Ezekiel 20:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 20:29
29 Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 20 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, wisdom, prayer. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 20:29
29 Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.
Analysis
'Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name whereof is called Bamah unto this day.' God's question about the high places ('bamah') is rhetorical—exposing their folly. The wordplay on 'bamah' (high place) emphasizes the absurdity. These forbidden worship sites persisted 'unto this day' (Ezekiel's time, ~591 BC), showing centuries of persistent high place worship despite prophetic condemnation.
Historical Context
High place worship plagued Israel throughout the monarchy. Even faithful kings like Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, and Amaziah failed to remove high places (1 Kings 15:14, 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3, 14:4). Only Hezekiah and Josiah removed them temporarily (2 Kings 18:4, 23:8), but they returned. This persistent syncretism contributed to exile.
Reflection
- What 'high places' (respectable but spiritually compromising practices) persist in church history and our lives?
- Why is compromise in worship so attractive and persistent despite its offensiveness to God?