Ezekiel 8 - 12

God's Glory Leaves the Temple

Today's reading includes more prophecies of destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.  The progression is telling.  Chapter 8 names four abominations the people and leaders of Jerusalem are participating in.  All of them revolve around idol worship.  First, a large idol (most likely of Asherah) had been placed at the north gate of the temple for all to see. This ostensibly was to protect the people.  The reality is that is identified the Temple of Jehovah to heathen worship.  Second, the Seventy elders were in a secret chamber in the temple offering incense to idols and every vile thing.  Third, there were women near the north gate weeping for Tammuz, a Babylonian god.  Fourth, there were 25 men near the bronze altar, bowing to the ground to worship the sun.

These four abominations included people from the whole city - those going to the Temple, the spiritual leaders, women at the Temple and men at the Temple. Because of this blatant idol-worship, in chapter 9 the Lord has Ezekiel pronounce the coming slaughter of the idol worshipers.   Chapter's 10 and 11 discuss how the glory of the Lord will leave the Temple and also lays out the judgment of the leadership of Jerusalem and Judah.

There is a ray of hope listed in chapter 11.  "I, the Sovereign Lord, will gather you back from the nations where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel once again."