Ezekiel 8:13
Again, He told me, "You will see them committing even greater abominations."
Again, He said to me, 'You will see them doing things that are even more detestable.'
Again, He said to me
This phrase indicates a continuation of a divine revelation. The speaker is God, and the recipient is the prophet Ezekiel. The Hebrew root for "said" is אָמַר (amar), which conveys not just speaking but a declaration or command. This emphasizes the authority and seriousness of the message being delivered. In the context of Ezekiel's visions, God is progressively revealing the depths of Israel's unfaithfulness, and this phrase sets the stage for further revelations.

You will see them
The phrase "You will see" is significant as it implies a direct, personal revelation to Ezekiel. The Hebrew verb רָאָה (ra'ah) means to see or perceive, suggesting that Ezekiel is not just a passive observer but is being shown these visions with a purpose. "Them" refers to the people of Israel, specifically the leaders and elders who are engaging in idolatrous practices. This personal witnessing underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for Ezekiel to understand and communicate God's message to the people.

doing things
The actions referred to here are not specified in this verse but are part of a series of abominations that Ezekiel is shown. The Hebrew word עָשָׂה (asah) means to do or make, indicating deliberate actions. This highlights the intentional nature of the people's sins, as they are actively engaging in practices that are offensive to God. The context of Ezekiel 8 reveals that these actions are idolatrous and corrupt, further alienating the people from their covenant with God.

that are even more detestable
The word "detestable" is translated from the Hebrew תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah), which refers to something abominable or loathsome, often used in the context of idolatry and moral corruption. The phrase "even more detestable" suggests a progression or escalation in the severity of the sins being committed. Historically, this reflects the increasing apostasy of Israel, as they not only adopt pagan practices but also integrate them into their worship of Yahweh, thus defiling the temple and their relationship with God. This serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's visions and messages, tasked with delivering them to the Israelites.

2. God
The speaker in this verse, revealing to Ezekiel the abominations being committed by the Israelites, highlighting their idolatry and unfaithfulness.

3. Jerusalem
The city where these abominations are taking place, specifically within the temple, which was meant to be a holy place dedicated to the worship of Yahweh.

4. The Temple
The central place of worship for the Israelites, which has been defiled by idolatrous practices, as shown in the visions given to Ezekiel.

5. Abominations
Refers to the idolatrous and sinful practices being committed by the Israelites, which are detestable in the sight of God.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can also be anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. We must examine our lives for modern-day idols.

The Holiness of God's Dwelling
The temple was meant to be a place of holiness. As believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we must strive to keep them pure and dedicated to God.

God's Awareness of Sin
God sees all actions, even those done in secret. We cannot hide our sins from Him, and we must live with integrity and transparency before God.

The Progressive Nature of Sin
Sin often starts small but can grow into greater abominations if left unchecked. We must be vigilant in addressing sin in its early stages.

The Call to Repentance
Despite the abominations, God’s desire is for His people to repent and return to Him. We must be willing to turn away from sin and seek God's forgiveness.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can take the place of God in our lives, and how can we guard against them?

2. How does understanding our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit influence the way we live and make decisions?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and devotion to God remain pure and undiluted by worldly influences?

4. How can we cultivate a lifestyle of transparency and integrity before God, knowing that He sees all things?

5. Reflect on a time when a small sin in your life grew into something larger. What steps can you take to prevent this from happening again?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:3-5
This passage outlines the first and second commandments, which prohibit idolatry. The abominations in Ezekiel 8 are a direct violation of these commandments.

Jeremiah 7:30
Jeremiah also speaks of the abominations committed in the temple, providing a parallel account of the Israelites' unfaithfulness.

2 Kings 21:4-7
Describes King Manasseh's idolatrous practices in the temple, which set a precedent for the abominations Ezekiel witnesses.
Gradual Disclosure of Human SinJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 8:1-16
The Chambers of Imagery; Or, Secret SinsW. Jones Ezekiel 8:7-13
People
Ezekiel, Jaazaniah, Shaphan
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abominations, Commit, Committing, Disgusting, Greater, Turn, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 8:5-18

     6103   abomination

Ezekiel 8:9-16

     8831   syncretism

Ezekiel 8:11-13

     5183   smell

Ezekiel 8:12-13

     1210   God, human descriptions

Ezekiel 8:12-16

     7471   temples, heathen

Library
Chambers of Imagery
'Then said He unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery!'--EZEKIEL viii. 12. This is part of a vision which came to the prophet in his captivity. He is carried away in imagination from his home amongst the exiles in the East to the Temple of Jerusalem. There he sees in one dreadful series representations of all the forms of idolatry to which the handful that were left in the land were cleaving. There meets
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Message from the Crowned Christ
(Revelation, Chapters ii and iii) "The glory of love is brightest when the glory of self is dim, And they have the most compelled me who most have pointed to Him. They have held me, stirred me, swayed me,--I have hung on their every word, Till I fain would arise and follow, not them, not them,--but their Lord!"[64] Patmos Spells Patience. Patience is strength at its strongest, using all its strength in holding back from doing something. Patience is love at flood pleading with strength to hold steady
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements.
The stay in Cana, though we have no means of determining its length, was probably of only short duration. Perhaps the Sabbath of the same week already found Jesus in the Synagogue of Nazareth. We will not seek irreverently to lift the veil of sacred silence, which here, as elsewhere, the Gospel-narratives have laid over the Sanctuary of His inner Life. That silence is itself theopneustic, of Divine breathing and inspiration; it is more eloquent than any eloquence, a guarantee of the truthfulness
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and Connivance, Between Fervour and Gentleness.
It should be known too that the vices of subjects ought sometimes to be prudently connived at, but indicated in that they are connived at; that things, even though openly known, ought sometimes to be seasonably tolerated, but sometimes, though hidden, be closely investigated; that they ought sometimes to be gently reproved, but sometimes vehemently censured. For, indeed, some things, as we have said, ought to be prudently connived at, but indicated in that they are connived at, so that, when the
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Seventh Commandment
Thou shalt not commit adultery.' Exod 20: 14. God is a pure, holy spirit, and has an infinite antipathy against all uncleanness. In this commandment he has entered his caution against it; non moechaberis, Thou shalt not commit adultery.' The sum of this commandment is, The preservations of corporal purity. We must take heed of running on the rock of uncleanness, and so making shipwreck of our chastity. In this commandment there is something tacitly implied, and something expressly forbidden. 1. The
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

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

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