Ezekiel 20:4

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

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}:

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

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

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

Context

Ezekiel 20 opens with a group of elders from Israel coming to the prophet Ezekiel, seeking a word from the Lord. However, God refuses to be inquired of by them, citing their persistent idolatry and rebellion. Verse 4 serves as a stern command from God to Ezekiel, setting the stage for a lengthy historical indictment of Israel's unfaithfulness from their time in Egypt through their wilderness wanderings and into the present day. God challenges Ezekiel to confront them directly, not merely to judge them in a legal sense, but to expose the depth of their spiritual depravity by revealing the pattern of sin passed down through generations. This divine instruction underscores Ezekiel's role as a prophetic watchman, called to deliver God's uncompromising message, as highlighted in Ezekiel 3:17.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Justice: God's question, "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge [them]?" is rhetorical, emphasizing that judgment is indeed warranted due to Israel's chronic rebellion. It highlights God's righteous indignation against persistent sin.
  • Confrontation of Sin: The command to "cause them to know the abominations of their fathers" stresses the necessity of exposing past and present transgressions. True repentance often begins with a clear understanding and acknowledgment of sin.
  • Generational Sin and Corporate Responsibility: While individuals are responsible for their own choices, this verse points to a pattern of idolatry and rebellion that was deeply ingrained in Israel's history. The current generation was living out the legacy of their ancestors' spiritual compromises, reinforcing the idea that the consequences of corporate sin can span generations, as seen in other historical accounts like Jeremiah 32:18.
  • Prophetic Duty: Ezekiel's responsibility was not to soften God's message but to deliver it faithfully and forcefully, even when it involved confronting deeply uncomfortable truths about Israel's past and present.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "son of man" (Hebrew: ben adam) is a recurring title for Ezekiel, appearing over 90 times in the book. It emphasizes his humanity and mortality in contrast to God's divine majesty and power. It also highlights his representative role as a human messenger chosen to speak on behalf of the divine.

The term "abominations" (Hebrew: to'evah) is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe practices, objects, or behaviors that are detestable and morally repugnant to God, particularly idolatry, sexual immorality, and other pagan rituals that violate God's covenant. Here, it specifically points to the idolatrous practices of their ancestors that led to their downfall.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 20:4 serves as a powerful reminder for us today:

  • Self-Examination: We are called to examine our own lives and communities, acknowledging any patterns of sin or spiritual compromise that may have been passed down or embraced.
  • Breaking Cycles: Understanding the "abominations of our fathers" can help us identify and break cycles of ungodly behavior, attitudes, or beliefs that hinder spiritual growth and obedience.
  • Truth and Repentance: Genuine repentance requires confronting uncomfortable truths about our past and present sins. God's desire is not just to condemn, but to lead people to a place of true turning.
  • God's Holiness: The verse underscores God's unwavering holiness and His intolerance for spiritual idolatry and rebellion. He desires a people who are truly devoted to Him alone, as emphasized in the first commandment (Exodus 20:3).

Reflection

Ezekiel 20:4 is a challenging verse that highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice and His desire for His people to recognize the full extent of their sin. It calls for a deep introspection, urging us to learn from the past and to actively pursue a life of genuine obedience and devotion to God, free from the "abominations" that displease Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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