Ezekiel 20:7

KJV

Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} I unto them, Cast ye away {H7993} every man {H376} the abominations {H8251} of his eyes {H5869}, and defile {H2930} not yourselves with the idols {H1544} of Egypt {H4714}: I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I told them, "Each of you is to throw away the detestable things that draw your eyes. Do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am ADONAI your God."

Berean Standard Bible

And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and you must not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’

American Standard Version

And I said unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:7 encapsulates a foundational divine command given to Israel while still in Egypt, urging them to decisively abandon the detestable idolatry they had assimilated from their pagan surroundings and to avoid the spiritual defilement inherent in such practices. This imperative is rooted in God's self-revelation, "I am the LORD your God," a declaration asserting His exclusive sovereignty, holiness, and covenant relationship as the sole basis for their complete allegiance and purity, thereby setting the stage for their unique identity as His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20 commences with the elders of Israel seeking a word from the LORD, yet God, through Ezekiel, vehemently refuses to be consulted due to their entrenched idolatry. Instead, He embarks on a sweeping historical indictment of Israel's persistent rebellion, tracing their unfaithfulness from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness wanderings, and into the Promised Land. This comprehensive historical survey serves as a divine prosecution, highlighting Israel's consistent disobedience despite God's unwavering grace and covenant fidelity. Verse 7 specifically anchors this narrative in its earliest phase, recalling God's initial call to purity and exclusive worship *before* the Exodus. This early command underscores the deep-seated nature of Israel's idolatrous tendencies from their very inception as a nation, setting the thematic trajectory for the subsequent cycles of rebellion detailed throughout the chapter and emphasizing that their spiritual compromise began long before the formal giving of the Law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this divine command is ancient Egypt, a civilization utterly permeated by polytheistic worship and an elaborate pantheon of deities. Egyptian religion was inextricably woven into the fabric of daily life, encompassing the veneration of numerous animal gods (e.g., the Apis bull, sacred cats, crocodiles) alongside the deification of the Pharaoh himself. For the Israelites, who had endured centuries of servitude within this culture, the societal and religious pressure to assimilate and adopt these pervasive practices would have been immense and constant. Ezekiel 20:7 reveals that even prior to their miraculous deliverance from bondage, the Israelites had already begun to "defile themselves with the idols of Egypt," indicating a significant and active syncretism. God's command in this verse was, therefore, a radical and counter-cultural call for spiritual separation and exclusive devotion in a land saturated with competing deities, demanding a complete and definitive break from the deeply ingrained religious practices of their oppressors.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse is fundamental to several overarching themes that resonate throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Primarily, it establishes the theme of **God's exclusive sovereignty and His demand for unadulterated monotheism**, directly foreshadowing the [First Commandment given at Sinai](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me"). Secondly, it profoundly illustrates the theme of **idolatry as spiritual defilement**, underscoring that engagement with false gods pollutes both the individual and the communal body, rendering them impure and unacceptable before a holy God. This concept of defilement extends beyond mere ritual impurity to encompass deep spiritual corruption and moral compromise. Thirdly, the verse highlights **God's enduring covenant faithfulness** despite Israel's persistent rebellion, as He continues to call His people back to Himself even when they stray. Finally, the potent declaration "I am the LORD your God" functions as a recurring **covenant formula**, serving as a constant reminder to Israel of their unique, exclusive relationship with the one true God who delivered them and demands their undivided allegiance, a theme powerfully echoed in passages such as [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Promise to Be Their God") and [Leviticus 18:4](/leviticus/18-4 "Leviticus 18:4 - Obey My Laws and Statutes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** This term (H8251) denotes something utterly disgusting, filthy, and, most notably, idolatrous or an idol itself. It conveys a profound sense of revulsion and moral repugnance from God's perspective. The phrase "abominations of his eyes" thus signifies not merely things observed, but things seen, desired, and then embraced, leading to detestable, idolatrous practices that are a direct affront to God's holiness and purity.
* **Defile (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** The primitive root (H2930) means to be foul, contaminated, or unclean, particularly in a ceremonial or moral sense. Its application here emphasizes that engaging with idols results in a deep spiritual impurity, rendering one unfit for communion with a holy God. This highlights the inherently corrupting and polluting nature of idolatry on the human spirit and its devastating impact on the relationship with God.
* **Idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** This word (H1544), derived from a root meaning "to roll," literally refers to a "log" or, more contemptuously, "dung-pellet." It is a deliberately derogatory term for idols, chosen to express profound contempt and ridicule for the worthless, lifeless objects of pagan worship. By specifically calling them "idols of Egypt," God targets the pervasive, alluring, yet ultimately impotent false gods of their oppressive environment, contrasting them sharply with His own living power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said I unto them,"**: This introductory phrase unequivocally establishes the divine speaker as the LORD Himself, addressing the Israelites directly. It underscores the authoritative, personal, and non-negotiable nature of the command, emphasizing that it originates from God's own sovereign will and is directed to His people.
