Ezekiel 16:24

KJV

[That] thou hast also built unto thee an eminent place, and hast made thee an high place in every street.

KJV (with Strong's)

That thou hast also built {H1129} unto thee an eminent place {H1354}, and hast made {H6213} thee an high place {H7413} in every street {H7339}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'you built platforms and made yourself high places in every open space.

Berean Standard Bible

you built yourself a mound and made yourself a lofty shrine in every public square.

American Standard Version

that thou hast built unto thee a vaulted place, and hast made thee a lofty place in every street.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:24 powerfully illustrates Jerusalem's profound spiritual apostasy, portraying the city as a once-cherished bride who has shamefully turned to harlotry. This verse specifically condemns Jerusalem for constructing "eminent places" and "high places" in every public thoroughfare, symbolizing its widespread, open, and unashamed embrace of idolatry. These structures, often associated with illicit pagan worship and fertility rites, represent Jerusalem's blatant betrayal of its exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, demonstrating a pervasive departure from monotheistic devotion to a public display of spiritual unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 presents an extended and vivid allegory detailing the history of God's relationship with Jerusalem, personifying the city as a foundling child rescued, nurtured, and adorned by God, only to become a beautiful woman who then prostitutes herself with foreign nations and their idols. The chapter meticulously traces Jerusalem's humble origins (as seen in [Ezekiel 16:1-5](/ezekiel/16-1-5 "Ezekiel 16:1-5 - Jerusalem's Humble Origins")), God's gracious covenant with her (detailed in [Ezekiel 16:6-14](/ezekiel/16-6-14 "Ezekiel 16:6-14 - God's Covenant with Jerusalem")), and her subsequent descent into spiritual harlotry (described in [Ezekiel 16:15-34](/ezekiel/16-15-34 "Ezekiel 16:15-34 - Jerusalem's Spiritual Harlotry")). Verse 24 serves as a specific and damning indictment within this larger narrative of betrayal, detailing the physical manifestations of Jerusalem's unfaithfulness through the widespread construction of idolatrous shrines. This verse, along with others like [Ezekiel 16:31](/ezekiel/16-31 "Ezekiel 16:31 - Jerusalem's Shameless Harlotry"), underscores the public and pervasive nature of the city's sin, setting the stage for God's severe judgment and the eventual, though distant, promise of restoration described later in the chapter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, "high places" (Hebrew: _bamah_) were elevated sites or constructed platforms used for various forms of religious worship. While some were initially dedicated to Yahweh, the vast majority became notorious centers for the worship of Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah, often involving fertility cults, ritual prostitution, and even child sacrifice. Throughout Israel's history, kings like Manasseh were infamous for rebuilding these high places (as recorded in [2 Kings 21:3](/2_kings/21-3 "2 Kings 21:3 - Manasseh's Idolatry")), which had been previously removed by reforming monarchs like Hezekiah. The phrase "in every street" (Hebrew: _rᵉchôb_) dramatically emphasizes the public and systemic nature of Jerusalem's idolatry, indicating that pagan worship was not confined to hidden groves or private homes but was openly flaunted throughout the city's public thoroughfares. This stands in stark contrast to the exclusive devotion God commanded in His covenant, particularly in the [Deuteronomic law](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws Concerning Worship") which mandated the destruction of such sites. The cultural context reveals how deeply ingrained and publicly accepted these prohibited practices had become, despite God's clear and repeated prohibitions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. It vividly illustrates **Pervasive Idolatry**, demonstrating that Jerusalem's spiritual unfaithfulness was not a private or isolated matter but a public, widespread phenomenon, permeating every aspect of city life. This open practice of pagan worship is directly linked to the theme of **Spiritual Harlotry**, a dominant metaphor throughout [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - The Allegory of Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness"), where Jerusalem's betrayal of God is likened to a wife's adultery (as further emphasized in [Ezekiel 16:32](/ezekiel/16-32 "Ezekiel 16:32 - Jerusalem's Shameless Harlotry")). Furthermore, the construction of these altars represents a profound act of **Covenant Unfaithfulness**, a direct violation of God's foundational commands against idolatry, such as the first commandment to have [no other gods before Him](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). The verse thus underscores the gravity of Israel's departure from the exclusive covenant relationship established at Mount Sinai, highlighting the depth of their rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **built (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to build" in both a literal and figurative sense. In Ezekiel 16:24, it literally refers to the physical construction of "eminent places" and "high places." Figuratively, it implies the active establishment and perpetuation of idolatrous practices, indicating a deliberate and sustained effort by Jerusalem to create centers of false worship, rather than a passive falling away. This verb highlights the intentionality behind the city's apostasy.
