other than Yahweh, further inciting His anger and demonstrating their unfaithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were brought into the Promised Land but often fell into idolatry.

2. The Promised Land
The land God swore to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

3. High Hills and Leafy Trees
Common sites for pagan worship and idolatry, where the Israelites were tempted to offer sacrifices.

4. Sacrifices and Offerings
Acts of worship that were meant to be directed to God but were instead offered to idols.

5. God's Provocation
The response of God to the idolatrous actions of His people, which provoked His anger and judgment.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. We must be vigilant in identifying and removing modern-day idols.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
God desires exclusive worship and obedience. We must strive to follow His commands and not be swayed by cultural or societal pressures.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Just as the Israelites faced consequences for their idolatry, we too face spiritual consequences when we turn away from God.

The Importance of Repentance
God is always ready to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. Repentance is a crucial step in restoring our relationship with God.

Worship in Spirit and Truth
True worship is not about location or ritual but about a heart fully devoted to God, as Jesus taught in John 4:24.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "high hills and leafy trees" that might tempt us away from exclusive worship of God?

2. How can we ensure that our sacrifices and offerings (time, resources, talents) are pleasing to God and not directed towards idols?

3. In what ways can we apply the command to destroy idolatrous influences in our lives today?

4. How does understanding the historical context of Israel's idolatry help us in our walk with God?

5. What steps can we take to cultivate a heart of repentance and faithfulness in our daily lives?

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 importance of exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Jeremiah 3:6-10
Jeremiah speaks of Israel's unfaithfulness, using the imagery of high places and trees, similar to Ezekiel's description.

1 Kings 14:23
This verse describes how Judah also built high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree, showing a pattern of idolatry.

Romans 1:21-23
Paul discusses how humanity exchanged the glory of God for images, paralleling the Israelites' idolatry.