Ezekiel 7:20

KJV

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations [and] of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for the beauty {H6643} of his ornament {H5716}, he set {H7760} it in majesty {H1347}: but they made {H6213} the images {H6754} of their abominations {H8441} and of their detestable things {H8251} therein: therefore have I set {H5414} it far {H5079} from them.

Complete Jewish Bible

From their beautiful jewellery, in which they took such pride, they made their abominable idols and their other detestable things; therefore, for them I have caused it to be like something unclean.

Berean Standard Bible

His beautiful ornaments they transformed into pride and used them to fashion their vile images and detestable idols. Therefore I will make these into something unclean for them.

American Standard Version

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty; but they made the images of their abominations and their detestable things therein: therefore have I made it unto them as an unclean thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:20 vividly portrays the profound spiritual degradation of ancient Israel, specifically focusing on the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. Despite its intended purpose as a place of divine majesty and beauty, the people defiled it by introducing idolatrous images and detestable practices. This act of profanation, a direct affront to God's holiness, provoked His righteous judgment, leading to the declaration that He would remove His presence and protection, symbolizing the impending destruction of the Temple and the city, and the subsequent exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7 marks a pivotal shift in the prophet's message, moving from general pronouncements of judgment to a specific, imminent declaration of "the end" for the land of Israel. This chapter is characterized by its urgent, repetitive, and all-encompassing nature, emphasizing the finality and inescapability of God's wrath due to pervasive sin. Verse 20 specifically details *why* this judgment is coming, highlighting the egregious sin of Temple desecration. It immediately precedes a description of the chaos and despair that will engulf the land, with people casting their silver and gold into the streets because it cannot save them from God's fury ([Ezekiel 7:19](/ezekiel/7-19 "Ezekiel 7:19 - Silver and Gold Cast Away")). This verse sets the stage for the more detailed visions of Temple abominations that Ezekiel will witness in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Idolatry in the Temple"), where the prophet is shown various forms of idolatry being practiced within the very precincts of the sanctuary, confirming the charges laid out in [Ezekiel 7:20](/ezekiel/7-20 "Ezekiel 7:20 - Desecration of the Temple").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 7 occurs during the early years of the Babylonian exile, specifically after the first deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BC. Ezekiel, himself an exile, prophesies to a people who still cling to the false hope that Jerusalem and its Temple are inviolable due to God's presence. However, the spiritual reality was dire: Judah had consistently violated the Mosaic Covenant, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption. The Temple, meant to be the dwelling place of Yahweh and the center of pure worship, had become a syncretistic site where pagan deities and rituals were brazenly introduced alongside the worship of God. Kings like Manasseh had even placed idols within the Temple itself ([2 Kings 21:4-7](/2_kings/21-4 "2 Kings 21:4-7 - Manasseh's Idolatry in the Temple")), and later reforms were often superficial or short-lived. The people's actions in [Ezekiel 7:20](/ezekiel/7-20 "Ezekiel 7:20 - The Desecrated Temple") represent the culmination of generations of covenant unfaithfulness, leading to the inevitable divine response of judgment and the withdrawal of God's protective presence, paving the way for the Temple's destruction by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **God's inviolable holiness and justice**, demonstrating that His presence cannot coexist with persistent sin and defilement. The desecration of the Temple underscores the theme of **idolatry as spiritual adultery**, portraying Israel's unfaithfulness to their covenant Lord by turning to "abominations" and "detestable things." This act of profaning sacred space directly challenges God's majesty and sovereignty, leading to the inevitable **divine judgment and withdrawal of glory**. The verse highlights the **consequences of covenant disobedience**, illustrating that God's promises of blessing are contingent upon faithfulness, and His warnings of curses for rebellion are absolute ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The Temple, once a symbol of God's dwelling among His people, becomes a testament to their rebellion and the reason for His departure, a theme further developed in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beauty (Hebrew, _tsᵉbîy'_):** From a root meaning "prominence," this word signifies splendor, glory, or conspicuous beauty. In this context, it refers to the magnificent and glorious Temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing its architectural grandeur and its intended purpose as a place reflecting God's own glory and presence. It highlights the stark contrast between what the Temple was meant to be and what it became.
* **majesty (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** This term denotes arrogance, excellency, pomp, or pride, but in a positive sense, it refers to majesty or glory. Here, it underscores the inherent dignity, honor, and sacredness of the Temple, indicating that it was established by God with a divine purpose and imbued with His glorious presence. The people's actions were a direct affront to this inherent majesty.
* **detestable things (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be disgusting," this word refers to something filthy, abominable, or disgusting, especially in a religious sense, often concretely referring to an idol. It is a strong term used to describe idolatrous practices and objects that are utterly repugnant to God, highlighting the extreme nature of the defilement introduced into His holy dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty":** This clause refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. "His ornament" (referring to God's dwelling) and "beauty" describe the Temple's magnificent structure and its sacred purpose, built to reflect God's glory and majesty. God Himself established it in a position of honor and splendor, as a testament to His presence among His people.
* **"but they made the images of their abominations [and] of their detestable things therein":** This is the core accusation. "They" refers to the people of Judah. Despite the Temple's sacred nature, they actively created and introduced idols ("images") and engaged in pagan worship practices ("abominations" and "detestable things") within its very precincts. This was a direct, willful act of rebellion and spiritual defilement against the holy God who dwelt there.
* **"therefore have I set it far from them":** This clause declares God's divine response and judgment. As a direct consequence of their profanation, God states that He will remove His protective presence and favor from the Temple and, by extension, from the people. "Set it far" implies a withdrawal, a rejection, and the abandonment of the Temple to its impending destruction, leading to the Babylonian exile. It signifies the end of His dwelling among them in that physical space due to their persistent sin.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:20 is rich in **Contrast**, a prominent literary device. The verse starkly juxtaposes the intended **beauty** and **majesty** of God's Temple with the **abominations** and **detestable things** introduced by the people. This creates a powerful sense of tragic irony, as the very place meant for God's glory becomes a monument to human depravity. The Temple itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's holy presence and covenant relationship with Israel. Its desecration thus symbolizes the breaking of that covenant and the profound spiritual corruption of the nation. The phrase "set it far from them" employs **Metonymy**, where the Temple's removal signifies God's withdrawal of His protective presence and the impending judgment on the people. It also carries a sense of **Divine Retribution**, directly linking the people's actions of defilement to God's just and severe consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:20 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God's holiness demands separation from sin and that persistent defilement of what is sacred inevitably leads to divine judgment. The Temple, as the earthly dwelling place of God's glory, was meant to be a beacon of His purity and a center for true worship. Its desecration by idolatry was not merely a ritualistic offense but a profound act of covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating Israel's spiritual rebellion and their rejection of God's unique sovereignty. This verse underscores that God's presence is not a guarantee of perpetual immunity from judgment, but rather a call to purity and obedience. When His people profane His name and His dwelling, He will, in His justice, withdraw His favor, leading to devastating consequences.

