Ezekiel 6:13

KJV

Then shall ye know that I [am] the LORD, when their slain [men] shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall ye know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, when their slain {H2491} men shall be among {H8432} their idols {H1544} round about {H5439} their altars {H4196}, upon every high {H7311} hill {H1389}, in all the tops {H7218} of the mountains {H2022}, and under every green {H7488} tree {H6086}, and under every thick {H5687} oak {H424}, the place {H4725} where they did offer {H5414} sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} to all their idols {H1544}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will know that I am ADONAI when their slain men are lying among their idols around their altars on every high hill, on every mountaintop, under every green tree, under every thick pistachio tree, wherever they offered sweet-smelling sacrifices to appease their idols.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will know that I am the LORD, when their slain lie among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the mountaintops, and under every green tree and leafy oak—the places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols.

American Standard Version

And ye shall know that I am Jehovah, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, on all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the places where they offered sweet savor to all their idols.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 6:13 serves as a stark prophetic declaration of divine judgment against Israel's pervasive and deeply entrenched idolatry. It graphically portrays the desolation that will befall the land and its people, depicting slain idolaters lying among their powerless idols and defiled altars across the very "high places" where illicit worship was offered. This devastating outcome is presented as God's decisive act to force an experiential recognition of His absolute sovereignty and unique identity as Yahweh, thereby exposing the utter futility and destructive consequences of worshipping false gods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 6 is a direct and forceful oracle delivered by the prophet Ezekiel specifically to the "mountains of Israel," which were infamous throughout the land for hosting pagan worship sites. This chapter immediately follows a series of pronouncements of judgment against Jerusalem and Judah for their profound rebellion and idolatry, as detailed in [Ezekiel 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - Judgment on Jerusalem and Judah"). Verse 13 specifically details the horrific consequences of this impending judgment, describing the desecration of the land and the ultimate demise of those who practiced idolatry. A central theological motif woven throughout this chapter and indeed the entire book of Ezekiel is the recurring phrase, "Then shall ye know that I am the LORD." This leitmotif, seen in verses like [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the LORD Through Judgment"), emphasizes that the ultimate purpose behind God's severe actions, whether punitive or redemptive, is to reveal His unique identity, singular sovereignty, and unwavering faithfulness to both His people and the surrounding nations. Verse 13, therefore, functions as a climactic and definitive statement on the inevitable futility of placing trust in anything or anyone other than Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered his prophecies during a profoundly tumultuous period for the kingdom of Judah, specifically while he was among the exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BC. Despite repeated warnings from numerous prophets, the people of Judah had persistently engaged in idolatry, often blending the worship of Yahweh with the abominable practices of Canaanite fertility cults, such as those dedicated to Baal and Asherah. The specific locations mentioned in the verse—"every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak"—refer to the ubiquitous "high places" (Hebrew: *bamot*), which were elevated sites and sacred groves where pagan altars and illicit rituals were regularly performed. These practices constituted a direct and grievous violation of God's covenant commands, particularly the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"), which unequivocally prohibited the worship of any other gods. The phrase "sweet savour" typically denotes an offering pleasing to God, but here it is applied with biting irony to pagan sacrifices, underscoring the profound perversion of true worship in God's eyes. The judgment described in Ezekiel 6:13 reflects God's righteous and uncompromising response to this deep-seated apostasy, aimed at purifying the defiled land and restoring His exclusive honor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates the theme of **Divine Self-Revelation Through Judgment**. The repeated phrase "Then shall ye know that I am the LORD" functions as a theological cornerstone, signifying that God's actions, even those involving destruction and desolation, are purposefully designed to unveil His unique sovereignty, omnipotence, and unwavering identity to a rebellious people and the observing nations. Secondly, it vividly portrays the **Consequences of Idolatry**. The graphic imagery of slain idolaters lying amidst their worthless idols highlights the utter futility, impotence, and destructive end of worshipping false gods. This emphasizes that idolatry is not merely a ritualistic error but a profound act of spiritual betrayal that carries severe and divinely ordained repercussions. Thirdly, the verse speaks directly to the **Desecration and Purification of the Land**. The judgment described specifically targets and defiles the very places of pagan worship, transforming sites of perceived holiness into scenes of death and defilement. This act serves to cleanse the land of its abominations, thereby restoring its sanctity and exclusive dedication to Yahweh alone. This aligns seamlessly with the broader biblical theme of God's uncompromising **Holiness and Jealousy**, asserting that He will not share His glory with any false gods, as powerfully declared in [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Shared").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045. This verb denotes far more than mere intellectual understanding; it signifies a deep, experiential, and often relational apprehension. In the context of judgment, it implies a profound realization of Yahweh's true identity, power, and sovereignty, brought about through His decisive and undeniable actions. The people will "know" Him not just by hearing His word, but by witnessing and experiencing the severe consequences of their rebellion and the unfailing fulfillment of His prophetic declarations.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068. This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, Yahweh, which emphasizes His self-existence, eternality, and His unique, exclusive relationship with Israel. The declaration "I am the LORD" is a powerful assertion of His singular authority and absolute claim to exclusive worship, standing in stark and deliberate contrast to the utterly powerless and worthless "idols" mentioned repeatedly within the verse.
