Ezekiel 20:32

Translation
King James Version
And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And that which cometh H5927 into your mind H7307 shall not be at all, that ye say H559, We will be H1961 as the heathen H1471, as the families H4940 of the countries H776, to serve H8334 wood H6086 and stone H68.
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Complete Jewish Bible
and that what you have in mind when you say, "We will be like the Goyim, like the families of the other countries, serving wood and stone," will certainly not happen.
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Berean Standard Bible
When you say, ‘Let us be like the nations, like the peoples of the lands, serving wood and stone,’ what you have in mind will never come to pass.
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American Standard Version
and that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, in that ye say, We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
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World English Bible Messianic
and that which comes into your mind shall not be at all, in that you say, We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Neither shall that be done that commeth into your minde: for ye say, We wil be as the heathen, and as the families of the countreys, and serue wood, and stone.
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Young's Literal Translation
And that which is going up on your mind, It is not at all--in that ye are saying: We will be as the nations, as the families of the lands, To serve wood and stone.
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See also
Ezekiel 11:5Jeremiah 44:17Deuteronomy 4:28Revelation 9:20Psalms 139:2Daniel 5:4Deuteronomy 28:36
In the KJVVerse 20,928 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Ezekiel 20:32 presents a stern and absolute divine declaration from the Lord God to the exiled Israelites, emphatically confronting their deep-seated desire to abandon their unique covenant identity and fully assimilate into the pagan practices of the surrounding nations. God unequivocally states that their intention to become indistinguishable from the Gentiles, serving lifeless idols of "wood and stone," will be utterly thwarted. This powerful pronouncement underscores His unwavering sovereignty and His unyielding commitment to His own holy name and redemptive purposes, even in the midst of His people's profound rebellion.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within Ezekiel chapter 20, a chapter primarily dedicated to a lengthy and poignant historical recounting of Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry, spanning from their exodus from Egypt through their wilderness wanderings and into their settlement in the Promised Land. The chapter opens with elders of Israel approaching Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord, but God, through the prophet, refuses to be consulted due to their idolatrous hearts, instead delivering a scathing indictment of their historical unfaithfulness. Ezekiel 20:32 directly follows God's declaration that He will bring Israel back into the "wilderness of the peoples" (a metaphorical space of judgment and purification) and there execute judgment upon them. Crucially, it immediately precedes the Lord's solemn oath that He will rule over them with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, preventing their assimilation and enforcing His covenant. Thus, this verse serves as a pivotal divine refutation of Israel's rebellious aspiration, setting the stage for God's sovereign and forceful intervention to preserve their distinct identity and fulfill His ultimate purposes.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The prophecies of Ezekiel were delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the tumultuous sixth century BCE, specifically after the initial deportations of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar. Living as captives in a foreign land, surrounded by the dominant and pervasive polytheistic culture of Mesopotamia, the exiles faced immense pressure and temptation to abandon their unique monotheistic faith. The Babylonian pantheon was vast, and their worship involved elaborate rituals, temple prostitution, and the veneration of countless gods represented by physical idols crafted from various materials, including wood and stone. The desire of the exiles to "be as the heathen" was a deeply rooted, albeit sinful, response to their subjugated status and the apparent triumph of pagan deities over Yahweh, whose temple in Jerusalem lay in ruins. This cultural assimilation was perceived by some as a pragmatic path to relief from their distinct, often burdensome, covenant identity and the perceived failures of their God to protect them.
