"Son of man," He said to me, "do you see this? Is it not enough for the house of Judah to commit the abominations they are practicing here, that they must also fill the land with violence and continually provoke Me to anger? Look, they are even putting the branch to their nose! “Son of man,” He said to me,The term "Son of man" is a title used frequently in Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the contrast between God's divine nature and human frailty. This title is also significant in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," highlighting His role as the representative and redeemer of humanity. “do you see this?
This phrase indicates a divine revelation being shown to Ezekiel. It suggests that God is revealing hidden sins to the prophet, emphasizing the importance of spiritual insight and discernment. This mirrors the role of prophets as seers who perceive spiritual realities beyond the physical realm. Is it not enough for the house of Judah to commit the abominations they are practicing here,
The "house of Judah" refers to the southern kingdom, which had fallen into idolatry and other sins. The term "abominations" often refers to idolatrous practices, which were detestable to God. This reflects the historical context of Judah's spiritual decline, leading to the Babylonian exile. The abominations are a direct violation of the covenant relationship established in the Mosaic Law. that they must also fill the land with violence
The mention of "violence" indicates social injustice and moral decay. This reflects the broader biblical theme that idolatry often leads to ethical corruption. The prophets frequently condemned violence and injustice, as seen in passages like Isaiah 1:15-17 and Amos 5:24, where God calls for justice and righteousness. and continually provoke Me to anger?
This phrase highlights God's righteous indignation towards sin. The continual provocation suggests a persistent and unrepentant attitude among the people. This is consistent with the biblical narrative where God is patient but ultimately just, as seen in His dealings with Israel throughout the Old Testament. Look, they are even putting the branch to their nose!
This enigmatic phrase likely refers to a pagan ritual or act of contempt towards God. Some scholars suggest it may involve a gesture associated with idol worship or a disrespectful act towards Yahweh. The exact meaning is uncertain, but it underscores the depth of Judah's rebellion. This act symbolizes the complete disregard for God's holiness and commands, contrasting with the reverence due to Him as seen in the worship practices outlined in the Torah. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, chosen by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites. 2. House of JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, known for its capital, Jerusalem. 3. AbominationsRefers to the idolatrous practices and detestable acts committed by the people of Judah, which were offensive to God. 4. ViolenceThe moral and social corruption that filled the land as a result of turning away from God's commandments. 5. Branch to their noseA debated phrase, possibly referring to a pagan ritual or act of contempt towards God. Teaching Points The Seriousness of SinSin is never trivial in the eyes of God. The abominations committed by Judah were not just cultural practices but direct violations of God's law. Consequences of IdolatryIdolatry leads to moral decay and societal violence. When God is not the center, chaos ensues. Provoking God to AngerPersistent sin and rebellion provoke God's righteous anger. His patience is vast, but not infinite. Cultural Practices vs. God's CommandsCultural norms should never override God's commands. Believers must discern and reject practices that contradict Scripture. Repentance and RestorationDespite the severity of Judah's sins, God's desire is for repentance and restoration. He is always ready to forgive those who turn back to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. What specific abominations were the people of Judah committing, and how do these relate to modern-day idolatry? 2. How does the phrase "putting the branch to their nose" reflect the people's attitude towards God, and what are similar attitudes we might hold today? 3. In what ways does idolatry lead to violence and moral decay in society, both in biblical times and today? 4. How can we ensure that our cultural practices align with God's commands, and what steps can we take to avoid being influenced by ungodly norms? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God due to sin. How did repentance and seeking God's forgiveness restore your relationship with Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 7This chapter also addresses the abominations and idolatry of Judah, emphasizing the people's false sense of security in the temple. Isaiah 1Isaiah speaks against the sinful nation, highlighting their rebellion and the resulting consequences. 2 Kings 21Details the reign of King Manasseh, whose idolatrous practices led Judah into deep sin. Romans 1Paul discusses the consequences of idolatry and turning away from God, leading to moral decay. Revelation 18Describes the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate judgment against idolatry and corruption. People Ezekiel, Jaazaniah, ShaphanPlaces JerusalemTopics Abomination, Abominations, Afresh, Anger, Angry, Behaviour, Behold, Branch, Commit, Committed, Continually, Detestable, Disgusting, Fill, Filled, Forth, Full, Further, Hast, Judah, Making, Matter, Nose, O, Provoke, Provoked, Provoking, Putting, Repeatedly, Returned, Seest, Slight, Turn, Twig, Violence, Violent, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 8:17 1135 God, suffering of
6218 provoking God Ezekiel 8:5-18 6103 abomination Ezekiel 8:16-18 8709 astrology 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 ScriptureA 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 Links Ezekiel 8:17 NIVEzekiel 8:17 NLTEzekiel 8:17 ESVEzekiel 8:17 NASBEzekiel 8:17 KJV
Ezekiel 8:17 Commentaries
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