Deuteronomy 5:7-9
These verses reiterate the commandment against idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God.

Jeremiah 3:12-14
This passage speaks of God's call to repentance and His willingness to forgive and restore His people.

Romans 1:18-25
Paul discusses the consequences of idolatry and the importance of worshiping the Creator rather than the creation.God's Sovereign Judgment
Ezekiel 6:1-7 highlights God's authority and His right to judge His people for their idolatry. Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: Behold, I Myself will bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places (Ezekiel 6:3). This demonstrates that God sees all and will not tolerate the worship of false gods.

The Consequences of Idolatry
The chapter vividly describes the destruction that will come upon the land and its people due to their unfaithfulness. Your altars will be demolished and your incense altars will be smashed; and I will cast down your slain before your idols (Ezekiel 6:4). This serves as a warning that idolatry leads to spiritual and physical ruin.

A Remnant Will Remember
Despite the severe judgment, God promises that a remnant will survive and remember Him. Yet I will leave a remnant, for some of you will escape the sword among the nations when you are scattered throughout the countries (Ezekiel 6:8). This shows God's mercy and His desire for His people to return to Him.

Recognition of God's Sovereignty
The repeated phrase Then you will know that I am the LORD (Ezekiel 6:7, 10, 13, 14) emphasizes the ultimate purpose of God's judgment: to bring His people back to the recognition of His sovereignty and holiness.Examine Personal Idols
Reflect on anything in your life that may be taking precedence over your relationship with God. Are there modern-day idols that need to be removed?

Understand the Seriousness of Sin
Recognize the gravity of sin and its consequences. This understanding should lead to genuine repentance and a desire to live a life pleasing to God.

Trust in God's Mercy
Even in judgment, God provides hope. Trust in His mercy and His promise to restore those who turn back to Him.

Acknowledge God's Sovereignty
In all circumstances, acknowledge that God is in control and His ways are just and righteous.1. The House of Israel
This refers to the collective people of Israel, who are the primary recipients of the prophetic message. They are addressed as a nation that has turned away from God to worship idols. The Hebrew term used here is "בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Beit Yisrael), meaning the "house" or "family" of Israel.

2. The Idolatrous People
While not named individually, these are the people within Israel who have engaged in idol worship, provoking God's anger. The chapter describes their actions and the resulting judgment.

3. The Survivors
In verses 8-10, God speaks of a remnant that will survive the coming destruction. These individuals will remember God among the nations where they are scattered and will recognize their sins and idolatry.

4. The Prophets
Although not directly mentioned in this chapter, Ezekiel himself is the prophet delivering God's message. The role of the prophet is crucial as the intermediary who communicates God's words to the people.

The chapter emphasizes the collective responsibility and consequences of the nation's idolatry rather than focusing on specific individuals. The message is one of warning and a call to repentance, highlighting the seriousness of turning away from God.1. Mountains of Israel
The prophecy begins with a direct address to the "mountains of Israel" (Ezekiel 6:2). In the Hebrew text, the word for mountains is "הָרִים" (harim), which often symbolizes the high places where idolatrous worship occurred. The mountains are significant as they were locations of altars and pagan worship practices that the Israelites engaged in, contrary to God's commands.

2. Hills
Alongside the mountains, the "hills" are mentioned (Ezekiel 6:3). The Hebrew word "גְּבָעוֹת" (geva'ot) refers to smaller elevations or mounds. These were also sites of idol worship and are included in the judgment pronounced by God.

3. Ravines
The prophecy also addresses the "ravines" (Ezekiel 6:3). The Hebrew term "אֲפִיקִים" (afikim) can mean channels or valleys, often associated with places where water flows. These areas were sometimes used for cultic practices and are part of the comprehensive judgment against the land.

4. Valleys
Finally, the "valleys" are mentioned (Ezekiel 6:3). The Hebrew word "גֵּיאוֹת" (ge'ot) refers to low-lying areas between hills or mountains. Like the other geographical features, valleys were locations where idolatry was practiced, and they are included in the scope of God's judgment.1. Prophecy Against the Mountains of Israel
Ezekiel is instructed to set his face against the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them. The mountains symbolize the high places where idolatrous worship occurred. The Hebrew word for "mountains" is "הָרִים" (harim), indicating the physical high places that were often sites of pagan worship.

2. Destruction of Idolatrous Altars
God declares that He will bring a sword against the high places, and the altars will be demolished. The Hebrew term for "altars" is "מִזְבְּחוֹת" (mizbechot), referring to the structures used for sacrifices to idols.

3. Slain Before Their Idols
The people of Israel will fall slain before their idols, highlighting the futility of their false worship. The Hebrew word for "idols" is "גִּלּוּלִים" (gillulim), often used in a derogatory sense to describe worthless or detestable objects of worship.

4. Scattering of Bones
God will scatter the bones of the Israelites around their altars, a sign of desecration and judgment. This act signifies the complete defilement of the places they considered sacred.

5. Desolation of the Land
The land will become desolate, and the cities will be laid waste. This desolation serves as a consequence of the people's idolatry and rebellion against God.

6. Recognition of the LORD
Through these judgments, the people will know that He is the LORD. The Hebrew name used here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), emphasizing God's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereignty.

7. Survivors and Remnant
A remnant will be spared, and they will remember God among the nations where they are scattered. This remnant will loathe themselves for the evils they committed, acknowledging their sins and the righteousness of God's judgment.

8. God's Grief Over Israel's Idolatry
God expresses His grief over the detestable practices of Israel, showing that His judgments are not arbitrary but are responses to their unfaithfulness.

