Ezekiel 20:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Wilt thou judge {H8199} them, son {H1121} of man {H120}, wilt thou judge {H8199} them? cause them to know {H3045} the abominations {H8441} of their fathers {H1}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Are you going to judge them? Human being, are you going to judge them? Then have them realize how disgusting their ancestors' practices were.

Berean Standard Bible

Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Confront them with the abominations of their fathers

American Standard Version

Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:4 presents a divine mandate to the prophet Ezekiel, challenging him to confront the elders of Israel by exposing the deep-seated idolatry and rebellion that characterized not only their present generation but also their ancestral history. This verse initiates a profound historical indictment, emphasizing God's righteous judgment against persistent unfaithfulness and underscoring Ezekiel's role as a divine messenger tasked with revealing uncomfortable truths to a rebellious people, aiming for their conviction and potential repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20:4 is a pivotal verse within a larger prophetic address (Ezekiel 20:1-44). The chapter opens with a delegation of Israelite elders approaching Ezekiel, seeking a word from the Lord (Ezekiel 20:1). However, God vehemently refuses to be consulted by them due to their pervasive idolatry and rebellion (Ezekiel 20:3). Verse 4 then serves as God's direct command to Ezekiel, instructing him to "judge them" and "cause them to know the abominations of their fathers." This command sets the stage for a lengthy historical recounting of Israel's unfaithfulness, beginning from their time in Egypt, through their wilderness wanderings, and into the present day in exile. The entire chapter is a powerful demonstration of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness contrasted with Israel's chronic and deliberate apostasy, culminating in a promise of future restoration and judgment upon the nations (Ezekiel 20:33-44).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 20 is delivered during the Babylonian exile, likely around 591 BC, several years after the first wave of deportations from Judah. The elders approaching Ezekiel represent the exiled community, possibly clinging to false hopes of an imminent return to Jerusalem or seeking divine validation for their current practices. Culturally, Israel had a long history of syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, particularly Baal worship and astral cults. The "abominations of their fathers" would have included child sacrifice, worship in high places, cultic prostitution, and the veneration of foreign deities—practices explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law. Geographically, they were in Babylon, specifically by the Chebar Canal, far from the temple and the land, yet their spiritual rebellion persisted even in exile, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual sickness that transcended physical location.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating God's righteous response to chronic rebellion and His refusal to condone sin. The command to "judge them" is not merely a legal pronouncement but an act of exposing their guilt. Secondly, it underscores the **Confrontation of Sin**, emphasizing that true repentance necessitates a clear and often uncomfortable acknowledgment of one's transgressions, both personal and corporate. Thirdly, the phrase "abominations of their fathers" introduces the theme of **Generational Sin and Corporate Responsibility**. While individuals are held accountable for their own choices, the text reveals a persistent pattern of idolatry passed down through generations, illustrating how the consequences of corporate unfaithfulness can ripple through history, as seen in the warnings of the Ten Commandments regarding the iniquity of the fathers being visited upon the children (cf. [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Consequences of Idolatry")). Finally, it powerfully delineates **Prophetic Duty**, showing Ezekiel's unwavering responsibility to deliver God's uncompromising message, even when it involves confronting deeply ingrained spiritual depravity and historical unfaithfulness, a duty frequently reiterated (e.g., [Ezekiel 3:17-21](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17-21 - Ezekiel as a Watchman")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against)." Its implications extend to vindication or punishment, and by extension, to govern. In this context, God is not asking Ezekiel to preside over a formal court, but rather to act as a prosecutor and pronouncer of divine judgment, exposing Israel's guilt and the justness of God's condemnation. It implies a definitive declaration of their moral and spiritual culpability.
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This recurring title for Ezekiel (H1121 `bên` meaning "son" and H120 `ʼâdâm` meaning "human being" or "mankind") appears over 90 times in the book. It emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty and power of the Lord who addresses him. It highlights his role as a representative human messenger, chosen from among his people to speak on behalf of the transcendent God, bridging the gap between the divine word and the human recipients.
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This term refers to "something disgusting (morally), i.e., an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol." It denotes practices, objects, or behaviors that are utterly detestable and morally repugnant to God, violating His holy character and covenant. In Ezekiel, it frequently points to the idolatrous rituals, pagan cults, and moral perversions that Israel adopted from surrounding nations, which were a direct affront to Yahweh's exclusive claim on their worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge [them]?"**: This is a rhetorical question, emphasizing the absolute necessity and certainty of judgment. God is not asking for Ezekiel's opinion on whether judgment is warranted; rather, He is commissioning Ezekiel to act as His agent in pronouncing that judgment. The repetition of "wilt thou judge them" underscores the gravity of the situation and the depth of Israel's guilt, leaving no doubt that their actions demand divine reckoning. It also serves to empower Ezekiel in his difficult prophetic task.
* **"cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:"**: This is an imperative command, directly instructing Ezekiel on the content and purpose of his judgment. It's not merely about condemning them for their present sins, but about revealing the deep historical pattern of rebellion and idolatry that has plagued Israel from its inception. The phrase "abominations of their fathers" highlights the generational nature of their unfaithfulness, suggesting a deeply ingrained spiritual corruption that has been passed down and perpetuated. The goal is to bring them to a full awareness and acknowledgment of their corporate and historical guilt, laying the groundwork for potential repentance or, failing that, justifying the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge [them]?" This is not a genuine inquiry but a forceful declaration, designed to emphasize the undeniable guilt of Israel and the divine imperative for judgment. The repetition of the phrase, known as **Epizeuxis** or **Repetition**, intensifies the urgency and certainty of the command, underscoring the weight of Ezekiel's task and the severity of Israel's sin. Following this, the verse transitions into a direct **Imperative**, "cause them to know the abominations of their fathers." This command highlights Ezekiel's active role as a divine messenger, not merely a passive observer, and emphasizes the pedagogical aspect of prophecy—to instruct and expose. The phrase "abominations of their fathers" also functions as **Metonymy**, where "fathers" stands for the entire lineage and historical legacy of Israel's unfaithfulness, emphasizing the deep-rooted, generational nature of their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:4 serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering holiness and His righteous indignation against sin, particularly idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. It reveals that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is a just response to persistent rebellion, rooted in a historical pattern of disobedience that spans generations. The command to expose the "abominations of their fathers" underscores the principle that while God holds individuals accountable, there can also be a corporate and generational dimension to sin, where patterns of ungodliness are passed down and perpetuated. This confrontation is ultimately an act of divine mercy, aiming to bring about a deep awareness of sin, which is a prerequisite for genuine repentance and restoration, even if Israel's hardened hearts often resisted this truth.

