Ezekiel 6

These chapters discuss words and actions that warned of disaster for Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4–5) and the land of Judah (Ezekiel 6–7).

The judgment did not remain only in Jerusalem. It spread to the mountains of Israel, which were the political center of the nation.

This land had belonged to Israel since the time of Joshua. Over time, however, it became filled with idolatry (the worship of false gods).

The hill country became the location of many pagan shrines, called high places (raised stone platforms used for worship). These places often held idols or were used for sacrifices and pagan celebrations. Many of these shrines were already there before Israel entered the land.

God had commanded the people to destroy them (Deuteronomy 12:2–3). Instead, in many places, the Israelites allowed them to remain. Some political and religious leaders ignored the problem. Others even encouraged the people who worshiped at these sites.

This chapter contains two messages of judgment (Ezekiel 6:2–10 and 6:11–14). These messages give two possible outcomes.

The first outcome is hope. If the people repent (turn away from sin and return to God), they will have a future.

The second outcome is continued rebellion. If they refuse to change, they will face complete destruction.

In either case, the Lord’s power and holiness will be clearly shown.

• The corpses and bones of dead worshipers around an altar would make the altar ceremonially unclean and unfit for use.

• idols: The Hebrew word translated idols literally means “round things.” It may also sound like a word for dung (human or animal waste). When the prophets used this word, they were mocking the idols. It was a strong expression of disgust and rejection.

A remnant (a small group that remains) would be scattered among the nations. God would send them into many lands. There, they would bear witness to God’s faithfulness to his covenant (his promises to his people).

In those foreign lands, they would see the truth about their own hearts. They would understand how they had been unfaithful to God. They would hate their evil and detestable sins. Then they would know that God was serious when he warned that he would punish those who broke his covenant.

Some of those who came to know that the Lord alone is God might also see another side of his faithfulness. They might experience his readiness to forgive those who truly repent (turn away from sin).

In the book of Exodus, Israel came to know that the Lord is God through his mighty acts of rescue (see Exodus 6:7). He saved them from slavery in Egypt. But later, their actions showed that they had forgotten him. Now they would come to know him again, not only through rescue, but also through judgment.

Ezekiel’s message did not end with the hopeful idea that some people might repent (turn back to God).

He returned to the theme of judgment. He warned about three coming disasters. These were war, famine (a time with no food), and disease.

he who remains: See Ezekiel 5:3–4.

Riblah was on Israel's northern border and is mentioned in other biblical books. At Riblah, Nebuchadnezzar held his court and executed Zedekiah's sons and many important citizens of Judah (2 Kings 25:6, 21).