* **idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** H1544. This term, frequently employed by Ezekiel, is a highly derogatory and contemptuous designation for pagan deities, literally meaning "logs" or "dung-pellets." Its use underscores the utter worthlessness, impotence, and defiling nature of these false gods, especially when juxtaposed with the living, omnipotent God, Yahweh. The repetition of this term within the verse emphasizes the pervasive and deeply offensive nature of Israel's widespread apostasy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall ye know that I [am] the LORD":** This opening clause is a foundational and recurring motif throughout the book of Ezekiel. It signifies that the impending judgment is not random or arbitrary destruction, but a purposeful and revelatory act of divine self-disclosure. Through the severe and undeniable consequences of their idolatry, the people will be compelled to acknowledge Yahweh's singular sovereignty, immense power, and unwavering faithfulness, recognizing Him as the one true God who unfailingly keeps His word.
* **"when their slain [men] shall be among their idols round about their altars":** This graphic and disturbing imagery vividly depicts the horrific aftermath of God's righteous judgment. The idolaters, struck down in death, lie lifeless amidst the very objects and at the very places they worshipped. This serves as a stark and undeniable demonstration of the idols' utter inability to protect their devotees, transforming sites of supposed spiritual power and blessing into scenes of profound defilement, death, and utter futility. It powerfully highlights the ultimate betrayal inherent in false worship.
* **"upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak":** This comprehensive and exhaustive list meticulously details the specific, widespread geographical locations where idolatry was habitually practiced throughout the land. These elevated places and lush groves were traditionally associated with pagan fertility cults and served as illicit worship sites, commonly known as "high places" (*bamot*). The extensive repetition and enumeration emphasize the pervasive and deeply entrenched nature of Israel's apostasy, indicating that virtually no corner of the land was free from this spiritual defilement.
* **"the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols":** This final clause provides the explicit reason and justification for the severe judgment upon these specific locations. The term "sweet savour" (or "pleasing aroma") is typically used in the Old Testament to describe sacrifices that are acceptable and pleasing to Yahweh (e.g., [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Sacrifice")). Here, however, it is employed with biting irony and sarcasm to describe the pagan offerings. This usage underscores the profound perversion of true worship and highlights the utter offensiveness of these abominable sacrifices in God's sight. The judgment directly targets the very sites of their perverted worship, transforming their "sacred" spaces into monuments of their folly and powerful testimonies to God's righteous wrath against their abominations.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 6:13 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of judgment and divine revelation. The most prominent is **Irony**, particularly evident in the phrase "sweet savour" being applied to pagan offerings. This term, typically reserved for sacrifices pleasing to Yahweh, is used here to highlight the perversion of true worship and the utterly offensive nature of idolatrous practices in God's sight, turning a concept of acceptance into one of abhorrence. The verse also utilizes powerful **Juxtaposition**, placing the "slain men" directly "among their idols" and "round about their altars." This stark and gruesome contrast dramatically underscores the powerlessness of the false gods and the ultimate futility of trusting in them for protection or salvation. **Repetition** is a key feature, manifest in the exhaustive listing of "every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak." This serves as a form of **Merism** or **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the widespread, pervasive, and comprehensive nature of idolatry throughout the entire land of Israel. This exhaustive enumeration reinforces the idea that no place was untouched by their sin, thereby justifying the equally comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment. Finally, the recurring phrase "Then shall ye know that I am the LORD" functions as a powerful **Leitmotif** throughout Ezekiel, serving as a theological refrain that articulates the ultimate, overarching purpose of all God's actions—to unequivocally reveal His true identity, singular sovereignty, and covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 6:13 is a profound theological statement on God's uncompromising holiness and His absolute intolerance for idolatry. It unequivocally reveals that Yahweh is a jealous God who will not share His glory with false deities, nor will He tolerate the defilement of His land and His people through abominable practices. The judgment described is not merely punitive; it is fundamentally revelatory, designed to bring about an experiential and undeniable knowledge of God's unique sovereignty. The utter futility of trusting in anything or anyone other than the one true God is graphically illustrated, demonstrating that idols, far from being sources of protection, blessing, or spiritual power, ultimately become silent witnesses to the destruction of their deluded devotees. This passage underscores the fundamental truth that allegiance to God demands exclusive worship and that any deviation from this covenantal requirement inevitably leads to severe, divinely ordained consequences.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment Against Idolatry")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Exclusive Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 6:13 stands as a timeless and sobering warning for all generations, transcending its ancient context. While ancient Israel grappled with tangible idols of wood and stone, modern society is equally, if not more, susceptible to insidious and often subtle forms of idolatry. Anything that displaces God from the supreme, rightful position in our lives—be it the pursuit of wealth, career advancement, personal relationships, comfort, self-image, or even spiritual practices that become ends in themselves—can effectively become an idol. This verse calls us to a profound and honest self-examination, urging us to diligently identify and courageously dismantle any false gods we may unknowingly be serving or prioritizing. It serves as a stark reminder that God's sovereignty is absolute, and His demand for exclusive worship is unwavering. When we fail to acknowledge Him as the singular Lord in all areas of our lives, we inevitably invite spiritual desolation, mirroring the physical desolation experienced by ancient Israel. Ultimately, this powerful passage encourages a radical return to singular devotion, recognizing that true life, enduring peace, and ultimate security are found exclusively in Yahweh, the one true God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" (whether tangible possessions, intangible pursuits, or even relationships) might be subtly or overtly competing for God's rightful place of supremacy in my life today?**
* **How does God's severe judgment, as vividly depicted in this verse, reveal His character, His holiness, and His ultimate purposes for humanity?**
* **In what specific, practical ways can I more consistently and wholeheartedly demonstrate my exclusive allegiance to the one true God in my daily decisions and priorities?**
* **How can understanding the devastating consequences of ancient Israel's idolatry help me to discern and more effectively resist the contemporary, often more subtle, forms of idolatry prevalent in my culture and within my own heart?**

