Ezekiel 6:9

Then in the nations to which they have been carried captive, your survivors will remember Me--how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts that turned away from Me, and by their eyes that lusted after idols. So they will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their abominations.

Study Bible

Then in the nations
This phrase indicates the dispersion of the Israelites among foreign lands due to their disobedience. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian exile, a period when the Israelites were taken captive and scattered. The Hebrew word for "nations" is "goyim," often used to denote Gentile nations. This scattering serves as both a punishment and a means for the Israelites to reflect on their actions away from their homeland.

to which they have been carried captive
The captivity is a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. The Hebrew root "galah" implies being uncovered or exposed, suggesting that the captivity reveals the true state of Israel's spiritual condition. This phrase underscores the severity of God's judgment but also His sovereignty in using even foreign nations to fulfill His purposes.

those who escape
This refers to the remnant, a recurring theme in the Bible where God preserves a portion of His people despite widespread judgment. The Hebrew word "paliyt" means survivor or one who escapes. This remnant is crucial for the continuation of God's covenant promises, highlighting His mercy and faithfulness even amidst judgment.

will remember Me
The act of remembering in Hebrew, "zakar," is more than recalling; it involves a conscious turning back to God. This remembrance is a pivotal moment of repentance and restoration. It signifies a return to covenant faithfulness, acknowledging God's rightful place in their lives.

how I have been grieved
The Hebrew word "shabar" conveys a sense of being broken or shattered. This anthropomorphic expression reveals God's deep emotional response to Israel's unfaithfulness. It emphasizes the personal nature of God's relationship with His people, where their actions have a profound impact on Him.

by their adulterous hearts
Adultery here is metaphorical, representing Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry. The Hebrew term "zanah" is often used to describe spiritual infidelity. This imagery underscores the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, akin to a marriage, where idolatry is seen as a betrayal.

which have turned away from Me
This phrase highlights the deliberate choice of the Israelites to abandon God. The Hebrew root "suwr" means to turn aside or depart. It reflects a willful rejection of God's ways, leading to spiritual and physical exile.

and by their eyes, which have lusted after their idols
The eyes symbolize desire and covetousness. The Hebrew word "tavah" means to covet or lust after. This phrase illustrates the allure of idolatry and how it captivates the senses, drawing the Israelites away from their devotion to God.

They will loathe themselves
This self-loathing is a result of genuine repentance. The Hebrew word "qut" implies a deep sense of disgust or abhorrence. It signifies a turning point where the Israelites recognize the gravity of their sins and the need for transformation.

for the evil they have done
"Evil" in Hebrew is "ra," encompassing wickedness and moral corruption. This acknowledgment of wrongdoing is essential for repentance and reconciliation with God. It reflects an understanding of sin's destructive impact on their relationship with God.

and for all their abominations
The term "abominations" in Hebrew, "toebah," refers to detestable practices, often associated with idolatry and pagan rituals. This phrase underscores the severity of Israel's sins and the need for a complete renunciation of such practices to restore their covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people of God who have been exiled due to their disobedience and idolatry.

3. Nations
Refers to the foreign lands where the Israelites have been taken captive, primarily Babylon.

4. Adulterous Hearts
Symbolic of Israel's unfaithfulness to God, likened to marital infidelity.

5. Idols
The false gods and objects of worship that led Israel away from their covenant with Yahweh.

Teaching Points

The Grief of God
God is deeply grieved by our unfaithfulness and idolatry. Understanding His heart helps us appreciate the seriousness of sin.

The Call to Remember
In exile, the Israelites are called to remember God. In our own "exiles," we must also remember and return to Him.

Self-Loathing and Repentance
Genuine repentance involves a deep sorrow for sin, leading to a transformation of heart and actions.

Idolatry in Modern Times
Reflect on what modern "idols" may be drawing us away from God, such as materialism, career, or relationships.

Hope in Captivity
Even in judgment, God provides hope and a path to restoration for those who turn back to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean for God to be "grieved" by our actions, and how should this affect our relationship with Him?

2. How can we identify and remove "idols" in our lives today that may be turning our hearts away from God?

3. In what ways can we practice remembering God in our daily lives, especially during challenging times?

4. How does the concept of self-loathing for past sins align with the New Testament teachings on repentance and grace?

5. How can the experiences of the Israelites in exile inform our understanding of God's discipline and His desire for our restoration?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:29-31
This passage speaks of seeking God with all one's heart and soul, promising that God will not abandon or destroy His people if they return to Him.

Jeremiah 3:6-10
Jeremiah also uses the metaphor of adultery to describe Israel's idolatry, emphasizing God's call for repentance.

Hosea 2:13-14
Hosea portrays Israel as an unfaithful spouse, yet God promises to allure her back, showing His enduring love and desire for reconciliation.

Psalm 51:17
Highlights the importance of a contrite heart, which aligns with the Israelites' loathing of their past sins as described in Ezekiel 6:9.