  • Key Themes: Ezekiel 20:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes foundational to the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically asserts the Futility of Human Rebellion Against Divine Will, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over the intentions and plans of His people. Their desire to assimilate will "not be at all" because God's purpose for them, inextricably linked to His own glory, is unyielding and immutable. Secondly, it highlights the Persistent Lure of Idolatry and Assimilation, a recurring and tragic theme throughout Israel's history, from the infamous golden calf incident in the wilderness (Exodus 32:1-6) to the pervasive syncretism during the monarchy. This verse specifically pinpoints the exiles' profound temptation to shed their distinct covenant identity and fully embrace the paganism of their captors. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, it emphasizes God's Unwavering Commitment to His Own Holy Name and Glory. Even in the midst of judgment and the process of purification, God acts not primarily for Israel's sake, but for the sake of His holy name, which had been egregiously profaned among the nations by Israel's persistent misconduct (Ezekiel 36:22-23). His sovereign prevention of their full assimilation ensures that His ultimate redemptive purposes for His people and for the world will be fulfilled.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • mind (Hebrew, rûwach', H7307): Meaning "wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)." In this context, "mind" refers to the innermost thoughts, intentions, and spirit of the people, signifying their deepest desires and deliberations. It reveals the profound spiritual rebellion brewing within their hearts, indicating a deliberate and conscious turning away from God.
  • heathen (Hebrew, gôwy', H1471): Meaning "a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts." This term refers to the non-Israelite nations, typically characterized by their polytheism, idolatry, and lack of covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Israelites' desire to "be as the heathen" was a profound rejection of their unique status as God's chosen people, set apart for His holy purposes and distinct from all other nations.
  • serve (Hebrew, shârath', H8334): Meaning "to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to." This word denotes active, devoted service, whether to a master, a king, or, crucially in this context, a deity. When applied to "wood and stone," it highlights the act of worship, allegiance, and spiritual devotion that the Israelites were contemplating offering to false gods, emphasizing the complete spiritual surrender they were considering.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all": This opening clause is a powerful and absolute declaration of divine negation and sovereignty. "That which cometh into your mind" refers to the inner thoughts, plans, and intentions of the exiled Israelites, reflecting their deepest desires for assimilation. The emphatic phrase "shall not be at all" (Hebrew: lōʾ tihyeh) signifies an absolute divine veto. God states unequivocally that whatever rebellious scheme or desire arises in their hearts, particularly the one immediately following, it will not come to fruition; it will be utterly prevented or invalidated by His sovereign will. This highlights God's ultimate control over human destiny, especially as it pertains to His covenant people and His overarching redemptive plan.
  • "that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries": This clause precisely specifies the particular rebellious intention that God will thwart. The Israelites were verbalizing (or at least internally assenting to) a desire to abandon their distinct identity as the people of Yahweh. To "be as the heathen" or "as the families of the countries" means to fully assimilate into the surrounding pagan cultures, shedding their unique religious and national identity, and merging indistinguishably with the idolatrous nations. This was a profound rejection of their covenant calling to be a holy nation, distinct from all other peoples, and a betrayal of their divine election.
  • "to serve wood and stone": This final phrase clearly defines the ultimate expression and consequence of their desired assimilation: idol worship. "Wood and stone" is a common biblical idiom for the lifeless, man-made idols of pagan religions, serving as a stark and derogatory contrast to the living, active, and omnipotent God of Israel. Their intention was to exchange the worship of the one true God for the veneration of inanimate objects, a practice explicitly forbidden and condemned throughout the Mosaic Law and prophetic tradition. This reveals the depth of their spiritual apostasy and their perceived futility of their covenant with Yahweh in their state of exile.

