Ezekiel 11:18

And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.

And they shall come {H935} thither, and they shall take away {H5493} all the detestable things {H8251} thereof and all the abominations {H8441} thereof from thence.

Then they will go there and remove all its loathsome things and disgusting practices,

When they return to it, they will remove all its detestable things and all its abominations.

And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezekiel 11:18 (KJV)

Ezekiel 11:18 is a prophetic verse that speaks to the future purification and restoration of the land of Israel and its people. It reads: "And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence." This verse is part of a significant passage where God reveals His plans for judgment and subsequent renewal for His exiled people.

Context

This verse is situated within a series of prophecies given to Ezekiel concerning the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent promise of restoration. Prior to this, God addresses the wicked leaders in Jerusalem, condemning their idolatry and sin. The "thither" in the verse refers to the land of Israel, specifically Jerusalem, which had been defiled by the sinful practices of its inhabitants. The "they" refers to the people of Israel themselves, who, empowered by God's Spirit, will return to their land and actively participate in its cleansing. This cleansing is a prerequisite for the spiritual renewal promised immediately afterward, specifically the gift of a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 11:19).

Key Themes

  • Divine Purification and Cleansing: The verse highlights God's ultimate intention to cleanse His land and people from the spiritual defilement that led to their exile. This is not merely a physical removal but a spiritual purification.
  • Removal of Idolatry: The "detestable things" and "abominations" are direct references to the idols, pagan altars, and wicked practices that permeated Israelite society. Their removal signifies an end to the spiritual adultery that provoked God's wrath.
  • Active Participation of God's People: While God is the initiator of this restoration, the verse emphasizes that "they shall take away," indicating the active role of the restored community in rejecting sin and embracing holiness. This is a response to the new heart God promises to give them.
  • Promise of Restoration: This act of cleansing is a vital step in the larger prophetic narrative of Israel's restoration, preparing the way for a renewed covenant relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "detestable things" (Hebrew: shiqquwts) and "abominations" (Hebrew: to'evah) are powerful biblical terms often used interchangeably to describe things that are morally repugnant to God, particularly idols, idolatrous rituals, and practices forbidden by the Law. These words underscore the severity of Israel's sin, which had defiled the land and broken their covenant with the Lord. The consistent use of such strong language throughout prophetic books like Ezekiel emphasizes God's absolute intolerance for anything that competes with His exclusive worship, a theme also central to the first commandment.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 11:18 holds profound relevance for believers today. Just as ancient Israel needed to be cleansed from physical idols, believers are called to identify and remove "detestable things" and "abominations" from their hearts and lives. These can manifest as spiritual idols—anything that takes precedence over God, such as materialism, self-worship, or reliance on human wisdom. This verse reminds us:

  • Continual Spiritual Cleansing: We must regularly examine our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal and remove anything that defiles our relationship with God.
  • Active Repentance: God provides the means for cleansing, but we are called to actively participate in turning away from sin and choosing righteousness.
  • Holiness as a Prerequisite for Blessing: Just as the removal of abominations preceded Israel's full restoration, spiritual purity is often a prerequisite for deeper fellowship and the outpouring of God's blessings in our lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 5:11

    Wherefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.

  • Ezekiel 37:23

    Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

  • Ezekiel 7:20

    As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations [and] of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.

  • Ezekiel 42:7

    And the wall that [was] without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof [was] fifty cubits.

  • Ezekiel 42:8

    For the length of the chambers that [were] in the utter court [was] fifty cubits: and, lo, before the temple [were] an hundred cubits.

  • 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.

  • Jeremiah 16:18

    And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.