Ezekiel 8:15
Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The progression of revelations follows rhetorical and legal pattern. In ancient Near Eastern judicial contexts, evidence was presented systematically, building from serious to most serious charges. God employs similar methodology, establishing beyond doubt that Jerusalem judgment is deserved.
By now in the vision, Ezekiel has witnessed:
- idol at the gate
- animal worship in secret chamber
- seventy elders offering incense,
- women mourning Tammuz.
Each layer reveals deeper corruption. Yet God indicates the worst remains. This creates tension: what could be more offensive than what has been revealed?
The answer (verse 16) will be men at the temple entrance worshiping the sun with their backs to the Holy Place—the ultimate expression of contempt for Yahweh. By saving this for last, God emphasizes it as the climactic, most offensive abomination.
For the exiles, this careful documentation answered questions about judgment justice. Some might wonder if God was too harsh; this progressive revelation demonstrates He was patient beyond measure, documenting comprehensive evidence before acting.
Questions for Reflection
- What does systematic documentation of sin teach about God judicial thoroughness before judgment?
- How does progressive revelation of wickedness serve pedagogical and apologetic purposes?
- In what ways might our natural perception underestimate the depth of human sinfulness?
- What does God question Hast thou seen this? teach about importance of eyewitness testimony?
- How should recognition of deeper abominations than we initially perceive affect our understanding of grace?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. For the second time God announces even greater abominations await, emphasizing the shocking depth of temple corruption. The repetition demonstrates systematic, comprehensive documentation of covenant violation justifying severe judgment.
Hast thou seen this, O son of man? requires prophetic witness confirmation. Ezekiel must acknowledge having personally observed the Tammuz worship before proceeding. This ensures prophetic testimony will be based on certain knowledge, not hearsay. God builds case through eyewitness prophetic revelation, providing evidence that cannot be denied.
Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations repeats the formula from verse 13, indicating this is the second escalation toward climactic final revelation. The repetition emphasizes progression: image of jealousy, then secret chamber idolatry, then seventy elders corruption, then women weeping for Tammuz, and now something even worse awaits.
From Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God patience in judgment. He does not act hastily but documents comprehensive evidence. It also shows the exceeding sinfulness of sin—human wickedness plumbs depths beyond natural comprehension. Finally, it teaches that God revelation often comes progressively, with fuller understanding developing through successive disclosures.