Ezekiel 6:6

KJV

In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.

KJV (with Strong's)

In all your dwellingplaces {H4186} the cities {H5892} shall be laid waste {H2717}, and the high places {H1116} shall be desolate {H3456}; that your altars {H4196} may be laid waste {H2717} and made desolate {H816}, and your idols {H1544} may be broken {H7665} and cease {H7673}, and your images {H2553} may be cut down {H1438}, and your works {H4639} may be abolished {H4229}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everywhere you live, the cities will be destroyed and the high places wrecked; so that your altars can be destroyed and wrecked, your idols broken and abolished, your pillars for sun-worship cut down and the things you have made wiped out.

Berean Standard Bible

Wherever you live, the cities will be laid waste and the high places will be demolished, so that your altars will be laid waste and desecrated, your idols smashed and obliterated, your incense altars cut down, and your works blotted out.

American Standard Version

In all your dwelling-places the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your sun-images may be hewn down, and your works may be abolished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse from Ezekiel 6:6 powerfully articulates the comprehensive and devastating judgment God would bring upon the land of Israel due to its pervasive idolatry. It prophesies the utter desolation of their dwelling places and cities, specifically targeting the "high places," altars, idols, and images that were central to their pagan worship. This divinely ordained destruction is portrayed not merely as punishment, but as a thorough act of purification designed to eradicate every vestige of false worship and ultimately compel Israel to acknowledge the Lord's supreme authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 6 opens a new prophetic oracle, distinct from the preceding chapters which often focused on Ezekiel's call and symbolic actions. Here, God directly addresses "the mountains of Israel" [Ezekiel 6:2](/ezekiel/6-2 "Ezekiel 6:2 - Prophecy to the Mountains of Israel"), shifting from general pronouncements to a specific indictment of the land itself as a participant in Israel's sin. This chapter immediately follows prophecies of Jerusalem's siege and famine [Ezekiel 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - Judgment on Jerusalem"), setting the stage for a broader judgment against the entire nation's spiritual apostasy. The repeated phrase "and ye shall know that I am the Lord" [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - The Purpose of Judgment") serves as a refrain, emphasizing that the purpose of this severe judgment is ultimately theological: to reveal God's identity and power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period when many Judeans were already in captivity, and Jerusalem's final destruction was imminent. Idolatry was a deeply entrenched problem in Israel, a persistent violation of the Mosaic covenant, particularly the [first commandment to have no other gods before Him](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). The "high places" (Hebrew: *bâmôt*) were elevated shrines, often on hilltops, originally intended for legitimate worship but frequently corrupted by Canaanite practices, including Baal and Asherah worship, child sacrifice, and cultic prostitution [2 Kings 23:13](/2_kings/23-13 "2 Kings 23:13 - Josiah's Reforms Against High Places"). "Images" (Hebrew: *chammânîm*) refer to sun-pillars or incense altars, indicating the syncretistic nature of Israel's worship, blending Yahwism with pagan solar deities. The cultural landscape was saturated with these pagan symbols, making their eradication a necessary step for spiritual cleansing.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme woven throughout [Ezekiel 6](/ezekiel/6 "Ezekiel 6 - Judgment Against Idolatry") is **Divine Judgment for Idolatry**. God's unwavering intolerance for the worship of false gods is starkly evident, as the destruction of cities and "high places" is presented as a direct, inevitable consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to their spiritual prostitution. A secondary, yet crucial, theme is **Desolation as Purification**. The widespread "laying waste" and "desolation" described in the verse serve a dual purpose: punitive and purificatory. The land must be cleansed of the defilement caused by idolatry, preparing it, albeit through severe means, for a future restoration. Finally, the passage highlights the **Abolition of False Worship**, as the ultimate aim of God's judgment is to utterly dismantle and eradicate the physical manifestations and practices of paganism, ensuring that only the Lord is worshipped.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **High places (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be high," this term refers to elevated sites, often natural hills or constructed mounds, which became prominent locations for pagan worship in ancient Israel. While some were initially used for legitimate worship of Yahweh, they were overwhelmingly corrupted by Canaanite fertility cults and idolatrous practices, making them symbols of Israel's spiritual apostasy.
