The verse shows how God reveals the seriousness of the people’s sins and warns that even more offenses remain to be disclosed.
He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations which the house of Israel are committing here, so that I would be far from My sanctuary? But yet you will see still greater abominations.” (v.6)
Ezekiel was a prophet active in Babylon during the sixth century BC. He arrived there in the second wave of Judean exiles around 597 BC, following the initial deportation in 605 BC. By the time Jerusalem fell in 586 BC, Ezekiel had already lived in exile for about a decade. The context of this verse is part of a vision he receives from the LORD, transporting him to Jerusalem to witness the idolatrous practices of God’s people in the temple. Babylon, geographically located in the area of modern-day Iraq, was a mighty empire that conquered the Kingdom of Judah during Ezekiel’s lifetime (2 Kings 24-25). This verse focuses on the grievous sins within the temple itself, sins so severe that the Temple—the place representing God’s presence—was defiled.
In this passage, God addresses Ezekiel, calling him “Son of man,” a common term for Ezekiel throughout the book. God is essentially pointing out the unfaithfulness of His chosen people, the house of Israel, describing them as committing “great abominations” that have driven Him away from His sanctuary. The people were supposed to be a holy nation, abiding by His covenant and upholding pure worship. Instead, they pursued idols and unclean rituals. The tragedy is that these betrayals in the very place meant for God’s worship caused His presence to withdraw (Ezekiel 10). This showcases how idolatry and abandonment of God’s precepts lead to separation from Him, and is analogous to other passages in Scripture where sin distances believers from enjoying God’s fellowship (Isaiah 59:2).
Even though these abominations are severe, God reveals to Ezekiel that there are even “still greater abominations” to be seen. This communicates the escalating nature of Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness in the temple. Their sins were not limited to a single offense; rather, they tracked progressively deeper into idolatry and rebellion. Ultimately, this behavior brought about God’s judgment, fulfilled by the Babylonian conquest and the destruction of Jerusalem’s temple in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:8-9). Yet, the broader book of Ezekiel also offers hope in later chapters, emphasizing the restoration of Israel and the presence of God returning to dwell with His people (Ezekiel 36-37, 43:1-5).
The verse highlights the stark reality that violations of God’s holiness are not trivial or isolated. Instead, they drive a wedge between the people and God’s presence, ultimately replacing the blessings He offers with judgment. Although judgment will fall, God’s ultimate intent is to restore, as He remains faithful to the promises He made in His covenant. Indeed, just as the New Testament promises reconciliation and fellowship with God through Christ (Romans 5:10-11), so the book of Ezekiel ends with the vision of God renewing His dwelling place among His people (Ezekiel 48:35).
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Ezekiel 8:6 meaning
He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations which the house of Israel are committing here, so that I would be far from My sanctuary? But yet you will see still greater abominations.” (v.6)
Ezekiel was a prophet active in Babylon during the sixth century BC. He arrived there in the second wave of Judean exiles around 597 BC, following the initial deportation in 605 BC. By the time Jerusalem fell in 586 BC, Ezekiel had already lived in exile for about a decade. The context of this verse is part of a vision he receives from the LORD, transporting him to Jerusalem to witness the idolatrous practices of God’s people in the temple. Babylon, geographically located in the area of modern-day Iraq, was a mighty empire that conquered the Kingdom of Judah during Ezekiel’s lifetime (2 Kings 24-25). This verse focuses on the grievous sins within the temple itself, sins so severe that the Temple—the place representing God’s presence—was defiled.
In this passage, God addresses Ezekiel, calling him “Son of man,” a common term for Ezekiel throughout the book. God is essentially pointing out the unfaithfulness of His chosen people, the house of Israel, describing them as committing “great abominations” that have driven Him away from His sanctuary. The people were supposed to be a holy nation, abiding by His covenant and upholding pure worship. Instead, they pursued idols and unclean rituals. The tragedy is that these betrayals in the very place meant for God’s worship caused His presence to withdraw (Ezekiel 10). This showcases how idolatry and abandonment of God’s precepts lead to separation from Him, and is analogous to other passages in Scripture where sin distances believers from enjoying God’s fellowship (Isaiah 59:2).
Even though these abominations are severe, God reveals to Ezekiel that there are even “still greater abominations” to be seen. This communicates the escalating nature of Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness in the temple. Their sins were not limited to a single offense; rather, they tracked progressively deeper into idolatry and rebellion. Ultimately, this behavior brought about God’s judgment, fulfilled by the Babylonian conquest and the destruction of Jerusalem’s temple in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:8-9). Yet, the broader book of Ezekiel also offers hope in later chapters, emphasizing the restoration of Israel and the presence of God returning to dwell with His people (Ezekiel 36-37, 43:1-5).
The verse highlights the stark reality that violations of God’s holiness are not trivial or isolated. Instead, they drive a wedge between the people and God’s presence, ultimately replacing the blessings He offers with judgment. Although judgment will fall, God’s ultimate intent is to restore, as He remains faithful to the promises He made in His covenant. Indeed, just as the New Testament promises reconciliation and fellowship with God through Christ (Romans 5:10-11), so the book of Ezekiel ends with the vision of God renewing His dwelling place among His people (Ezekiel 48:35).