* **"Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes,"**: This is a potent imperative command, demanding decisive and immediate action. The phrase "every man" highlights individual responsibility within the collective. "Abominations of his eyes" refers to the detestable things seen, desired, and lusted after, implying that the visual allure and internal craving for idolatry were a primary and persistent problem for the Israelites. It is a forceful call to actively reject, discard, and separate from anything that offends God and draws one away from exclusive devotion to Him.
* **"and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt:"**: This clause presents a direct prohibition against spiritual contamination. The specific mention of "the idols of Egypt" points to the pervasive and corrupting influence of Egyptian polytheism on Israel during their long sojourn. The command "defile not yourselves" serves as a stern warning against the spiritual impurity, moral corruption, and covenant breach that inevitably result from engaging in idolatrous worship, which renders a person unclean and separated from the holy God.
* **"I [am] the LORD your God."**: This concluding declaration is the foundational theological statement that justifies and empowers the preceding commands. It is a profound declaration of God's unique identity (**Yahweh**, the self-existent, eternal, covenant-keeping God, H3068) and His exclusive, intimate covenant relationship with Israel (**your God**, H430). This statement asserts His supreme authority, His inherent right to demand exclusive worship, and His power to deliver, sustain, and judge them, making any devotion to other gods a direct affront to His nature, His covenant, and His sovereign claim over their lives.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:7 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message. The most prominent device is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in the commands "Cast ye away" and "defile not," which underscores the absolute, non-negotiable nature of God's divine mandate and highlights His supreme authority. **Metonymy** is powerfully present in the phrase "abominations of his eyes," where "eyes" represent not merely the organs of sight, but the internal desires, lusts, and temptations that originate from what is seen, ultimately leading to idolatrous practices. This points to the internal source of sin and spiritual compromise. Furthermore, the use of the derogatory term "idols" (_gillûwl_) itself functions as a form of **Dysphemism**, deliberately employing a contemptuous and demeaning word to diminish the false gods and emphasize their utter worthlessness in stark contrast to the living and true God. Finally, the concluding declaration, "I am the LORD your God," serves as both a profound **Covenant Formula** and a statement of **Divine Self-Revelation**, grounding the entire command in God's unique identity, His unwavering faithfulness, and His exclusive relationship with Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:7 encapsulates the very heart of God's covenant demand for exclusive worship and unblemished holiness, a foundational theme that reverberates throughout the entire biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation. It profoundly reveals that idolatry is not merely a ritualistic misstep or a cultural adaptation, but a profound spiritual defilement and a direct betrayal of the covenant relationship with the one true God. This command, issued even before the Mosaic Law was formally codified at Sinai, underscores God's consistent and unwavering abhorrence of anything that competes for His people's ultimate devotion. It highlights the inherent and ongoing tension between God's absolute sovereignty and humanity's persistent inclination to create gods in their own image, or to serve created things rather than the Creator. The potent declaration "I am the LORD your God" serves as the bedrock of all divine commands and expectations, asserting His ultimate authority, His inherent holiness, and the singular basis for all true worship, obedience, and spiritual flourishing.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the LORD Your God with All Your Heart")
* [Joshua 24:14](/joshua/24-14 "Joshua 24:14 - Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:7 serves as a timeless and piercing mirror, compelling us to critically examine what captivates the "abominations of our eyes" in contemporary life. While overt physical idols may be less common in many modern societies, the underlying principle of idolatry remains profoundly and insidiously relevant. Anything that subtly or overtly displaces God from His rightful, supreme position in our hearts—whether it be the relentless pursuit of wealth, the elevation of career, the idolization of relationships, the insatiable craving for entertainment, the obsession with self-image, or even an excessive devotion to personal comfort and security—becomes a modern "idol of Egypt" that defiles our spiritual walk and compromises our allegiance. This verse issues a radical call to spiritual purity and an exclusive, undivided devotion to the one true God. It challenges us to actively and decisively "cast away" those things we gaze upon, desire, and pursue that subtly or overtly draw us away from Him. Our identity as God's redeemed people demands a continuous turning away from the alluring influences and values of the world, and a constant, conscious reaffirmation that He alone is the LORD our God, uniquely worthy of all our worship, allegiance, and obedience in every facet of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "abominations of my eyes" in my life today that might be subtly or overtly drawing my affections and devotion away from God?**
* **In what specific ways might I be "defiling myself" by allowing worldly values, pursuits, or distractions to compromise my spiritual purity and exclusive devotion to Christ?**
* **How does the profound declaration "I am the LORD your God" reinforce the call for exclusive worship and uncompromising obedience in my daily life and decision-making?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can I take today to "cast away" modern idols and cultivate a deeper, more exclusive, and unreserved devotion to God alone?**