* **Idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** This is a derogatory term specifically used by Ezekiel and other prophets to describe false gods or cultic images. Derived from a root meaning "to roll," it literally implies a "log" or "dung-pellet," conveying utter contempt and worthlessness. By calling them *gillûlîm*, the prophet underscores their impotence and defilement in contrast to the living God.
* **Laid waste (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to parch (through drought)" or "to desolate, destroy, kill." This word vividly describes the comprehensive destruction and desolation that would befall the land. It implies not merely damage, but utter ruin and emptiness, emphasizing the totality of God's judgment against the idolatrous practices and their physical manifestations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste":** This clause establishes the broad scope of the judgment, indicating that no part of the inhabited land will escape. The destruction will extend to the very centers of human habitation, signifying a complete societal upheaval and the undoing of their settled existence.
* **"and the high places shall be desolate":** This specifically targets the prominent sites of idolatrous worship. The desolation of these "high places" underscores God's direct assault on the spiritual strongholds of paganism, rendering them empty and void of their illicit religious activity.
* **"that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate":** This phrase reveals the divine purpose behind the desolation: the destruction of the altars where sacrifices were offered to false gods. The repetition of "laid waste and made desolate" emphasizes the thoroughness of their destruction, ensuring they can no longer be used for abominable worship.
* **"and your idols may be broken and cease":** Here, the focus shifts to the physical representations of the false deities. "Broken" signifies their shattering into pieces, rendering them useless, while "cease" implies their complete cessation of function and influence, marking the end of their perceived power.
* **"and your images may be cut down":** This refers to the destruction of specific cultic pillars or sun-images, often associated with Baal or Asherah worship. "Cut down" suggests a violent felling or demolition, mirroring the destruction of trees or structures, symbolizing the forceful removal of these offensive objects.
* **"and your works may be abolished":** This concluding phrase encompasses all other acts, practices, and creations associated with their idolatrous worship. "Works" (Hebrew: *maʻăseh*) can refer to deeds, products, or even religious rituals. "Abolished" (Hebrew: *mâchâh*) implies their complete erasure or wiping out, ensuring that no trace of their unfaithful religious system remains.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 6:6 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the severity and purpose of God's judgment. **Repetition** is prominent, with terms like "laid waste" and "desolate" appearing multiple times, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the destruction. This **anaphora** emphasizes the totality of the divine wrath against idolatry. **Parallelism** is also evident in the listing of various objects of destruction—cities, high places, altars, idols, images, and works—each paired with a verb of destruction (laid waste, desolate, broken, cease, cut down, abolished). This creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, highlighting the systematic dismantling of Israel's pagan infrastructure. The verse also utilizes **symbolism**, where "dwellingplaces," "cities," and "high places" symbolize the entire nation and its pervasive sin, while "altars," "idols," and "images" represent the specific manifestations of their spiritual rebellion. The imagery of breaking, cutting down, and abolishing evokes a sense of irreversible destruction and divine cleansing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 6:6 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His absolute intolerance for idolatry. It reveals a God who is not merely offended by false worship but actively intervenes to dismantle it, demonstrating His sovereignty and holiness. The judgment described is a severe, yet necessary, act of divine surgery, designed to excise the cancerous growth of paganism from His people. This passage underscores that true worship demands exclusive devotion, and any deviation into syncretism or the veneration of created things invites divine wrath. Ultimately, the purpose of this judgment is redemptive: to purify a people and a land that had become defiled, compelling them to acknowledge the one true God.

