Ezekiel 16:2

KJV

Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations,

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, cause Jerusalem {H3389} to know {H3045} her abominations {H8441},

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, make Yerushalayim realize how disgusting her practices are.

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her abominations

American Standard Version

Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:2 initiates one of the most striking and extended allegories in the prophetic literature, where God commands the prophet Ezekiel to confront Jerusalem with the full extent of her spiritual unfaithfulness. This verse serves as a stark introduction to a divine indictment, setting the stage for a detailed exposition of Jerusalem's origins, God's lavish care for her, and her subsequent egregious acts of spiritual adultery and idolatry, which are termed "abominations." It underscores God's unwavering commitment to expose sin and call His people to account for their covenant violations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16:2 serves as the direct command that opens a lengthy and vivid prophetic allegory, spanning the entire chapter. Following chapters that detail the siege of Jerusalem and the fall of the city, Chapter 16 shifts focus to the theological reasons for this judgment. The "Son of man" address is characteristic of God's communication with Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing the prophet's human role in delivering a divine message. This verse immediately plunges the reader into a narrative where Jerusalem is personified as an abandoned infant, rescued and raised by God, only to become a harlot who betrays her divine husband. The command to "cause Jerusalem to know her abominations" is not merely an accusation but an unveiling, meticulously laying bare the city's historical and ongoing rebellion, preparing the audience for the shocking details that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma for Judah. Jerusalem, though not yet fully destroyed at the time of this prophecy's initial delivery, was under severe threat, and many of its inhabitants, including Ezekiel, had already been deported. Culturally, the ancient Near East was rife with polytheism, idol worship, and various detestable religious practices, including child sacrifice, temple prostitution, and syncretism. Israel, despite its covenant with Yahweh, frequently succumbed to these surrounding influences, adopting the gods and rituals of their neighbors. This chapter specifically highlights Jerusalem's alliances with pagan nations (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon) and her adoption of their idolatrous practices, which were seen as spiritual harlotry against the exclusive covenant relationship with God, reminiscent of the warnings given in [Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warnings Against Pagan Practices").
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate Ezekiel 16 and the broader prophetic message. Firstly, **Divine Indictment and Judgment** is paramount; God is not merely observing but actively exposing and condemning Jerusalem's profound unfaithfulness. Secondly, the theme of **Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry** is central, portraying Jerusalem's deviation from the covenant as a betrayal of a marital bond, where "abominations" refer to her embrace of pagan gods and practices, a direct violation of the first commandment (e.g., [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Thirdly, **Covenant Faithfulness and Unfaithfulness** is a foundational theme, as God recounts His unwavering commitment to Jerusalem from her desolate origins, contrasting it sharply with her repeated and egregious acts of rebellion. Lastly, the command to "know her abominations" implies a purpose beyond mere condemnation: it is a call to **Awareness of Sin**, which, though leading to judgment in this context, inherently holds the potential for repentance and restoration, a hope often found in prophetic literature (e.g., [Hosea 14:1-2](/hosea/14-1 "Hosea 14:1-2 - Call to Repentance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term signifies a child, offspring, or descendant, often emphasizing lineage or relationship. In the phrase "son of man," it highlights Ezekiel's human nature and mortality, contrasting him with the divine speaker. It underscores that the powerful, divine message is delivered through a frail, earthly vessel.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root is rich in meaning, encompassing not only intellectual apprehension but also experiential knowledge, recognition, and even intimate relationship. Here, it implies a deep, convicting awareness—to "cause Jerusalem to know" means to bring her to a full, undeniable realization of the heinous nature and extent of her sins, not just to inform her casually. It suggests a knowledge that should lead to profound self-assessment and accountability.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This feminine active participle describes something disgusting, abhorrent, or repugnant, particularly in a moral or religious sense. In the Old Testament, it is frequently used to denote idolatry, pagan rituals, sexual perversions, and other practices that are utterly detestable to God and violate His holy character and covenant commands. In Ezekiel 16, it specifically refers to Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry, her worship of foreign gods, and her adoption of their vile customs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man,"**: This is God's characteristic address to Ezekiel, appearing over ninety times in the book. It serves to emphasize Ezekiel's humanity and mortality, distinguishing him from the divine source of the message. It highlights that the prophet is a mere mortal delivering a powerful, authoritative word from God, acting as a divine messenger.
* **"cause Jerusalem to know"**: This is a divine imperative, a command from God to Ezekiel. The verb "know" (yada') here implies more than just intellectual understanding; it means to bring to a full, experiential, and convicting awareness. Ezekiel is tasked with making Jerusalem confront the depth and severity of her guilt, forcing her to acknowledge her actions and their offense against God. This is a judicial act, a public indictment.
* **"her abominations,"**: This refers to the detestable acts and practices of Jerusalem, personified as a woman. In the context of Ezekiel 16, "abominations" primarily denote her spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and adoption of pagan customs, which are seen as acts of spiritual harlotry against her covenant husband, Yahweh. These are actions that are morally repugnant and utterly offensive to God's holy character.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:2 immediately employs several powerful literary devices. The direct address, **Apostrophe**, "Son of man," establishes the prophetic commission and the direct divine origin of the message, setting a solemn and authoritative tone. More significantly, the verse initiates a pervasive use of **Personification**, treating Jerusalem not merely as a city or a nation, but as a living entity, specifically a woman. This personification is crucial for the extended **Allegory** that unfolds throughout the chapter, where Jerusalem's history is depicted as the life of an abandoned infant raised by God, who then becomes a beautiful woman, only to betray her divine benefactor through spiritual harlotry. This allegorical framework allows for a deeply emotional and vivid portrayal of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's righteous indignation. The command to "cause Jerusalem to know her abominations" also carries a strong element of **Irony**, as Jerusalem, despite her privileged relationship with God, has become utterly ignorant or willfully blind to the grievous nature of her sins, necessitating a divine intervention to reveal her true spiritual state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:2 is a foundational verse for understanding the gravity of spiritual unfaithfulness and God's righteous judgment. It underscores the biblical truth that God does not overlook sin, especially among His covenant people. The "abominations" of Jerusalem represent any act or attitude that violates God's holiness and covenant demands, particularly idolatry and spiritual harlotry. This divine indictment reveals God's character as both just and holy, who holds His people accountable for their actions. While the immediate context is one of judgment, the act of revealing sin is also an act of divine mercy, providing an opportunity for repentance, even if that opportunity is not always seized. The detailed exposure of Jerusalem's sins serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and the insidious nature of idolatry, which can manifest in prioritizing anything over God.

* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Spiritual Harlotry")
* [Revelation 18:4-5](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4-5 - Call to Come Out of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:2, though addressed to ancient Jerusalem, carries profound implications for contemporary believers. The command to "cause Jerusalem to know her abominations" serves as a timeless call to introspection and spiritual honesty. Just as God meticulously exposed the hidden sins of His covenant people, He desires for us to confront the "abominations" in our own lives—anything that takes precedence over Him, compromises our devotion, or violates His holy standards. This might not be overt idol worship, but subtle forms of idolatry such as the pursuit of wealth, status, comfort, or even good causes that eclipse our primary allegiance to God. Understanding our own spiritual condition, acknowledging our failures, and recognizing what is truly detestable in God's sight is the essential first step toward genuine repentance and a deeper, more authentic relationship with our Creator. It calls us to a rigorous self-examination, to allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate areas of unfaithfulness, and to respond with humility and a renewed commitment to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "abominations" or subtle forms of idolatry might I be tolerating in my own life or in my community that are displeasing to God?**
* **How does God "cause me to know" my own spiritual condition today? Through His Word, circumstances, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's holiness and a greater sensitivity to anything that compromises my spiritual fidelity?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God calling Ezekiel "Son of man"?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben 'adam_) is God's frequent address to Ezekiel throughout the book, appearing over ninety times. It emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality, contrasting his finite nature with the infinite authority and power of God, who is speaking through him. It serves to remind both Ezekiel and the audience that the prophet is a mere mortal delivering a powerful, divine word, not speaking on his own authority. This highlights the transcendence of God's message and the humble, instrumental role of the prophet in delivering it, as seen from Ezekiel's initial call in [Ezekiel 2:1](/ezekiel/2-1 "Ezekiel 2:1 - Ezekiel's Call as 'Son of Man'").

**What exactly are Jerusalem's "abominations" in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 16, Jerusalem's "abominations" (Hebrew: _tôwʻêbah_) primarily refer to her profound spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. This includes adopting the detestable religious practices of surrounding pagan nations, such as worshipping foreign gods, engaging in ritual prostitution, and even child sacrifice. These acts are depicted as spiritual harlotry, a betrayal of the exclusive covenant relationship Jerusalem had with Yahweh, who is portrayed as her faithful husband. The term "abomination" signifies practices that are utterly repugnant and offensive to God's holy character and covenant demands, a direct violation of the first commandment (e.g., [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")).

**Why does God command Ezekiel to "cause Jerusalem to know" her abominations, rather than just stating them?**

Answer: The command to "cause Jerusalem to know" implies more than a mere declaration; it signifies a divine act of unveiling and conviction. God intends for Jerusalem to come to a full, undeniable, and experiential awareness of the depth and heinousness of her sins. This is a judicial act, a public indictment designed to leave no room for denial or excuse. While it leads to judgment in this chapter, the purpose of revealing sin in Scripture is often dual: to establish justice and to provide a basis for repentance. By laying bare her "abominations," God forces Jerusalem to confront her guilt, even if her response is ultimately one of continued rebellion and subsequent judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:2, with its stark command to expose Jerusalem's "abominations" and spiritual harlotry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Christ is the **Truth Incarnate** who perfectly reveals the Father's holiness and exposes the true nature of sin. Just as Ezekiel was commanded to make Jerusalem "know her abominations," Jesus, through His teachings and perfect life, brought light into the darkness, revealing the hidden depths of human sinfulness, not just overt acts but also the sin of the heart (e.g., [Matthew 5:27-28](/matthew/5-27 "Matthew 5:27-28 - Adultery of the Heart")). Second, while Ezekiel's message led to judgment for unrepentant Jerusalem, Christ came not to condemn the world but to save it (e.g., [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save")). He is the ultimate **Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world** (e.g., [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering forgiveness and cleansing for the very "abominations" that provoked God's wrath in the Old Testament. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ bore the judgment for humanity's spiritual harlotry and idolatry, making a way for reconciliation. Finally, the New Covenant, established in Christ's blood, offers a spiritual transformation where God's law is written on the heart, enabling true fidelity and preventing the spiritual adultery that plagued ancient Israel (e.g., [Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Christ not only reveals the depth of our "abominations" but also provides the means for their forgiveness and the power to live in faithful devotion to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 22:2

Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations.

Ezekiel 20:4

Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge [them]? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:

Isaiah 58:1

¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Ezekiel 23:36

¶ The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations;

Ezekiel 8:9

And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here.

Ezekiel 8:17

Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen [this], O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.

Hosea 8:1

¶ [Set] the trumpet to thy mouth. [He shall come] as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.