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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ezekiel 6:11–14. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The same threatenings which we had before in the foregoing chapter, and in the former part of this, are here repeated, with a direction to the prophet to lament them, that those he prophesied to might be the more affected with the foresight of them.
I.He must by his gestures in preaching express the dep sense he had both of the iniquities and of the calamities of the house of Israel (Eze 6:11): Smite with thy hand and stamp with thy foot. Thus he must make it to appear that he was in earnest in what he said to them, that he firmly believed it and laid it to heart. Thus he must signify the just displeasure he had conceived at their sins, and the just dread he was under of the judgments coming upon them. Some would reject this use of these gestures, and call them antic and ridiculous; but God bids him use them because they might help to enforce the word upon some and give it the setting on; and those that know the worth of souls will be content to be laughed at by the wits, so they may but edify the weak. Two things the prophet must thus lament: - 1. National sins. Alas! for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel. Note, The sins of sinners are the sorrows of God's faithful servants, especially the evil abominations of the house of Israel, whose sins are more abominable and have more evil in them than the sins of others. Alas! What will be in the end hereof? 2. National judgments. To punish them for these abominations they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence. Note, It is our duty to be affected not only with our own sins and sufferings, but with the sins and sufferings of others; and to look with compassion upon the miseries that wicked people bring upon themselves; as Christ beheld Jerusalem and wept over it.
II.He must inculcate what he had said before concerning the destruction that was coming upon them.
1.They shall be run down and ruined by a variety of judgments which shall find them out and follow them wherever they are (Eze 6:12): He that is far off, and thinks himself out of danger, because out of the reach of the Chaldeans' arrows, shall find himself not out of the reach of God's arrows, which fly day and night (Psa 91:5): He shall die of the pestilence. He that is near a place of strength, which he hopes will be to him a place of safety, shall fall by the sword, before he can retreat. He that is so cautious as not to venture out, but remains in the city, shall there die by the famine, the saddest death of all. Thus will God accomplish his fury, that is, do all that against them which he had purposed to do.
2.They shall read their sin in their punishment; for their slain men shall be among their idols, round about their altars, as was threatened before, Eze 6:5-7. There, where they had prostrated themselves in honour of their idols, God will lay them dead, to their own reproach and the reproach of their idols. They lived among them and shall die among them. They had offered sweet odours to their idols, but there shall their dead carcases send forth an offensive smell, as it were to atone for that misplaced incense.
3.The country shall be all laid waste, as, before, the cities (Eze 6:6): I will make the land desolate. That fruitful, pleasant, populous country, that has been as the garden of the Lord, the glory of all lands, shall be desolate, more desolate than the wilderness towards Diblath, Eze 6:14. It is called Diblathaim (Num 33:46; Jer 48:22), that great and terrible wilderness which is described, Deu 8:15, wherein were fiery serpents and scorpions. The land of Canaan is at this day one of the most barren desolate countries in the world. City and country are thus depopulated, that the altars may be laid waste and made desolate, Eze 6:6. Rather than their idolatrous altars shall be left standing, both town and country shall be laid in ruins. Sin is a desolating thing; therefore stand in awe and sin not.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verse 13.) And you shall know that I am the Lord, when your slain shall be in the midst of your idols, round about your altars, upon every high hill, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols. It is evident according to the literal sense, and needs no interpretation, that in the mountains of Israel, and in the high places, among the altars and groves, which are called thick trees, the army of Israel was slain, that they might be punished in the same places where they had sinned. According to allegory, let us follow the proposed order. When the masters of heretics, who are instructed in the knowledge of Scriptures, have been crushed and overcome by the Ecclesiastical men, we see them lying among the idols they created, and those who elevated themselves against the knowledge of God lie scattered on the mountains and hills beneath every leafy tree; those who have pompous words and the shadow of leaves, but do not have the fruits of good works; those who are under every leafy oak tree, which does not bear the fruits of men, but of pigs: where they burn fragrant incense not to God, but to their idols. And they could not say what is written about Noah: 'The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma' (Gen. VIII, 21): and that which Paul speaks: 'For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing' (II Cor. II, 15). But just as a holy person delights God with their fragrance, so sin is committed from whose person that psalm is sung: 'My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness' (Ps. XXXVII, 6), he kindles his foul incense for his idols. What we interpreted, on all the highest points of the mountains: and a little later: And under the whole leafy oak, they left seventy.
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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. 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, 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, 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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). 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.
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
FAQ
What does "Then shall ye know that I am the LORD" mean in Ezekiel?
This recurring phrase (e.g., Ezekiel 6:7) 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?
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). 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?
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 or Leviticus 1:9). 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, 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). 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). 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). 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), 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). Thus, the judgment on idolatry in Ezekiel powerfully foreshadows the spiritual liberation and the new covenant worship made possible solely through Jesus.