Ezekiel 8:1
Summary for Ezek 8:1-11:25: 8:1–11:25 a This section depicts the defilement of the Jerusalem Temple (ch 8 b), which led to its being abandoned by the Lord and subsequently destroyed (9:1–11:13 c). This abandonment was actually good news for those already in exile, for the Lord was coming to dwell with them, identifying them as the ones who bore hope for the future of God’s people.Summary for Ezek 8:1-18: 8:1-18 d In visionary form, the prophet Ezekiel was shown four ways in which the people were engaged in practices that defiled their land. This vision explains why the presence of the Lord left his sanctuary. 8:1 e We are in the sixth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity (see study note on 1:2), and fourteen months have elapsed since the opening vision of the book. During most of the intervening time, the prophet had been performing the sign acts of ch 4 f. Chapters 8–9 g depict in visions the same defilement and consequent judgment of Jerusalem that ch 7 h lays out in oracles. In this case, the prophet directed the message to the leaders (literally elders) of Judah, who had gathered at Ezekiel’s home. They were probably seeking a word of encouragement and comfort from the Lord (see also 14:1 i; 20:1 j), but what they received was a denunciation of the sins of the communities they represented.
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