Literary Devices

Ezekiel 20:32 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound divine message. The most prominent is Divine Negation, expressed through the emphatic "shall not be at all." This absolute declaration underscores God's unyielding sovereignty and His omnipotent power to thwart human intentions that run contrary to His ultimate purposes for His people and His own glory. The phrase "wood and stone" functions as a powerful Metonymy and Symbolism for idolatry. Instead of explicitly naming various pagan deities, the material components of their idols are used to represent the entire system of false worship, emphasizing their lifelessness, human origin, and utter impotence in stark contrast to the living God. There is also a clear Contrast drawn between the unique, covenantal identity of Israel and the undifferentiated "heathen" or "families of the countries," highlighting Israel's intended distinctiveness which they sought to abandon. Furthermore, the direct address "that ye say" uses Anthropomorphism to portray God as intimately aware of and directly responding to the inner thoughts and even unspoken intentions of His rebellious people, emphasizing His omniscience and personal engagement.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Ezekiel 20:32 is a profound statement on divine sovereignty, the nature of God's covenant with Israel, and His unwavering commitment to His own glory. Despite Israel's persistent rebellion and their deep-seated desire to abandon their unique identity, God declares that their ultimate assimilation into paganism will not occur. This is not due to Israel's inherent faithfulness or merit, but because God's own reputation, honor, and redemptive purposes are at stake. He will not allow His holy name to be utterly profaned by His chosen people completely abandoning Him for lifeless idols. This verse powerfully foreshadows God's future, sovereign intervention to restore Israel, not based on their worthiness, but on His steadfast love and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, ultimately for the vindication of His glory among the nations. It highlights that God's plan for His people is immutable, even when their hearts are wayward and their intentions rebellious.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Ezekiel 20:32 serves as a timeless warning and a powerful reminder of God's unwavering sovereignty over our lives and the world. In our contemporary context, the temptation to "be as the heathen" manifests not necessarily as bowing to physical idols of wood and stone, but as conforming to the prevailing values, ideologies, and pursuits of a secular or post-Christian society that often stand in direct opposition to biblical truth. This could involve prioritizing worldly success, material possessions, social acceptance, or personal autonomy above obedience to God and His Word. The verse calls us to a deep examination of our hearts for any desires or intentions that contradict God's revealed will or seek to diminish our distinct identity as followers of Christ. It assures us that while our intentions may stray, God's ultimate purposes for His people will prevail, and He will actively work to prevent us from completely abandoning Him. This truth should inspire both profound humility regarding our own rebellious tendencies and unwavering confidence in God's faithfulness to preserve His people and accomplish His redemptive plan, regardless of our shortcomings.

Questions for Reflection

  • What are the "wood and stone" idols in my life or culture that subtly tempt me to conform and compromise my faith in Christ?
  • In what specific ways might my "mind" be contemplating paths or desires that are contrary to God's revealed will for my life and His church?
  • How does God's emphatic declaration that rebellious intentions "shall not be at all" bring both conviction regarding my sin and profound comfort in His sovereign grace?

FAQ

What does "that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all" truly mean?

Answer: This phrase is a strong divine negation, meaning that the rebellious intention or plan conceived in the minds of the Israelites will be utterly prevented, nullified, or rendered ineffective by God's sovereign power. It's not merely a prediction that their plan will fail, but a declaration that God Himself will actively ensure it does not come to fruition. Despite their deep desire to abandon their covenant relationship and become like the pagan nations, God's ultimate purpose for His people and His commitment to His own holy name will override their rebellious will. This demonstrates God's absolute control over the destiny of His chosen people, ensuring that His redemptive plan will be accomplished regardless of human unfaithfulness. It highlights that God's will, not human will, is ultimately supreme, especially when it concerns His covenant and His glory, as declared in Isaiah 46:10.

Why was Israel tempted to "serve wood and stone" in exile?

Answer: During their exile in Babylon, the Israelites were a conquered people living among a dominant, polytheistic culture. They faced immense pressure to assimilate for several reasons. Firstly, their God, Yahweh, seemed to have been defeated, as His temple lay in ruins and His people were in captivity. This led to profound questions about His power and faithfulness. Secondly, adopting the gods of the victorious Babylonians might have seemed like a pragmatic way to gain favor, alleviate suffering, or simply fit in and avoid persecution. Thirdly, their own history was marked by a persistent struggle with idolatry, indicating a deep-seated spiritual inclination to follow the practices of surrounding nations rather than maintain their distinct, often demanding, covenant with Yahweh. Serving "wood and stone" (lifeless idols) represented a complete abandonment of their unique monotheistic identity and a full embrace of the pagan worldview, which they hoped would bring them peace or prosperity in their new environment, as warned against in Deuteronomy 4:28.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Ezekiel 20:32, with its declaration of God's sovereign prevention of Israel's ultimate apostasy, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Israel's desire to "be as the heathen" and "serve wood and stone" represents humanity's inherent bent towards idolatry and rebellion against the true God, a pervasive condition from which no one is exempt apart from divine intervention and grace (Romans 3:23). Christ, as the true Israel and the perfectly obedient Son, perfectly resisted the temptation to assimilate into the world's systems or serve anything other than the Father, even when offered all the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:8-10). Furthermore, God's promise that Israel's rebellious intention "shall not be at all" foreshadows the New Covenant, established through Christ's atoning sacrifice, where God writes His law on the hearts of His people, enabling true obedience and preventing ultimate apostasy from the faith (Hebrews 8:10-12). Through Christ, believers are not called to assimilate but are made a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" (1 Peter 2:9), distinct from the world and set apart to proclaim His excellencies. The sovereign will of God, which prevented ancient Israel's complete destruction through idolatry, is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who gathers a people for Himself, purifies them from all forms of idolatry, and ensures their perseverance unto eternal life, all for the glory of His name and the accomplishment of His redemptive plan.

