Ezekiel 20:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 20:31
31 For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 20 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, fellowship, hope. 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 20:31
31 For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.
Analysis
'For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.' God refuses consultation because of ongoing child sacrifice and idolatry. 'Make your sons to pass through the fire' refers to Molech worship. 'Even unto this day' indicates persistence into Ezekiel's time. How can they seek God's guidance while sacrificing their children to idols? The answer: emphatic refusal. Unrepentant idolatry disqualifies from divine consultation.
Historical Context
Child sacrifice occurred in the Valley of Hinnom (Tophet) outside Jerusalem. Kings Ahaz and Manasseh participated (2 Kings 16:3, 21:6). Though Josiah defiled the site (2 Kings 23:10), the practice evidently continued. Archaeological evidence from Carthage and other Phoenician sites confirms widespread ancient child sacrifice.
Reflection
- What modern practices parallel ancient child sacrifice in sacrificing children for adult convenience or ideology?
- How does harboring known sin while seeking God's guidance demonstrate spiritual schizophrenia?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Ezekiel 20:26
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 7:31