Ezekiel 8:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So I went in {H935} and saw {H7200}; and behold every form {H8403} of creeping things {H7431}, and abominable {H8263} beasts {H929}, and all the idols {H1544} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, pourtrayed {H2707} upon the wall {H7023} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I went in and looked, and there, carved on the walls all around, were every kind of reptile and repulsive animal, along with all the idols of the house of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

So I went in and looked, and engraved all around the wall was every kind of crawling creature and detestable beast, along with all the idols of the house of Israel.

American Standard Version

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, portrayed upon the wall round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 8:10 presents a chilling visual within the prophet's vision of the Jerusalem Temple, exposing the profound spiritual apostasy of the house of Israel. It reveals a shocking scene where the sacred walls of God's sanctuary were defiled with images of detestable creatures and idols, vividly portraying the extent to which the people had abandoned their covenant with Yahweh and embraced pagan worship practices, thus provoking divine wrath and justifying the impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within a series of visions granted to Ezekiel, beginning in [Ezekiel 8:1](/ezekiel/8-1 "Ezekiel 8:1 - The Vision Begins"), where he is supernaturally transported from Babylon to Jerusalem. The preceding verses describe Ezekiel being led by a divine hand to the entrance of the inner court of the Temple, specifically to the "door of the image of jealousy" ([Ezekiel 8:5](/ezekiel/8-5 "Ezekiel 8:5 - The Image of Jealousy")). This "image of jealousy" is the initial sign of the idolatry that provokes God's wrath. Verse 10 deepens this revelation, as Ezekiel is commanded to "go in and see" the greater abominations hidden within the Temple's very structure, unveiling a pervasive and systemic defilement that extends beyond a single idol to a multitude of pagan representations. This vision continues to expose even more grievous acts of idolatry in the subsequent verses, such as the seventy elders secretly worshipping idols ([Ezekiel 8:11-12](/ezekiel/8-11 "Ezekiel 8:11-12 - The Seventy Elders Worshipping Idols")) and women weeping for Tammuz ([Ezekiel 8:14](/ezekiel/8-14 "Ezekiel 8:14 - Women Weeping for Tammuz")), culminating in sun worship at the Temple entrance ([Ezekiel 8:16](/ezekiel/8-16 "Ezekiel 8:16 - Sun Worship in the Temple")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple") is dated to the sixth year of Ezekiel's exile (approximately 592 BC), placing it roughly five years after the first deportation of Judah to Babylon and about eight years before the final destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by Nebuchadnezzar. During this period, Judah was a vassal state of Babylon, and many of its elite, including Ezekiel, were already in exile. Despite the warnings from prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, the people remaining in Jerusalem, including religious leaders, continued to engage in syncretistic worship. The "creeping things, and abominable beasts" likely refer to animal cults, possibly influenced by Egyptian worship of various animals (e.g., sacred bulls, crocodiles, cats) or Canaanite fertility cults that often incorporated animalistic deities or symbols. The act of portraying these images "upon the wall round about" suggests a deliberate and widespread adoption of these foreign practices, moving beyond mere tolerance to active integration within the very heart of Yahweh's sanctuary, a direct affront to the exclusive worship commanded in the Torah, as seen in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment").
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 8:10 powerfully underscores several critical themes pervading the book of Ezekiel. First, **Rampant Idolatry** is the most explicit theme, showcasing the profound depth of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. The presence of diverse "creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols" within the Temple signifies a complete perversion of true worship and a direct violation of God's covenant. Second, the concept of **Spiritual Abomination and Defilement** is central. The Hebrew term for "abominable" (H8263, *sheqets*) denotes something ritually unclean, detestable, and an object of divine revulsion, emphasizing the profound offense these practices caused to God's holiness and the defilement of His sacred dwelling place. This defilement necessitates divine judgment and purification. Third, the theme of **Divine Revelation and Justification of Judgment** is evident. God actively reveals these hidden sins to Ezekiel, demonstrating that nothing is concealed from His omniscient gaze. This divine disclosure serves to justify the severe judgment that is about to befall Jerusalem and its inhabitants, explaining why God would permit the destruction of His own Temple and the exile of His people, as detailed in [Ezekiel 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - The Slaughter in Jerusalem"). The portrayal of these idols on the walls suggests a deep-seated and institutionalized apostasy, not merely isolated acts of sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** From H1544, meaning "properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol." This term, *gillûwl*, is often used by Ezekiel (and Leviticus) to describe the detestable objects of pagan worship. It carries a strong connotation of worthlessness and contempt, often translated as "dung-gods" or "filthy idols," emphasizing God's utter disdain for them. It suggests that these were not merely images but objects of active veneration, seen as vile and repugnant in God's sight.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, meaning "probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)." In this context, *bayith* refers to the "house of Israel," signifying the entire nation, the collective people, and by extension, their sacred dwelling place, the Temple. The phrase "idols of the house of Israel" highlights that this idolatry was not isolated to a few individuals but was endemic to the very fabric and identity of the covenant people, even within the Temple, which was meant to be God's exclusive dwelling.
* **pourtrayed (Hebrew, _châqâh'_):** From H2707, a primitive root meaning "to carve; by implication, to delineate; also to entrench." The use of *châqâh* indicates that these images were not temporary or easily removable but were permanently etched, carved, or painted onto the Temple walls. This implies a deliberate, intentional, and deeply ingrained commitment to these pagan practices, signifying a profound and lasting defilement of the sacred space. It speaks to the permanence of their apostasy.
* **wall (Hebrew, _qîyr'_):** From H7023, meaning "or קִר; (Isaiah 22:5), or (feminine) קִירָה; from קוּר; a wall (as built in a trench)." The term *qîyr* refers specifically to the structural walls of the Temple. The fact that these abominable images were "pourtrayed upon the wall round about" underscores the pervasive nature of the idolatry. It wasn't confined to a hidden corner but was an omnipresent feature within the sacred precincts, surrounding the worshippers and defiling every direction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So I went in and saw;":** This initial clause emphasizes Ezekiel's direct, personal observation of the abominations. The divine instruction for him to "go in" signifies God's intention to fully expose the hidden depths of Israel's sin, leaving no doubt about the justification for the impending judgment. Ezekiel is not merely hearing about these sins but is an eyewitness, providing a divine warrant for his prophetic message.
* **"and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts,":** This vivid description reveals the nature of the idolatry. "Every form" (H8403, *tabnîyth*, meaning "structure; by implication, a model, resemblance") indicates a wide variety of images. "Creeping things" (H7431, *remes*, "a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal") and "abominable beasts" (H8263, *sheqets*, "filth, i.e. (figuratively and specifically) an idolatrous object" combined with H929, *bᵉhêmâh*, "a dumb beast") refer to a diverse array of animalistic idols. This directly violates the second commandment against making images of anything in heaven or on earth ([Exodus 20:4](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment")), and specifically points to the degradation of worshipping creatures rather than the Creator, echoing the spiritual decline described in [Romans 1:23](/romans/1-23 "Romans 1:23 - Exchanging God's Glory for Images").
* **"and all the idols of the house of Israel,":** This phrase explicitly identifies the images as "idols" (H1544, *gillûwl*, "a log; by implication, an idol," often used contemptuously). The inclusion of "all" signifies the pervasive and comprehensive nature of the idolatry. Crucially, these are "idols of the house of Israel," indicating that the covenant people themselves, not just foreign invaders, were responsible for this egregious sin. It highlights a national apostasy, deeply embedded within the community.
* **"pourtrayed upon the wall round about.":** This final clause describes the location and permanence of the idolatry. The images were "pourtrayed" (H2707, *châqâh*, "to carve; by implication, to delineate"), meaning they were permanently inscribed or depicted. They were "upon the wall" (H7023, *qîyr*, "a wall") and "round about" (H5439, *çâbîyb*, "around, on every side"), signifying that the Temple's interior was completely encircled by these abominations. This demonstrates the brazenness and pervasive nature of the sin, as the very structure intended for God's holy presence was saturated with images of detestable pagan deities.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 8:10 is rich in **Vivid Imagery**, painting a disturbing and visceral picture for the reader. The description of "every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts" directly assaults the senses, evoking a strong sense of revulsion and defilement. This imagery is not merely descriptive but highly **Symbolic**, representing the spiritual degradation and moral corruption of Israel. The animalistic forms symbolize the exchange of God's glory for the worship of creation, a profound reversal of divine order. The phrase "pourtrayed upon the wall round about" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the pervasive and overwhelming presence of idolatry, suggesting that the Temple was completely saturated with these offensive images. There is also a powerful sense of **Irony** in this verse: the very place consecrated for the worship of the holy God of Israel is found to be the epicenter of the most detestable forms of idolatry, turning a house of prayer into a den of abominations. This stark contrast highlights the depth of Israel's betrayal and the gravity of their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 8:10 stands as a stark testament to the absolute incompatibility of God's holiness with human sin, particularly idolatry. The defilement of the Temple, the very dwelling place of God's presence among His people, represents the ultimate breach of covenant and a profound betrayal of God's exclusive claim on Israel's worship. This scene underscores the biblical truth that God is a jealous God who will not share His glory with idols, and that true worship demands exclusive devotion. The abominations seen by Ezekiel illustrate the principle that spiritual corruption inevitably leads to moral decay and ultimately, divine judgment. God's act of revealing these hidden sins to His prophet demonstrates His omniscience and His righteous indignation, validating the severe consequences that would soon follow for Jerusalem and Judah. The verse serves as a timeless warning against syncretism and the insidious nature of idolatry, whether overt or subtle, reminding us that anything that displaces God from His rightful place in our lives becomes an object of abomination.