* [Ezekiel 8:5-18](/ezekiel/8-5 "Ezekiel 8:5-18 - The Abominations in the Temple") - Provides a detailed, visual account of the very "abominations" and "detestable things" mentioned in Ezekiel 7:20, showing the extent of idolatry within the Temple.
* [Ezekiel 10:18-19](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18-19 - The Glory of the Lord Departs") - Describes the departure of the glory of the Lord from the Temple, a direct fulfillment of God's declaration to "set it far from them."
* [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon") - Jeremiah's "Temple Sermon" also warns Judah against relying on the physical Temple while engaging in idolatry and injustice, predicting its destruction similar to Shiloh.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:20 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's absolute holiness and the severe consequences of profaning what is sacred. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, the principles of this verse resonate deeply for believers today. The New Testament teaches that individual believers are now the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple") and that the church corporately is [God's dwelling place by the Spirit](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - God's Dwelling Place"). This calls us to a profound introspection: are we allowing "abominations" and "detestable things"—whether they be sinful habits, worldly idols, ungodly attitudes, or compromised worship—to defile the "temple" of our hearts or the corporate body of Christ? This verse challenges us to cultivate a life of purity, reverence, and wholehearted devotion to God, recognizing that His presence is not to be taken for granted but cherished and honored through obedience and genuine worship. It compels us to examine our priorities, ensuring that our lives reflect the beauty and majesty of God's character, rather than being marred by the detestable things of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be allowing "abominations" or "detestable things" (e.g., idolatry of comfort, success, or self) to defile the "temple" of my heart or my spiritual walk?**
* **How does my personal and corporate worship reflect the "beauty" and "majesty" of God, or are there elements that might be considered "detestable" in His sight?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of reverence for God's holiness in my daily life and in my interactions within the church?**

### FAQ
**What was "the beauty of his ornament" referring to in Ezekiel 7:20?**

Answer: "The beauty of his ornament" refers to the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This phrase highlights its architectural splendor, its precious adornments, and its profound spiritual significance as the dwelling place of God's glory and majesty among His people. It was designed to be a beautiful and sacred space, reflecting the holiness of Yahweh, but it was tragically defiled by human sin.

**What kind of "abominations" and "detestable things" were being practiced in the Temple?**

Answer: The "abominations" and "detestable things" refer to various forms of idolatry and pagan rituals that the people of Judah introduced into the Temple. This included setting up idols of foreign gods, worshipping celestial bodies, engaging in cultic prostitution, and even child sacrifice in some instances, though not directly in the Temple itself, but as part of the broader idolatrous practices that provoked God's wrath. [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple") provides a graphic depiction of some of these specific pagan practices occurring within the Temple courts, such as the worship of creeping things and detestable beasts, and women weeping for Tammuz. These acts were explicitly forbidden by God's law and were an affront to His holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 7:20, with its lament over the desecrated Temple and the subsequent divine withdrawal, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Himself confronted the defilement of the Temple in Jerusalem, not by pagan idols, but by commercial exploitation and hypocrisy, declaring, "[My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves](/matthew/21-13 "Matthew 21:13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")" (Matthew 21:13). This act foreshadowed the end of the physical Temple as the central locus of God's presence. More significantly, Jesus declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")" (John 2:19), referring to the temple of His body. Christ Himself became the true and ultimate Temple, the perfect dwelling place of God, in whom all the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). His sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection cleansed the ultimate "temple," offering a perfect atonement for the "abominations" of humanity. Through His sacrifice, believers are now made pure and become living stones in a [spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones"), collectively forming the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You are God's Temple"), where God's presence truly resides. Thus, the "setting far" of the Old Covenant Temple paves the way for the "drawing near" of God in Christ, who perfectly fulfills the Temple's purpose and establishes a new, undefiled dwelling place for God among humanity.

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 24:21

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

Jeremiah 7:30

For the children of Judah have done evil in my sight, saith the LORD: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to pollute it.

Ezekiel 8:15

Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen [this], O son of man? turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations than these.

Ezekiel 8:16

And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.

Ezekiel 8:7

¶ And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall.

Ezekiel 8:10

So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.

Ezekiel 9:7

And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.