"Son of man," He said to me, "now lift up your eyes to the north." So I lifted up my eyes to the north, and in the entrance north of the Altar Gate I saw this idol of jealousy. Son of manThis phrase is a frequent address to Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people. In Hebrew, "ben adam" underscores the prophet's connection to mankind, highlighting the contrast between the divine messages he receives and his human nature. It serves as a reminder of the humility and responsibility inherent in his prophetic mission. He said to me look toward the north So I looked in the entrance north of the gate of the altar I saw this idol of jealousy Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA 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. Son of Man A title used by God to address Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people. 3. The North In this context, the direction Ezekiel is instructed to look, symbolically significant as the source of judgment and invasion in biblical prophecy. 4. The Gate of the Altar Part of the temple complex, this location is significant as a place of worship and sacrifice, now defiled by idolatry. 5. The Idol of Jealousy A representation of the idolatrous practices that provoked God's jealousy, symbolizing the spiritual adultery of Israel. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry 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 idols, such as money, power, or relationships. God's Jealousy for His People God's jealousy is a righteous desire for His people's undivided devotion. We should strive to maintain a pure and faithful relationship with Him. The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance Just as Ezekiel was called to observe and report the abominations, we must be vigilant in recognizing and addressing sin in our lives and communities. The Consequences of Spiritual Compromise The presence of the idol in the temple serves as a warning of the consequences of compromising our faith. We must guard against allowing sin to infiltrate our worship and devotion. Bible Study Questions 1. What modern-day "idols of jealousy" might we encounter in our lives, and how can we guard against them?2. How does understanding God's jealousy help us appreciate His love and desire for a relationship with us? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains pure and focused solely on God? 4. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel's vision to address spiritual compromise in our communities today? 5. What other biblical examples of idolatry can we learn from, and how do they reinforce the message of Ezekiel 8:5? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:4-5This passage outlines the prohibition against idolatry, emphasizing God's jealousy and the consequences of idol worship. 2 Kings 21:7 Describes King Manasseh's idolatrous practices, including placing an idol in the temple, which parallels the abominations seen by Ezekiel. Jeremiah 7:30 Highlights the defilement of God's house by the Israelites, similar to the vision Ezekiel receives.
People Ezekiel, Jaazaniah, ShaphanPlaces JerusalemTopics Altar, Behold, Direction, Doorway, Entrance, Entry, Envy, Figure, Gate, Idol, Image, Jealousy, Lift, Lifted, North, Northward, Raise, Raised, TowardsDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 8:5Library 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 The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and Connivance, Between Fervour and Gentleness. Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul. The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: The Seventh Commandment Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 8:5 NIVEzekiel 8:5 NLT Ezekiel 8:5 ESV Ezekiel 8:5 NASB Ezekiel 8:5 KJV Ezekiel 8:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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