### FAQ

**What does "abominations of his eyes" mean for us today?**

Answer: For us today, "abominations of his eyes" refers to anything we see, desire, or fixate upon that leads us away from God or competes with our ultimate devotion to Him. In ancient Israel, this primarily referred to literal idols and the pagan practices associated with them. For contemporary believers, it can represent the more subtle, yet equally powerful, idols of our culture: materialism, the relentless pursuit of status or power, self-worship, excessive entertainment, or even an unhealthy obsession with social media validation. This phrase highlights the internal lust or desire that often originates from what we visually consume or are exposed to, ultimately leading to spiritual defilement. The command calls us to guard our hearts and minds vigilantly from anything that would corrupt our relationship with the holy God, much like Jesus warned against the lust that begins in the heart in [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust of the Heart").

**Why does God specifically mention "idols of Egypt"?**

Answer: God specifically mentions "idols of Egypt" to underscore the pervasive and corrupting influence of Egyptian polytheism on the Israelites during their prolonged period of bondage. Egypt was a land saturated with the worship of numerous deities, and the Israelites had evidently adopted some of these pagan practices, even before the formal giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. By specifying "idols of Egypt," God highlights the particular cultural and historical context of their initial rebellion and emphasizes the urgent need for a complete and definitive break from the very system that had enslaved them, both physically and spiritually. It was a clear call to distinguish themselves entirely from the pagan world from which they were being miraculously delivered, as seen in God's later commands for strict separation in [Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Do Not Follow Egyptian Practices").

**How does God's declaration "I am the LORD your God" relate to this command?**

Answer: The declaration "I am the LORD your God" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Elohim_) is the fundamental basis and ultimate justification for the command to cast away idols and avoid defilement. It asserts God's unique identity as the self-existent, sovereign Creator and His exclusive, covenantal relationship with Israel. Because He is _Yahweh_, the one true God who powerfully delivered them from slavery and faithfully sustains them, He alone possesses the inherent right to demand their exclusive worship and complete obedience. This profound statement underscores His supreme authority, His unblemished holiness, and His divine jealousy for His people's undivided devotion. It serves as a powerful reminder that their very identity and existence are intrinsically linked to Him, and therefore, their allegiance must be absolute and undivided, as emphatically emphasized throughout the covenant stipulations in [Deuteronomy 5:6-7](/deuteronomy/5-6-7 "Deuteronomy 5:6-7 - The Ten Commandments Begin").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:7, with its stern command against idolatry and spiritual defilement, finds its ultimate fulfillment and the perfect solution to humanity's innate idolatrous tendencies in Jesus Christ. The "abominations of his eyes" and the "idols of Egypt" represent humanity's pervasive inclination to worship creation rather than the Creator, a spiritual bondage that Christ came precisely to break. Just as God sovereignly called Israel out of the physical and spiritual slavery of Egypt, so too does Christ call humanity out of the profound bondage of sin and idolatry, which inherently defile the soul and separate us from a holy God. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the ultimate and complete purification that the Old Testament sacrificial system only foreshadowed. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ cleanses us from all defilement, enabling us to approach a holy God without the stain of idolatry. He embodies the very declaration "I am the LORD your God," for in Him, God's sovereignty, holiness, and covenant faithfulness are fully and perfectly revealed. As believers, we are now called to cast away all idols, not by our own strength or willpower, but by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit who indwells us, enabling us to worship God "in spirit and truth" through Christ, who is [the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life"). He is the one who sets us truly free from the "lust of the eyes" and every other form of worldly allure, empowering us to live lives of exclusive and undefiled devotion to the Father, just as He perfectly demonstrated in His earthly life.

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

Leviticus 18:3

After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.

Deuteronomy 29:16

(For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt; and how we came through the nations which ye passed by;

Deuteronomy 29:18

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Leviticus 11:44

For I [am] the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I [am] holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Ezekiel 18:31

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Ezekiel 20:8

But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 2:20

In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made [each one] for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;