Ezekiel 20:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 20:28
28 For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 20 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, faith, discipleship. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 20:28
28 For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.
Analysis
'For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.' Upon entering the promised land, Israel immediately adopted Canaanite worship practices. 'Every high hill, and all the thick trees' describes Canaanite high places and sacred groves. Rather than exclusive Yahweh worship, they offered sacrifices at pagan sites. 'The provocation of their offering' indicates how offensive this syncretism was to God.
Historical Context
Archaeological excavations throughout Israel/Palestine confirm widespread high place worship. These were often hilltop platforms with altars, standing stones (masseboth), and Asherah poles. Israelites syncretistically worshiped Yahweh alongside Baal and Asherah at these sites, exactly what God forbade (Deuteronomy 12:2-4).
Reflection
- How do we syncretistically mix true worship with cultural or pagan elements?
- What does God's demand for exclusive worship teach about the nature of covenant relationship?
Word Studies
- Sacrifice: זֶבַח (Zevach) H2077 - Sacrifice, offering
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Ezekiel 6:13
- Creation: Jeremiah 2:7
- Parallel theme: Joshua 23:14, Jeremiah 3:6