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Commentary on Ezekiel 20 verses 27–32

Here the prophet goes on with the story of their rebellions, for their further humiliation, and shows,

I. That they had persisted in them after they were settled in the land of Canaan. Though God had so many times testified his displeasure against their wicked courses, "yet in this (that is, in the very same thing) your fathers have blasphemed me, continued to affront me, that they also have trespassed a trespass against me," Eze 20:27. Note, It is a great aggravation of sin when men will not take warning by the mischievous consequences of sin in those that have gone before them: this is blaspheming God; it is speaking reproachfully of his judgments, as if they were of no significancy and were not worth regarding. 1. God had made good his promise: I brought them into the land that I had sworn to give them. Though their unbelief and disobedience had made the performance slow, and much retarded it, yet it did not make the promise of no effect. They were often very near being cut off in the wilderness, but a step between them and ruin, and yet they came to Canaan at last. Note, Even God's Israel get to heaven by hell-gates; so many are their transgressions, and so strong their corruptions, that it is a miracle of mercy they are happy at last; as hypocrites go to hell by heaven-gates. The righteous scarcely are saved. Per tot discrimina rerum tendimus ad coelum - Ten thousand dangers fill the road to heaven. 2. They had broken his precept by their abominable idolatries. God had appointed them to destroy all the monuments of idolatry, that they might not be tempted to desert his sanctuary; but, instead of defacing them, they fell in love with them, and when they saw every high hill whence they had the most delightful prospects, and all the thick trees where they had the most delightful shades (the former to show forth their pompous idolatries, the latter to conceal their shameful ones), there they offered their sacrifices and made their sweet savour, which should have been presented upon God's altar only. There they presented the provocation of their offering (Eze 20:28), that is, their offerings, which, instead of pacifying God, or pleasing him, were highly provoking-sacrifices which, though costly, yet being misplaced, were an abomination to the Lord. 3. They obstinately persisted herein notwithstanding all the admonitions that were given them (Eze 20:29): "Then I told them, by my servants the prophets, told them where the high place was, to which they went; nay, I put them upon considering it, and asking their own consciences concerning it, by putting this question to them, Which is the high place whereunto you go? What do you find there so inviting that you will leave God's altars, where he requires your attendance, to frequent such places as he has forbidden you to worship in? Do you not know that those high places are of a heathenish extraction, and that the things which the Gentiles sacrificed they sacrificed to devils and not to God? Did not Moses tell you so? Deu 32:17. And will you have fellowship with devils? What is that high place to which you go when you turn your back on God's altars? O foolish Israelites, who or what has bewitched you, that you will forsake the fountain of life for broken cisterns, that worship which God appoints, and will accept, for that which he forbids, which he abhors, and which he will punish?" And yet the name is called Bamah unto this day; they will have their way, let God and his prophets say what they please to the contrary. They are wedded to their high places; even in the best reigns those were not taken away; you could not prevail to take away the name of Bamah - the high place, out of their mouths, but still they would have that in the place of their worship. The sin and the sinner are with difficulty parted.