* [Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-30 - Abominations of the Nations")
* [Deuteronomy 29:16-18](/deuteronomy/29-16 "Deuteronomy 29:16-18 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 16:10-12](/jeremiah/16-10 "Jeremiah 16:10-12 - Generational Sin and Consequences")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:4 calls us to a profound self-examination, both individually and corporately. It challenges us to consider not only our present actions but also the historical and generational patterns that may influence our spiritual lives. Just as God commanded Ezekiel to expose the "abominations of their fathers," we are invited to honestly confront any inherited or ingrained "abominations"—spiritual compromises, ungodly attitudes, or idolatrous tendencies—that may hinder our full devotion to God. This verse reminds us that true spiritual health begins with a clear-eyed acknowledgment of sin, allowing God's truth to penetrate the layers of self-deception or denial. It encourages us to break cycles of ungodliness, seeking God's transformative power to live lives of genuine obedience and worship that honor Him alone, rather than perpetuating the errors of the past.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "abominations" or ungodly patterns, whether personal or inherited, might God be calling me to "know" and confront in my own life or community today?**
* **How does understanding the concept of generational sin motivate me to seek deeper repentance and spiritual transformation?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to soften God's truth, either for myself or others, rather than delivering it faithfully as Ezekiel was commanded?**
* **How can acknowledging the holiness of God, as highlighted in this verse, lead to a more fervent and exclusive devotion to Him?**

### FAQ
**Why does God ask Ezekiel if he will "judge them" if the answer is obvious?**

Answer: The rhetorical question, "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge [them]?", serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it is a forceful divine declaration, not a genuine inquiry, emphasizing the undeniable guilt of Israel and the certainty of God's impending judgment. It highlights God's righteous indignation and the justness of His condemnation. Secondly, it serves to commission and empower Ezekiel in his prophetic role, underscoring the weight and seriousness of the message he is about to deliver. It is a divine mandate for Ezekiel to act as God's prosecutor, exposing the depth of Israel's sin and justifying the divine verdict, as seen throughout [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History").

**What are the "abominations of their fathers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "abominations of their fathers" refers to the long history of idolatry, spiritual rebellion, and moral corruption that characterized the nation of Israel from its earliest days. These practices included the worship of foreign gods (like Baal and Asherah), offering sacrifices on high places, engaging in cultic prostitution, and even child sacrifice, all of which were explicitly forbidden by God's covenant Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices")). Ezekiel 20 goes on to detail many of these specific acts of unfaithfulness, illustrating a consistent pattern of rebellion against Yahweh, the one true God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:4, with its stark call to expose the "abominations of their fathers," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who both reveals the true depth of humanity's sin and offers the definitive solution. While Ezekiel was commanded to expose generational patterns of idolatry and rebellion, Jesus, the true [Son of Man](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"), came not merely to judge but to save. He perfectly fulfilled the prophetic role, confronting sin with unparalleled clarity, yet always pointing to the Father's redemptive plan. The "abominations" of humanity, rooted in our fallen nature and passed down through generations since Adam, are ultimately addressed by Christ's atoning sacrifice. He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of human rebellion and offering a path to true cleansing and new life. Through faith in Him, believers are freed from the power of inherited sin patterns and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of genuine obedience and worship, fulfilling the very devotion that Israel so consistently failed to render (cf. [Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freedom from Sin")). Thus, the judgment Ezekiel was to pronounce on Israel's past finds its ultimate resolution and hope in the grace offered through Christ, who alone can truly cause us to "know" our sin in a way that leads to repentance and transformation, not condemnation (cf. [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save")).

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 23:36

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

Jeremiah 14:11

Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for [their] good.

Jeremiah 14:14

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Isaiah 5:3

And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.

Ezekiel 23:45

And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they [are] adulteresses, and blood [is] in their hands.

Ezekiel 14:14

Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver [but] their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.