Ezekiel 43:9

Now let them remove far from Me their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings, and I will dwell among them forever.

Study Bible

Now let them remove from Me
This phrase is a divine call to action, urging the Israelites to take responsibility for their spiritual state. The Hebrew word for "remove" (סוּר, sur) implies a turning away or a departure from something. In the context of ancient Israel, this is a call to repentance, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic books. The phrase emphasizes God's desire for a pure relationship with His people, free from the contamination of sin and idolatry.

their prostitution
The term "prostitution" (זְנוּת, zenut) is often used metaphorically in the Hebrew Bible to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and alliances with pagan nations. This imagery is powerful, illustrating the depth of betrayal and the seriousness of spiritual adultery. Historically, Israel's engagement with foreign gods and practices was a recurring issue, leading to their downfall and exile. The call to remove such practices is a call to return to covenant faithfulness.

and the lifeless idols of their kings
"Lifeless idols" (גִּלּוּלִים, gillulim) refers to the physical representations of false gods, which are often described as powerless and without life. The mention of "their kings" highlights the influence of leadership in leading the nation astray. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings often set the religious tone for their people, and Israel's kings were no exception. The historical context reveals that many kings of Israel and Judah led the people into idolatry, contrary to God's commandments.

and I will dwell among them forever
This promise of divine presence is central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Hebrew word for "dwell" (שָׁכַן, shakan) is related to the term "Shekinah," which refers to the manifest presence of God. The promise of God dwelling among His people "forever" signifies a restored relationship and the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises. This echoes the eschatological hope found throughout Scripture, where God will dwell with His people in a renewed creation. Historically, the presence of God was symbolized by the Tabernacle and later the Temple, but this promise points to a more profound, eternal reality.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and the one receiving God's visions and messages.

2. Israelites
The people of God who are being addressed in this passage, called to repentance and purity.

3. Prostitution
Symbolic of Israel's unfaithfulness to God, often used in the Bible to describe idolatry and spiritual adultery.

4. Lifeless Idols
Refers to the false gods and idols that the Israelites worshipped, which were powerless and offensive to God.

5. God's Dwelling
The promise of God's presence among His people, contingent upon their repentance and removal of idolatry.

Teaching Points

Call to Repentance
Just as the Israelites were called to remove idolatry, we are called to examine our lives for anything that takes precedence over God.

God's Holiness
Understanding the holiness of God should lead us to live lives that reflect His purity and righteousness.

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just ancient history; it can manifest in modern forms such as materialism, career, or relationships that take priority over God.

Promise of God's Presence
God's promise to dwell among His people is contingent upon our willingness to remove sin and idolatry from our lives.

Living as God's Temple
As believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we must strive to keep our lives free from anything that defiles.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our relationship with God, and how can we remove them?

2. How does understanding God's holiness influence the way we live our daily lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that God remains the central focus of our worship and devotion?

4. How does the promise of God's presence among His people encourage us in our spiritual walk?

5. How can we apply the principle of being God's temple in our personal and communal lives as believers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, emphasizing God's desire for exclusive worship.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
The call for believers to honor God with their bodies, paralleling the call for purity and holiness.

2 Corinthians 6:16-18
The New Testament echo of God's promise to dwell among His people, contingent on separation from idolatry.

Jeremiah 7:30
A similar rebuke of idolatry and the defilement of God's temple.

Revelation 21:3
The ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling among His people in the new heaven and new earth.