II. That this generation, after they were unsettled, continued under the dominion of the same corrupt inclinations to idolatry, Eze 20:30. He must say to the present house of Israel, some of whose elders were now sitting before him, "Are you polluted after the manner of your fathers? After all that God has said against you by a succession of prophets, and done against you by a series of judgments, yet will you take no warning? Will you still be as bad as your fathers were, and commit the same abominations that they committed? I see you will; you are bent upon returning to the old abominations; you offer your gifts in the high places, and you make your sons to pass through the fire; either you actually do it or you do it in purpose and imagination, and so you continue idolaters to this day." These elders seem now to have been projecting a coalition with the heathen; their hearts they will reserve for the God of Israel, but their knees they will be at liberty to bow to the gods of the nations among whom they live, that they may have the more respect and the fairer quarter among them. Now the prophet is here ordered to tell those who were forming this scheme, and were for compounding the matter between God and Baal, that they should have no comfort or benefit from either. 1. They should have no benefit by their consulting in private with the prophets of the Lord; for, because they were hearkening after idols, God would have nothing to do with them (Eze 20:31): As I live, saith the Lord God, I will not be enquired of by you. What he had said before (Eze 20:3), having largely shown how just it was, he here repeats, as that which he would abide by. Let them not think that they honoured him by their enquiries, nor expect an answer of peace from him, as long as they continued in love and league with their idols. Note, Those reap no benefit by their religion that are not entire and sincere in it; nor can we have any comfortable communion with God in ordinances of worship unless we be inward and upright with him therein. We make nothing of our profession if it be but a profession. Nay, 2. They should have no benefit from their conforming in public to the practice of their neighbours (Eze 20:32): "That which comes into your mind as a piece of refined politics in the present difficult juncture, and which you would be advised to for your own preservation, and that you may not by being singular expose yourselves to abuses, it shall not be at all, it shall turn to no account to you. You say, 'We will be as the heathen, we will join with them in worshipping their gods, though at the same time we do not believe them to be gods, but wood and stone, and then we should be taken as the families of the countries; they will not know, or in a little while will have forgotten, that we are Jews, and will allow us the same privileges with their own countrymen.' Tell them," says God, "that this project shall never prosper. Either their neighbours will not admit them to join with them in their worship, or, if they do, will think never the better, but the worse, of them for it, and will look upon them as dissemblers, and not fit to be trusted, who are thus false to their God, and put a cheat upon their neighbours." Note, There is nothing got by sinful compliances; and the carnal projects of hypocrites will stand them in no stead. It is only integrity and uprightness that will preserve men, and recommend them to God and man.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 27–32. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON EXODUS 7:4
The first Passover belongs to the first people; the second Passover is ours. For we were “impure in soul,” who “used to worship wood and stone” and “not knowing God, we used to serve those things that by nature were not gods.”
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Ver. 23, 24 onwards) Again, I raised my hand against them in the wilderness, to scatter them among the nations and disperse them in the lands, because they had not performed my judgments, and had rejected my commandments, and had violated my Sabbaths, and their eyes had been after the idols (or thoughts) of their fathers. Therefore, I also gave them statutes that were not good, and judgments in which they would not live, and I defiled them in their offerings (or transgressions), as they offered (or led astray) everything that opens the womb because of their sins (for which the Septuagint translated, to destroy them and what they had overlooked): and they will know that I am the Lord. Where in the Old Testament, against their children, who fell in the wilderness, the Lord lifted up His hand to scatter them among the nations, Scripture does not say; but it is to be believed that this was done in accordance with what is reported here. Or he signifies by this, that after they entered the promised land, they were given over at various times, for many sins, to different nations and kings, and at that time the commandments of the Lord, which were good according to their nature, and the judgments by which believers could live, were made not good for them, since they were in no way able to keep the precepts of the law in captivity, and to do what the divine word commanded. He did not say, 'I gave them evil commandments,' but, 'not good commandments.' For it does not immediately follow that what is not good is evil, as the Apostle teaches, it is good for a man not to touch a woman; but because of incontinence, let each possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor (I Cor. VII). And if he does not do this, it is neither good nor evil. Therefore, God gave them, dispersed among the nations, not good commandments, that is, he allowed them to follow their own thoughts and desires, to do what is not appropriate. And he defiled them in his gifts: just as a Priest separates lepers from the people, and shows that they are defiled; while they offer to idols what they should offer to God. And they pass everything that opens the womb through the fire of Baal, that is, the firstborn; so that after they have deserted God and been handed over to the worship of idols, then they may understand that He is the Lord whom they have provoked