Ezekiel 6:3

You are to say: 'O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places.

Study Bible

You are to say:
This phrase indicates a direct command from God to the prophet Ezekiel. It emphasizes the role of the prophet as a messenger who must faithfully deliver God's message to the people. Prophets in the Old Testament often served as intermediaries between God and Israel, conveying divine warnings, judgments, and promises.

‘O mountains of Israel,
The mountains of Israel symbolize the entire land and its people. Mountains often represent stability and permanence in biblical literature. However, they also serve as locations for idolatrous worship, which is a central issue in this passage. The address to the mountains underscores the seriousness of the message, as the land itself is called to witness God's judgment.

hear the word of the Lord GOD!
This call to hear signifies the importance and authority of the message. In Hebrew culture, hearing implies obedience. The phrase "the word of the Lord GOD" highlights the divine origin of the message, emphasizing that it is not Ezekiel's own words but those of the sovereign Lord.

This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills,
The repetition of "the Lord GOD" underscores the authority and certainty of the message. The mention of "mountains and hills" again points to the geographical features of Israel, which were often sites of pagan worship. This reflects the widespread nature of idolatry in the land.

to the ravines and valleys:
Ravines and valleys, like mountains and hills, are part of the natural landscape of Israel. They are included to show that no part of the land is exempt from God's judgment. These areas were also sometimes used for idol worship, further justifying the comprehensive nature of the coming judgment.

I am about to bring a sword against you,
The "sword" is a metaphor for war and destruction. It signifies impending judgment and the use of foreign nations as instruments of God's wrath. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian invasion, which was a fulfillment of God's warning through Ezekiel.

and I will destroy your high places.
High places were elevated sites used for worship, often associated with idolatry and pagan rituals. The destruction of these sites symbolizes the eradication of false worship and the restoration of true worship of Yahweh. This action is both a judgment against idolatry and a call to return to covenant faithfulness.

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 acts.

2. Mountains of Israel
Symbolic of the entire land of Israel, often representing the places of idolatry and false worship that the Israelites engaged in.

3. High Places
Elevated sites where the Israelites engaged in idol worship, contrary to God's commandments. These were often associated with pagan rituals.

4. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through His prophet Ezekiel to pronounce judgment and call for repentance.

5. Sword
A symbol of impending judgment and destruction, often used in prophetic literature to signify God's wrath against sin.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. We must examine our lives for modern-day "high places" that distract us from true worship.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God is sovereign and just, and He will not tolerate sin indefinitely. His judgments are meant to bring about repentance and restoration.

The Call to Repentance
Just as God called Israel to turn from their high places, He calls us to repent from our sins and return to Him wholeheartedly.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Ezekiel were tasked with delivering God's messages, often unpopular, but necessary for the spiritual health of the people. We should be open to receiving correction and guidance from God's Word today.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is crucial. The Israelites' failure to obey led to severe consequences, reminding us of the importance of aligning our lives with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "high places" in our lives that might be competing with our devotion to God?

2. How does understanding God's sovereignty and justice impact the way we view His judgments in the Bible and in our lives today?

3. In what ways can we heed the call to repentance in our personal lives and communities?

4. How can we ensure that we are receptive to God's messages, even when they challenge our current way of living?

5. What steps can we take to cultivate a lifestyle of obedience to God's Word, and how can we encourage others to do the same?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
This passage commands the Israelites to destroy all the high places where the nations worship their gods, highlighting the ongoing struggle against idolatry.

2 Kings 23:5
Describes King Josiah's reforms, where he removed idolatrous priests and destroyed high places, showing a historical precedent for the actions God desires.

Jeremiah 19:3-5
Similar prophetic warnings against idolatry and the consequences of forsaking God, emphasizing the consistent message of judgment for unfaithfulness.