### FAQ
**What does "Then shall ye know that I am the LORD" mean in Ezekiel?**

Answer: This recurring phrase (e.g., [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the LORD Through Judgment")) is a pivotal theological motif throughout the book of Ezekiel. It signifies a profound, experiential, and undeniable recognition of God's unique identity, omnipotence, and singular sovereignty, often brought about through His mighty acts of judgment or, conversely, through His acts of restoration. It is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a deep, unshakeable conviction that Yahweh alone is the true and living God, standing in absolute contrast to the powerless and lifeless idols. The judgment serves as a dramatic, undeniable revelation of His character, authority, and faithfulness to both the rebellious people of Israel and the surrounding nations.

**Why were "high hills" and "green trees" significant in Israelite idolatry?**

Answer: These specific locations were commonly utilized for pagan worship practices throughout the ancient Near East. "High places" (encompassing hills and mountains) were often perceived as being closer to the divine realm, making them ideal and preferred sites for erecting altars and performing sacrifices. "Green trees" and "thick oaks" were frequently associated with various fertility cults (such as the worship of Baal and Asherah) and were regarded as sacred groves. The Old Testament consistently condemns these sites as places where Israel engaged in abominable practices, directly violating God's explicit command to worship Him exclusively at the designated sanctuary (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Pagan Sites")). Ezekiel 6:13 powerfully highlights God's righteous judgment specifically targeting and defiling these very locations that had been profaned by idolatry.

**What is the significance of "sweet savour" being offered to idols?**

Answer: The term "sweet savour" (or "pleasing aroma") is typically employed in the Old Testament to describe an offering that is acceptable, agreeable, and pleasing to Yahweh (e.g., [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Sacrifice") or [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as Pleasing Aroma")). In Ezekiel 6:13, its application to pagan offerings is deeply ironic and laden with sarcasm. This usage underscores the profound perversion of true worship and highlights the utter offense and abomination these illicit sacrifices were in the eyes of the holy God. It emphasizes that what was considered pleasing and sacred by the idolaters was, in fact, an abhorrent and provoking act to the true God, leading directly to His severe and righteous judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 6:13, with its stark and uncompromising portrayal of divine judgment against idolatry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the eradication of physical idols, but in the radical transformation of the human heart through the power of the gospel. The gruesome imagery of "slain men among their idols" vividly illustrates the utter futility and spiritual death that result from seeking life, security, or meaning apart from the one true God. Jesus Christ, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offers the perfect and singular "sweet savour" sacrifice, fulfilling all the Old Testament offerings and providing the only acceptable means of drawing near to a holy God ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work on the cross, the enslaving power of sin and idolatry—which grips the human heart—is decisively broken for those who believe ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Crucified with Christ")). The profound motif of "knowing that I am the LORD" is most fully and intimately realized in Christ, for in Him, God has perfectly and completely revealed Himself ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing the Father in Jesus")). Believers are therefore called to turn from all forms of idolatry, whether overt or subtle, and to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), recognizing that true life, freedom, and eternal security are found exclusively in Christ, who delivers us from the dominion of darkness and graciously transfers us into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, the judgment on idolatry in Ezekiel powerfully foreshadows the spiritual liberation and the new covenant worship made possible solely through Jesus.

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 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.

Hosea 4:13

They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof [is] good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.

1 Kings 14:23

For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.

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.

2 Kings 16:4

And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

Ezekiel 6:4

And your altars shall be desolate, and your images shall be broken: and I will cast down your slain [men] before your idols.

Ezekiel 6:7

And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.