to anger by their own fault. Symmachus interpreted this passage more explicitly, treating the future as past. Therefore, I will also give them bad precepts and judgments for which they will not live, and I will defile them because of their gifts, as they consecrate and offer everything that opens the womb, so that I may destroy them, and they will know that I am the Lord. And the meaning is this: because I have seen the sons of the fathers equaling the wickedness of their ancestors and doing the same things for which they offended God, I wanted to divide them into nations and disperse them throughout the whole world, and give them bad precepts and judgments in which they would not live, so that I may defile them with their gifts, for they consecrated everything that opens the womb to idols, and I may destroy them forever, and they will know that I am the Lord. Through which he showed that he had not given them good commandments who dwelt in the wilderness, but to those whom he wanted to scatter among the nations, and to make foreigners in the whole world, he gave them a desire for things that he did not give: so that there they would do good commandments of God, not good because of their own fault, while they exhibited to idols what God had commanded to be exhibited. This can also be said, that before the offense, they received only the Ten Commandments; but after idolatry and blasphemy, they received multiple ceremonies of the law, so that they would offer victims to God rather than to demons, and by comparison with sacrilege, what was not good in itself became lighter, and by no means evil, because it was offered to God, and yet not good, because they offended the author of good.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Verse 32, 33.) And the thought of your minds shall not be, of those saying: We shall be like the nations, and like the kindreds of the earth, to worship wood and stones. As I live, saith the Lord God: With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out, I will reign over you. This has this meaning: Do not think that your thoughts, with which you blaspheme against me, can be fulfilled. For I say: We do not want to be under the Lord, nor to be called His people. But as all nations are in the whole world, and each people lives according to its own will, to worship wood and stones, and to serve idols, even we shall be one people among many. To which God responds and swears by Himself, saying: I will not abandon you nor despise you, as negligent runaway servants often despise their masters, but I will draw you back to my reign, and with outstretched arm, striking and pouring out fury, I will restore you to your former slavery, and I will reign over you: whether you want it or not, you will have me as your king, and you will experience the wrath of a king, whose kindness you have neglected.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Verse 27, 29 onwards) Therefore speak to the house of Israel, son of man, and tell them: Thus says the Lord God: Moreover, your fathers have blasphemed against me and have treated me with contempt, even as they spurned me. And I brought them into the land that I had lifted my hand to give them ((Vulgate adds: that land)): they saw every high hill and every leafy tree, and there they offered their sacrifices and presented there the irritation of their offerings, and they placed there the fragrance of their sweetness, and they poured out their ((Vulgate is silent on this)) libations there. And I said to them, 'What is the high place to which you are going?' And its name was called the High Place until this day. Therefore speak to the house of Israel, son of man, and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God: As for your fathers, they have provoked Me to anger by their iniquities, by the fact that they have fallen away from Me. So I brought them into the land that I had lifted My hand in an oath to give them.' They saw every high hill and every leafy tree, and there they offered their sacrifices. They also presented there the provocation of their gifts, and they set there their pleasing aroma, and they poured out there their drink offerings. And I said to them: What is abbana, because you enter there? And they called its name abbana until this day. I wanted, he said, to scatter them in the wilderness, and to give them not good precepts, so that they would sacrifice to idols what they should have offered to me, and consecrate all their first-fruits to them by fire, so that I might kill them and destroy them. But when he says, I wanted, he shows that he did not do what he wanted. And that which follows: 'And they shall know that I am the Lord,' is not found in the Septuagint. For it did not seem fitting to them to know after their destruction that he himself is the Lord. But you, son of man, speak again to them, that is, to the elders of the house of Israel, who have come to inquire of you: Your fathers, from whom you have descended, have also blasphemed against me and held me in contempt; after I brought them into the land which I had given them to possess, they turned against me to provoke me. For when they saw every high hill and leafy tree, they would sacrifice on the mountains and in the groves and thickets, and offer victims to the idols, and pour out libations. And when I saw this, I said to them: What is this, Bama? for it is called high: or why do you enter into such a place which you have chosen for yourselves in all the hills, so that even today these places are called Bamoth, and the ancient error retains its original name? Regarding Bama, which we translate as excelsum, there is an error in the Septuagint edition, where it is written as ἀββανὰ, which does not resonate in the Hebrew language. Bama can mean 'in which' if the two syllables are divided into two words, but in the present context, that sense does not fit. However, wherever it is written in the Books of Kings and Chronicles: 'The people still sacrificed and offered incense on the high places,' Bama in the singular and Bamoth in the plural mean 'high places.'
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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