9. Call to Repentance
The chapter concludes with a call for the people to recognize their sins and turn back to God, emphasizing His desire for repentance and restoration.1. Prophecy Against the Mountains of Israel
Ezekiel is instructed to prophesy against the mountains of Israel, symbolizing the high places where idolatry was practiced. The Hebrew word for "mountains" (הָרִים, harim) often represents places of pagan worship.
^"Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them."^ (Ezekiel 6:2)

2. Destruction of Idolatrous Altars
God declares that the altars and idols will be destroyed, emphasizing His judgment against idolatry. The Hebrew term for "idols" (גִּלּוּלִים, gillulim) conveys a sense of detestable or worthless things.
^"Your altars will be demolished and your incense altars will be smashed; and I will cast down your slain before your idols."^ (Ezekiel 6:4)

3. Judgment and the Sword
The prophecy includes a warning of the sword, representing warfare and destruction as a form of divine judgment.
^"I will bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places."^ (Ezekiel 6:3)

4. Scattering and Remnant
Despite the judgment, God promises that a remnant will be spared and scattered among the nations, highlighting His mercy and the preservation of His people.
^"Yet I will leave a remnant, for some of you will escape the sword when you are scattered among the nations."^ (Ezekiel 6:8)

5. Recognition of the LORD
The ultimate purpose of these judgments is that the people will recognize the sovereignty and holiness of the LORD. The Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע, yada) implies an intimate understanding and acknowledgment.
^"Then they will know that I am the LORD, when their people lie slain among their idols, around their altars, on every high hill and on all the mountaintops, under every green tree and every leafy oak—the places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols."^ (Ezekiel 6:13)

6. Call to Repentance and Mourning
The chapter concludes with a call to repentance, urging the people to mourn over their abominations and turn back to God.
^"They will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their abominations."^ (Ezekiel 6:9)1. Judgment Against Idolatry
Ezekiel 6 begins with a pronouncement of judgment against the mountains of Israel, symbolizing the high places where idolatry was practiced. The Lord declares, "I will destroy your high places" (Ezekiel 6:3). The Hebrew word for "high places" (בָּמוֹת, bamot) refers to elevated sites used for idol worship, highlighting God's intolerance for idolatry.

2. Destruction of Idolatrous Altars
The text emphasizes the destruction of altars and idols, as God says, "Your altars will be demolished and your incense altars will be smashed" (Ezekiel 6:4). This theme underscores the futility of idol worship and God's power over false gods.

3. Divine Retribution
The chapter conveys a theme of divine retribution, where God states, "I will lay the corpses of the Israelites in front of their idols" (Ezekiel 6:5). This serves as a stark warning of the consequences of turning away from God, emphasizing His justice.

4. Recognition of the LORD
A recurring theme is the recognition of God's sovereignty: "Then you will know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 6:7). The Hebrew root יָדַע (yada) implies an intimate knowledge and acknowledgment of God's authority and power.

5. Remnant and Repentance
Despite the judgment, there is a theme of hope for a remnant: "Yet I will leave a remnant, for some of you will escape the sword among the nations" (Ezekiel 6:8). This theme highlights God's mercy and the possibility of repentance and restoration.

6. Heartfelt Repentance
The chapter calls for genuine repentance, as the people will "loathe themselves for the evil they have done" (Ezekiel 6:9). The Hebrew word for "loathe" (קּוּץ, quz) indicates a deep emotional response, suggesting true contrition.

7. Certainty of God's Word
The certainty and fulfillment of God's word is emphasized: "I have spoken, and I will do it" (Ezekiel 6:10). This theme underscores the reliability and authority of God's declarations.1. In Ezekiel 6:2–3, how can an address to literal mountains make sense, and is there any historical or archaeological record of a catastrophe specifically targeting these mountains?

2. Why does Ezekiel 6:4–5 describe a destruction of altars and idols that lacks clear archaeological confirmation of such widespread devastation?

3. How do we reconcile Ezekiel 6:8–9, which speaks of a repentant remnant, with other passages (e.g., 2 Kings 21:14) suggesting total destruction or exile?

4. Does the harsh judgment in Ezekiel 6:10 fit with a loving and merciful God, or does it conflict with more compassionate depictions found elsewhere in the Bible?

5. In Ezekiel 6:7 and repeated throughout the chapter, why would an omnipotent God need to prove His identity through punishment rather than other means?

1. What does Ezekiel 6 teach us about the consequences of idolatry?

2. How does this chapter portray God's view of idol worship?

3. In what ways can we apply the lessons from the devastation due to idolatry to our modern life?

4. What does God’s promise of a remnant reveal about His character?

5. How can we identify and eliminate "modern-day idols" in our lives?

6. How does God's message through Ezekiel resonate with the current state of the world?

7. How can you ensure that you are not participating in modern-day idolatry?

8. How does the concept of a "remnant" apply to the Christian community today?

9. Can you draw any parallels between the desolation foretold in Ezekiel and any events in recent history?

10. In the face of God's wrath, what is our role in interceding for our nations?

11. How does the prophecy given to Ezekiel challenge your understanding of God’s justice?

12. What can we learn about repentance from the prophecy against Israel?

13. How does God's promise of sparing a remnant offer hope amidst judgment?

14. Why do you think God allowed Ezekiel to see the impending punishment for Israel's sins?

15. How does Ezekiel's message influence your relationship with God and others?

16. How can we prevent ourselves from straying away from God's teachings as the Israelites did?

17. What actions can we take when we see idolatry or disobedience to God in our societies?

18. How can you apply the lessons of Ezekiel 6 to your personal spiritual journey?

19. How does God's treatment of Israel in Ezekiel 6 influence your understanding of His mercy and judgement?

20. What would you do if you were in Ezekiel's position, being tasked with delivering such a heavy prophecy?