Ezekiel 20:4
Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:
Original Language Analysis
הֲתִשְׁפּ֖וֹט
Wilt thou judge
H8199
הֲתִשְׁפּ֖וֹט
Wilt thou judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
1 of 9
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֲתִשְׁפּ֖וֹט
Wilt thou judge
H8199
הֲתִשְׁפּ֖וֹט
Wilt thou judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
3 of 9
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
בֶּן
them son
H1121
בֶּן
them son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֑ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֑ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
5 of 9
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תּוֹעֲבֹ֥ת
the abominations
H8441
תּוֹעֲבֹ֥ת
the abominations
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
Historical Context
This historical review (verses 5-31) recounts rebellion in Egypt, wilderness wanderings, and the promised land. Similar rehearsals appear in Deuteronomy 1-4, Joshua 24, Nehemiah 9, Psalm 78, 105-106, and Stephen's speech (Acts 7). Knowing redemptive history is crucial for covenant identity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding our spiritual history (personal and corporate) shape present faithfulness?
- What 'abominations' do we inherit or repeat from previous generations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers.' God commands Ezekiel to 'judge' (shaphat)—not merely announce judgment but present evidence, prosecute the case. 'Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers' means recounting Israel's historical rebellion. Understanding their history of unfaithfulness explains current judgment and refutes claims of innocence.