* **eminent place (Hebrew, _gab'_):** From an unused root meaning "to hollow or curve," this term refers to the back (as rounded), and by analogy, the top or rim, a boss, or a vault. In this context, it denotes an elevated or prominent structure, often associated with pagan altars or shrines. The use of "eminent" suggests a place of prominence or distinction, highlighting how Jerusalem made its idolatry conspicuous and significant within its urban landscape, a public display of its spiritual unfaithfulness.
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to do or make" in the broadest sense and widest application. Here, it reinforces the active role Jerusalem played in establishing these centers of false worship. Coupled with "built," it emphasizes the deliberate and industrious nature of their idolatry, signifying that Jerusalem was not merely tolerating paganism but actively creating and promoting it.
* **high place (Hebrew, _râmâh'_):** A feminine active participle of the root _rûm_ (meaning "to be high" or "exalted"), this term specifically refers to a height as a seat of idolatry. Unlike _gab_, which can be more general, _râmâh_ carries a strong theological connotation, consistently used in the Old Testament to denote sites of illicit worship. Its presence here reinforces the nature of these structures as dedicated to pagan gods, rather than legitimate worship of Yahweh, underscoring the severity of the sin.
* **street (Hebrew, _rᵉchôb'_):** Meaning "a width" or "avenue," this term refers to a broad place or public thoroughfare. Its inclusion emphasizes the public and pervasive nature of Jerusalem's idolatry. The "high places" were not hidden away but were openly constructed and accessible "in every street," signifying a complete and unashamed integration of pagan worship into the daily life and public consciousness of the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[That] thou hast also built unto thee an eminent place":** This clause accuses Jerusalem (personified as the unfaithful wife) of actively constructing prominent structures for idolatrous worship. The phrase "unto thee" highlights the self-serving nature of this act; these places were built for Jerusalem's own desires and perceived benefits, rather than for God's glory. The "eminent place" suggests a visible, perhaps even grand, structure, making the city's apostasy undeniable and a public spectacle.
* **"and hast made thee an high place":** This second phrase reiterates and reinforces the first, using a slightly different term for an idolatrous shrine. "High place" (Hebrew: _râmâh_) is a common biblical term for pagan altars, often associated with illicit religious practices, including child sacrifice and ritual prostitution. The repetition emphasizes the deliberate, widespread, and deeply ingrained nature of this sin, underscoring Jerusalem's active participation in its own spiritual corruption.
* **"in every street":** This final phrase dramatically expands the scope of the accusation, indicating the ubiquity of Jerusalem's idolatry. It was not confined to a few isolated spots but was openly practiced and visible in every public thoroughfare. This detail reveals the depth of the city's spiritual corruption, demonstrating a complete and unashamed embrace of paganism that permeated its entire social and religious fabric, leaving no part of the city untouched by its apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of Jerusalem's profound spiritual decline. The overarching device is **Metaphor**, where Jerusalem is personified as an unfaithful wife or harlot, and her idolatrous acts are depicted as "prostitution." The "eminent place" and "high place" are potent **Symbols** of this spiritual harlotry, representing the physical manifestations of her unfaithfulness and the altars dedicated to foreign gods. The phrase "in every street" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the pervasive and undeniable nature of the city's apostasy, suggesting that idolatry was not merely present but was flaunted everywhere, leaving no public space untouched. Furthermore, the verse employs **Repetition** through the parallel phrases "built unto thee an eminent place" and "made thee an high place," which reinforces the deliberate, extensive, and intentional nature of Jerusalem's sin. The overall tone is one of severe **Indictment**, as God's righteous judgment is pronounced against the city for its blatant and widespread betrayal of the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:24 serves as a stark reminder of the persistent human tendency towards idolatry and the severe consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness. Theologically, it underscores God's demand for exclusive devotion from His covenant people, a principle central to the Old Testament and foundational to the first commandment. Jerusalem's construction of "high places" in every street is not merely a violation of ritual purity but a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship, demonstrating a heart turned away from Yahweh towards false gods. This act of spiritual harlotry is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, illustrating how the pursuit of other gods—whether literal idols or anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—leads to spiritual degradation and ultimately, divine judgment. The verse highlights the radical nature of sin as a breaking of relationship and a public affront to the Holy God who redeemed His people and called them to exclusive worship.

