What lessons can we learn from Israel's actions in Ezekiel 20:28? Scripture Focus “When I brought them into the land I had sworn to give them and they saw any high hill or leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices and presented their offerings that provoked Me; there they placed their fragrant offerings and poured out their drink offerings.” (Ezekiel 20:28) The Context of Ezekiel 20:28 • God is recounting Israel’s history of rebellion to elders who sought a prophetic word (Ezekiel 20:1–3). • Even after deliverance from Egypt and entry into the promised land, the people repeated Egyptian-style idolatry on “every high hill and leafy tree.” • These “high places” directly violated God’s clear command to destroy pagan worship sites (Deuteronomy 12:2–4). Israel’s Misplaced Worship • Visible creation overshadowed the invisible Creator—high hills and green trees became stage sets for sin. • Offerings meant for the LORD were redirected to idols, provoking divine anger (Exodus 20:3–5). • Public, communal participation made rebellion contagious; sin was celebrated rather than hidden (2 Kings 17:9–11). Lessons for Our Hearts Today • Proximity to blessing does not guarantee obedience. Entering the land did not prevent idolatry; likewise, church attendance or Christian heritage alone does not secure faithfulness (1 Corinthians 10:6–7). • Attractive settings can lure hearts away. Whatever exalts itself—career platforms, entertainment, relationships—can become a “high place” if it receives the devotion belonging to God. • Religious activity is futile when the object of worship is wrong. God rejects sacrifices offered on idolatrous terms (Isaiah 1:11–15). • Sin begins with sight. Israel “saw” the hills and trees, then sacrificed. Guard the eyes to guard the heart (Matthew 5:28–29; 1 John 2:16). • God’s memory is perfect. Decades later He still recalls the specific locations and practices, showing that unrepentant sin is never forgotten apart from atonement (Hebrews 4:13). Guarding Our Landmarks of Faith Practical steps to avoid modern “high places”: – Regularly cleanse the home and heart of objects, media, or habits that compete with Christ (2 Corinthians 6:16–18). – Compare every tradition and preference with Scripture; keep what honors God, discard what distracts (Mark 7:8–9). – Cultivate thankful remembrance of God’s past deliverance to resist nostalgia for former sinful pleasures (Deuteronomy 8:11–14). – Prioritize gathered worship that exalts Christ alone, reinforcing true devotion (Hebrews 10:24–25). The Call to Exclusive Devotion Israel’s failure magnifies the continuing command: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Genuine love forsakes every rival. The promised land could not hold both the Lord’s glory and pagan altars, and neither can the believer’s life. Choose the hill called Calvary over every other high place, and there offer a life wholly given to Him (Romans 12:1–2). |
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