* [Deuteronomy 4:23-24](/deuteronomy/4-23-24 "Deuteronomy 4:23-24 - God is a Consuming Fire")
* [Isaiah 2:18-20](/isaiah/2-18-20 "Isaiah 2:18-20 - Idols Cast Away")
* [Hosea 10:8](/hosea/10-8 "Hosea 10:8 - Call to the Mountains")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 6:6, while rooted in ancient Israel's context, serves as a timeless and potent warning for believers today. It compels us to rigorously examine our own hearts and lives for any "high places" or "idols" that might subtly compete for the exclusive devotion due to God. These modern idols may not be carved images but could manifest as an inordinate pursuit of wealth, career, relationships, comfort, self-reliance, or even spiritual practices divorced from true worship. The verse reminds us that God is a jealous God, zealous for His glory and for the purity of His people. Sometimes, the "desolation" or "breaking" we experience in our lives—whether through loss, hardship, or disappointment—can be God's loving, though painful, hand working to expose and dismantle these hidden allegiances, drawing us back to sole reliance on Him. It is a call to radical spiritual honesty and a commitment to worship Him in spirit and truth, ensuring that our "works" are truly for His glory and not for self-aggrandizement or false security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high places" or "idols" might subtly exist in my own life, demanding my primary allegiance instead of God?**
* **How might God be using challenging circumstances in my life to "lay waste" or "break" things that hinder my pure worship of Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship is truly exclusive and undivided, honoring God alone?**

### FAQ

**What were "high places" and why were they so problematic?**

Answer: "High places" (Hebrew: *bâmôt*) were elevated sites, often natural hilltops or constructed platforms, that served as places of worship in ancient Israel. While some may have initially been used for legitimate worship of Yahweh, they became deeply problematic because they were overwhelmingly corrupted by Canaanite religious practices. These practices included the worship of pagan deities like Baal and Asherah, often involving rituals such as cultic prostitution and even child sacrifice [Jeremiah 19:5](/jeremiah/19-5 "Jeremiah 19:5 - Sacrificing Children to Baal"). God commanded Israel to destroy these sites upon entering the Promised Land [Numbers 33:52](/numbers/33-52 "Numbers 33:52 - Destroying Idolatrous Places"), yet they persisted throughout Israel's history, symbolizing their persistent disobedience and syncretism. Their existence represented a direct affront to God's command for exclusive worship.

**Why is God's judgment against idolatry so severe in Ezekiel 6:6?**

Answer: God's severe judgment against idolatry, as depicted in [Ezekiel 6:6](/ezekiel/6-6 "Ezekiel 6:6 - Judgment Against Idolatry"), stems from several profound theological reasons. Firstly, idolatry is a direct violation of the [first two commandments](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods") of the Mosaic covenant, which establish God's exclusive claim on Israel's worship and forbid the creation or veneration of images. Secondly, it represents a profound act of spiritual adultery, as Israel, God's bride, turned away from Him to pursue false lovers [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - God's Faithfulness and Israel's Adultery"). Thirdly, idolatry was inherently defiling, introducing abominable practices into the land and among the people, corrupting their moral and spiritual fabric. The severity of the judgment reflects the gravity of breaking covenant with the holy God and the necessity of thoroughly cleansing the land to restore true worship and demonstrate God's unchallengeable sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 6:6, with its vivid portrayal of the destruction of physical idols and places of false worship, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the demolition of stone and wood, but in the spiritual dismantling of idolatry within the human heart through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament judgment targeted external manifestations of sin, Christ's coming inaugurated a new covenant where the true battle against idolatry is waged internally. Through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice who cleanses us from the defilement of sin, including the sin of idolatry [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing from Dead Works"). He breaks the power of sin and false gods that once enslaved humanity, offering freedom to worship God "in spirit and truth" [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). The "abolishing of works" in Ezekiel 6:6 foreshadows Christ's abolition of the old covenant's ceremonial laws and the futility of human efforts to earn salvation, establishing a new way of grace. In Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to tear down the "strongholds" of false belief and "every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God" [2 Corinthians 10:4-5](/2_corinthians/10-4-5 "2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - Spiritual Warfare"), making their hearts true temples for the living God where only He is enthroned and worshipped. The desolation of the old, idolatrous system gives way to the new creation in Christ, where genuine, unadulterated devotion flourishes.

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 5:14

Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that [are] round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by.

Zechariah 13:2

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

Micah 1:7

And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered [it] of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.

Isaiah 6:11

Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,

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.

Leviticus 26:30

And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.

Hosea 10:2

Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.