Ezekiel 20:7 - Meaning and Interpretation

Bible Verse: Ezekiel 20:7 - "Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your God."

Overview of Ezekiel 20:7

This verse is part of a larger discourse where the prophet Ezekiel addresses the Israelites. It emphasizes God's call for purity and the rejection of idolatry, linking back to the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes that God's directive is rooted in His holiness. He is calling Israel to abandon the idols they had adopted in Egypt and urges them to remember their unique identity as His people. The mention of “abominations” reflects the seriousness of the idolatry prevalent among them.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes points to the importance of spiritual cleanliness. He explains that the call to "cast away" signifies not just an external action but a deep internal change—turning away from both physical idols and the spiritual corruption they represent.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke notes that this verse serves as a reminder of the deliverance from Egypt and the expectations that come with it. He stresses the need for the Israelites to recognize God's sovereignty and respond accordingly by forsaking their old ways.

Cross-References

The verse shares thematic links with several other scriptures. Here are some notable cross-references:

• Leviticus 26:1: "Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God."
• Isaiah 30:22: "Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence."
• Revelation 18:4: "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
• Jeremiah 11:10: "They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers."
• 1 John 5:21: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."
• Galatians 5:24: "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
• Psalm 106:36: "And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them."
• Hosea 14:8: "Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found."

Thematic Connections

The themes discussed in Ezekiel 20:7 resonate with various concepts in both the Old and New Testaments:

• Idolatry and Purity: The call to freedom from idols signifies a broader theme of spiritual purity throughout the Bible.
• Covenant Relationship: This verse reflects the concept of living in accordance with God’s commands due to the covenant He established with His people.
• God’s Sovereignty: The insistence on recognizing the Lord as the only God reinforces the idea of His ultimate authority over all creation.

Comparative Bible Verse Analysis

Examining Ezekiel 20:7 in context with other passages reveals deeper understanding and greater insight into God’s directives:

• Identifying the core message: The emphasis on casting away idols helps understand the caution against compromising one’s faith.
• Understanding the historical context: Reflecting on Israel's past, notably the Exodus, sheds light on their repeated struggle against idolatry and the need for divine guidance.
• Old Testament vs. New Testament: The continuity theme of rejecting idols extends through scriptures, culminating in the New Testament teachings of Christ.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To delve deeper into the connections between Bible verses, consider using the following resources:

• Bible Concordance: This tool helps locate verses based on keywords, offering insights into thematic connections.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: This guide provides links between specific verses, enhancing comparative Bible verse analysis.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Engaging in structured study focusing on inter-Biblical dialogue can reveal rich insights.
• Bible Reference Resources: Utilize these for comprehensive cross-referencing and understanding the relationships of scriptures.
• Cross-Referencing Bible Study Methods: Different methods can help uncover deeper meanings and connections across various books of the Bible.

User Intent and Questions

This verse invites several inquiries that could lead readers to further exploration:

• What verses are related to Ezekiel 20:7? Identifying other scriptures that address idolatry can deepen understanding.
• How do Ezekiel 20:7 and Leviticus 26:1 connect? Exploring the shared themes of idolatry leads to more significant insights.
• Similarities between Ezekiel 20:7 and 1 John 5:21: Both verses call God’s people to keep away from idols, showcasing the enduring nature of this command.
• Bible verses that support the themes in Ezekiel 20:7: Finding links between this verse and others reinforces its messages about purity and dedication to God.

Conclusion

The call in Ezekiel 20:7 to cast away idols signifies a pivotal theme in understanding the nature of faith and obedience to God. By examining this verse through various biblical lenses, readers can appreciate the depth of God's message for His people: to keep themselves pure and devoted to Him alone.