Ezekiel 5:11
Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and abominations, I Myself will withdraw My favor; I will not look upon you with pity, nor will I spare you.
Therefore as surely as I live
This phrase is a solemn declaration from God, emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of the message that follows. The Hebrew word for "live" (חַי־נְאֻם) is often used in oaths, underscoring God's eternal and unchanging nature. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the truth that His words are as enduring as His existence.

declares the Lord GOD
The use of "Lord GOD" (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה) combines two significant titles for God, highlighting His authority and covenant relationship with Israel. "Adonai" signifies His lordship and mastery, while "YHWH" is His personal, covenantal name, reminding the Israelites of His faithfulness and the seriousness of their covenant obligations.

because you have defiled My sanctuary
The term "defiled" (טָמֵא) indicates a profound violation of what is holy. The sanctuary, representing God's presence among His people, was meant to be a place of purity and worship. Historically, this defilement could refer to idolatry and the introduction of pagan practices, which were abominations in the sight of God.

with all your detestable practices
"Detestable practices" (תּוֹעֵבוֹת) refers to actions that are abominable and repugnant to God. In the context of ancient Israel, this often included idolatry, immorality, and injustice. These practices were not only religiously offensive but also socially destructive, leading the nation away from God's intended path.

and with all your abominations
The word "abominations" (שִׁקּוּץ) is closely related to "detestable practices" and often used interchangeably. It underscores the severity of Israel's sins, which were not just minor infractions but gross violations of the covenant. These abominations were a direct affront to God's holiness and righteousness.

I Myself will withdraw My favor
The phrase "withdraw My favor" (וְגַם־אֲנִי אֶגְרַע) indicates a deliberate action by God to remove His protective presence. In the Hebrew context, God's favor was synonymous with His blessing and protection. The withdrawal signifies a turning point where God allows the natural consequences of Israel's sins to unfold.

I will not look on you with pity
The absence of "pity" (חָמַל) reflects a judicial decision. God's compassion is abundant, but persistent rebellion and unrepentance lead to a point where divine justice must prevail. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance.

nor will I spare you
The word "spare" (חָסָה) conveys the idea of showing mercy or leniency. In this context, it emphasizes the inevitability of judgment due to the people's continued disobedience. It is a call to recognize the gravity of turning away from God and the consequences that follow.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and holy God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel to convey His judgment and intentions.

3. The Sanctuary
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was considered the dwelling place of God among His people. It was defiled by the Israelites through idolatry and abominations.

4. Detestable Idols and Abominations
These are the false gods and sinful practices that the Israelites adopted, which were offensive to God and contrary to His commandments.

5. The Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon as a consequence of their disobedience and idolatry.
Teaching Points
The Holiness of God
God's holiness demands reverence and purity in worship. The Israelites' defilement of the sanctuary shows a profound disrespect for God's holiness.

Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual and physical consequences. The Israelites' exile is a direct result of their turning away from God.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just and must punish sin, His actions are always aimed at bringing His people back to repentance and restoration.

The Importance of True Worship
Worship should be centered on God alone, free from any form of idolatry or syncretism.

Personal Reflection
Believers today must examine their own lives for modern "idols" that may take the place of God in their hearts.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the defilement of the sanctuary in Ezekiel 5:11 reflect the spiritual state of the Israelites, and what can we learn from this about the importance of maintaining purity in our worship?

2. In what ways do modern believers face similar temptations to idolatry, and how can we guard against them?

3. How does the concept of God's holiness in Ezekiel 5:11 challenge us to live differently in our daily lives?

4. What parallels can you draw between the consequences faced by the Israelites and the warnings given in the New Testament about turning away from God?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 5:11 to ensure that our personal and communal worship remains focused on God alone?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 26
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, including the desolation of the sanctuary if the Israelites turn to idolatry.

Jeremiah 7
Jeremiah also warns about the consequences of defiling the temple and the false sense of security the Israelites had in the physical structure of the temple.

2 Kings 25
Describes the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple, fulfilling the warnings given by prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah.
The Divine OathJohn Burnett, B. D.Ezekiel 5:11
Pre-Eminent Privilege, Perversity, and PunishmentW. Jones Ezekiel 5:5-17
The Divine RemonstratorJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 5:11-17
People
Ezekiel
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abominations, Affirmation, Cause, Cut, Declares, Defiled, Detestable, Diminish, Disgusting, Eye, Favor, Hast, Hated, Holy, Idols, Images, Mercy, Myself, Pitieth, Pity, Practices, Sanctuary, Says, Sovereign, Spare, Surely, Unclean, Verily, Vile, Wherefore, Withdraw
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 5:11

     7348   defilement
     8771   idolatry, objections

Ezekiel 5:8-12

     7773   prophets, role

Ezekiel 5:8-13

     8370   zeal

Ezekiel 5:11-13

     5493   retribution

Library
Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Ezekiel 5:11 NIV
Ezekiel 5:11 NLT
Ezekiel 5:11 ESV
Ezekiel 5:11 NASB
Ezekiel 5:11 KJV

Ezekiel 5:11 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Ezekiel 5:10
Top of Page
Top of Page