Ezekiel 8:6
"Son of man," He said to me, "do you see what they are doing--the great abominations that the house of Israel is committing--to drive Me far from My sanctuary? Yet you will see even greater abominations."
Son of man
This phrase is a common designation for Ezekiel, used over 90 times in the book. In Hebrew, it is "ben adam," emphasizing Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the prophet's connection to mankind, highlighting his role as a mediator between God and Israel. The term "son of man" also points to humility and the frailty of human nature, reminding us of our dependence on God.

do you see
This phrase invites Ezekiel to observe and understand the spiritual reality behind the physical actions of the people. It is a call to discernment, urging the prophet to look beyond the surface and perceive the deeper implications of Israel's idolatry. This invitation to "see" is not just physical sight but spiritual insight, a theme that resonates throughout the prophetic literature.

what they are doing
Here, God refers to the actions of the Israelites, specifically their idolatrous practices. The Hebrew word for "doing" (עֹשִׂים, 'osim) implies ongoing, deliberate actions. This highlights the persistent nature of their rebellion against God. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.

the great abominations
The term "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבוֹת, to'evot) is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe practices that are detestable to God, often associated with idolatry and moral corruption. These "great abominations" indicate the severity of Israel's sin, which provokes God's righteous anger. It is a call to recognize the gravity of turning away from God's commandments.

the house of Israel
This phrase refers to the collective people of Israel, God's chosen nation. It emphasizes their covenant relationship with God, which they have violated through their idolatrous practices. The "house of Israel" is a reminder of their identity and calling, which they have forsaken, leading to their spiritual downfall.

are committing here
The word "committing" (עֹשִׂים, 'osim) again underscores the active and ongoing nature of their sin. The location "here" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the very place where God's presence was to dwell. This highlights the sacrilege of their actions, as they defile the sacred space meant for worship and communion with God.

to drive Me far from My sanctuary?
This phrase reveals the consequence of Israel's sin: the departure of God's presence from the temple. The sanctuary was the heart of Israel's worship, and God's presence was central to their identity as His people. The idea of God being "driven far" underscores the seriousness of their idolatry, which creates a separation between God and His people. It serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of sin on our relationship with God.

But you will see still greater abominations
This statement prepares Ezekiel for further revelations of Israel's sin. The use of "greater" suggests a progression in the severity of their idolatry, indicating that what has been shown is only the beginning. It is a call to vigilance and awareness, urging the prophet and the readers to recognize the depths of human depravity and the need for divine intervention. This phrase also foreshadows the unfolding vision, emphasizing the need for repentance and restoration.

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, God is revealing to Ezekiel the abominations being committed by the Israelites, which are driving Him away from His sanctuary.

3. The House of Israel
Refers to the people of Israel, who are engaging in idolatrous practices and other sins that are considered abominations by God.

4. The Sanctuary
This is the holy place where God's presence dwells among His people, symbolizing His relationship with Israel.

5. Abominations
These are the sinful acts, particularly idolatry and other forms of spiritual unfaithfulness, that the Israelites are committing, which are offensive to God.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must examine our hearts for modern-day idols.

God's Holiness and Presence
God's presence is driven away by sin. We must strive to maintain holiness in our lives to keep His presence with us.

The Call to Repentance
Recognizing our sins and turning away from them is crucial. God desires repentance and a return to faithfulness.

The Role of the Prophet
Like Ezekiel, we are called to speak truth and warn others of the consequences of sin, even when it is uncomfortable.

Greater Abominations
Sin often escalates if left unchecked. We must be vigilant in addressing sin early to prevent greater spiritual decline.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern-day "abominations" that might drive God's presence away from our lives or communities?

2. How can we identify and remove idols from our lives to ensure God remains at the center?

3. In what ways can we act as prophets in our own communities, warning others of the consequences of sin?

4. How does understanding the historical context of Israel's idolatry help us apply this passage to our lives today?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our personal and communal worship remains pure and pleasing to God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:3-5
This passage outlines the first two commandments, which prohibit idolatry. The connection highlights the severity of Israel's sin in Ezekiel 8:6.

Jeremiah 7:30
This verse speaks of the abominations committed by Judah, similar to those in Ezekiel, emphasizing the recurring theme of idolatry and its consequences.

2 Kings 21:4-7
Describes King Manasseh's idolatrous practices in the temple, providing historical context for the abominations mentioned in Ezekiel.
The Vision of the Image of JealousyW. Jones Ezekiel 8:1-6
Gradual Disclosure of Human SinJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 8:1-16
People
Ezekiel, Jaazaniah, Shaphan
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abominations, Cause, Causing, Commit, Committeth, Committing, Detestable, Disgusting, Drive, Furthermore, Greater, Holy, Sanctuary, Seeing, Seest, Turn, Withdraw, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 8:6

     6024   sin, effects of
     6109   alienation
     7438   sanctuary

Ezekiel 8:5-18

     6103   abomination

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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