* [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2-3 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Command to Destroy Idolatrous Places")
* [Jeremiah 3:1-2](/jeremiah/3-1-2 "Jeremiah 3:1-2 - Israel's Harlotry")
* [Hosea 4:12-13](/hosea/4-12-13 "Hosea 4:12-13 - Israel's Spiritual Prostitution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern believers may not construct physical "high places" in their neighborhoods, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Ezekiel 16:24 challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives for anything that competes with God for ultimate devotion, trust, or affection. This can manifest as the worship of success, comfort, material possessions, personal reputation, relationships, or even ideological systems that subtly or overtly displace God from His rightful place as sovereign. The "street" in our lives might be our social media feeds, our career ambitions, our leisure pursuits, our pursuit of pleasure, or even our families, if these become the primary sources of our identity, security, or fulfillment, rather than God Himself. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation, urging us to dismantle any "high places" we have unwittingly built and to reaffirm our exclusive allegiance to the One True God. It's a call to spiritual purity, reminding us that true life, lasting joy, and flourishing are found only in wholehearted, undivided devotion to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high places" might I be building in my own life, perhaps subtly, that compete with my devotion to God?**
* **How does the public nature of Jerusalem's idolatry in this verse challenge me to consider the visible aspects of my own faith and values?**
* **In what ways might I be seeking fulfillment or security from sources other than God, thereby committing spiritual "harlotry"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to dismantle these "high places" and re-center my life entirely on Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "eminent place" and "high place" in Ezekiel 16:24?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 16:24, "eminent place" (Hebrew: _gab_) and "high place" (Hebrew: _râmâh_) refer to elevated structures or altars built for religious worship. While "eminent place" can refer to any prominent elevation, "high place" (or _bamah_) specifically denotes a site of idolatrous worship in the Old Testament. These were typically outdoor altars or shrines, often on hills or constructed platforms, where pagan deities like Baal and Asherah were worshipped, frequently involving illicit and immoral rites. Their construction by Jerusalem symbolizes the city's profound spiritual unfaithfulness and its embrace of foreign gods, directly violating God's covenant commands against idolatry, as seen in [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2-3 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Command to Destroy Idolatrous Places").

**Why does the verse emphasize "in every street"?**

Answer: The phrase "in every street" (Hebrew: _rᵉchôb_) highlights the pervasive and public nature of Jerusalem's idolatry. It signifies that the city's spiritual apostasy was not a hidden or private matter but was openly practiced and flaunted throughout its public spaces. This detail underscores the depth of Jerusalem's rebellion against God, indicating a complete and unashamed departure from exclusive devotion to Yahweh. It suggests that idolatry had become an integral and accepted part of the city's daily life and public identity, rather than an isolated transgression. This widespread unfaithfulness is a key aspect of the indictment against Jerusalem throughout [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - The Allegory of Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness"), demonstrating the full extent of their covenant betrayal.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:24, with its vivid portrayal of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry through the building of "high places" in every street, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The pervasive idolatry described here reveals humanity's deep-seated propensity to worship created things rather than the Creator, a sin that separates us from God and leads to spiritual death. Christ, however, is the one who perfectly fulfills the covenant that Israel continually broke. He is the true Temple, the ultimate "eminent place" and "high place" of worship, where God's presence truly dwells (as described in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus atoned for the spiritual harlotry and idolatry of humanity, offering a path to reconciliation and true worship. He dismantles the "high places" of our hearts, freeing us from the worship of self, possessions, or false ideologies, and invites us into an exclusive, faithful relationship with God. In Christ, we are called to be a new creation, a people whose lives are marked by singular devotion, where every "street" of our existence is consecrated to Him, reflecting the new covenant promise of God's law written on our hearts, not merely on stone tablets (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including the sin of idolatry ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), enabling us to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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

Jeremiah 2:20

¶ For of old time I have broken thy yoke, [and] burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

Isaiah 57:7

Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.

Psalms 78:58

For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.

Ezekiel 16:39

And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.

Ezekiel 16:31

In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;

Ezekiel 20:28

[For] when I had brought them into the land, [for] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.

Ezekiel 20:29

Then I said unto them, What [is] the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.