Ezekiel 8 - Introduction

Third Section. Ch. 8 11. New visions of Jehovah's withdrawal from his house, and the approaching destruction of Jerusalem

On the fifth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of the Captivity of Jehoiachin (b.c. 591) the prophet sat in his house and the elders of the exile sat before him. Moved by their words or by their presence he fell into a trance and was transported by the spirit to Jerusalem, where a series of events passed before his view.

First, ch. 8, a vision of the idolatries practised by all classes in the house of the Lord.

Secondly, ch. 9, a vision of the messengers of divine vengeance, and the slaughter of the inhabitants of the city.

Thirdly, ch. 10, a vision of the destruction of the city itself by fire from God, with a new description of the cherubim.

Fourthly, ch. 11, a vision of the internal condition of the city, the counsels and thoughts of the leaders. Then the departure of Jehovah from the city, and renewal of the threat of destruction, but with a promise of restoration to those already in exile.

Finally, awaking out of his trance, the prophet narrates the proceeding revelations to the exiles (ch. Ezekiel 11:25).

Ch. 8. The manifold idolatries of Israel, whereby they profane the house of the Lord, causing him to withdraw from it

Four idolatrous scenes pass before the prophet's view.

(1) Ezekiel 8:1. He is shewn an image, called the image of jealousy, situated apparently in the outer court, but near the gateway leading to the inner court.

(2) Ezekiel 8:7, the secret idolatries practised by the elders in the chambers of the gateway.

(3) Ezekiel 8:12, the lamentation for Tammuz or Adonis engaged in by the women.

(4) Ezekiel 8:15, sun-worship practised in front of the temple in the inner court.