* [Deuteronomy 4:16-18](/deuteronomy/4-16 "Deuteronomy 4:16-18 - Prohibition of Idolatry")
* [Psalm 106:19-20](/psalm/106-19 "Psalm 106:19-20 - The Golden Calf and Exchanging Glory")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Exchange of God's Glory for Images")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision in chapter 8, particularly verse 10, serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination in every generation. While we may not literally carve images of "creeping things" on our church walls, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Modern idolatry often takes more subtle forms: the worship of self, the pursuit of wealth, power, comfort, or even good causes that displace God as our ultimate priority. Anything that consumes our affections, dictates our decisions, or provides our deepest security apart from God becomes an idol. This verse calls us to recognize that God sees beyond outward appearances and religious rituals, penetrating to the hidden chambers of our hearts where true worship or idolatry resides, as Jeremiah reminds us that [the Lord searches the heart and examines the mind](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - God Searches the Heart"). It challenges us to consider what images, desires, or allegiances are "pourtrayed upon the walls" of our inner lives. The call to application is one of radical spiritual purity: to meticulously guard our hearts against any rival affections, to repent of any form of idolatry, and to worship God alone in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The consequences of allowing spiritual corruption to fester, as seen in ancient Israel, are severe, underscoring the importance of constant vigilance, repentance, and singular devotion to the one true God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "creeping things" or "abominable beasts"—subtle or overt idols—might be "pourtrayed upon the walls" of my own heart or life today, diverting my ultimate allegiance from God?**
* **How does the pervasive nature of idolatry in Ezekiel's vision challenge my understanding of personal and corporate holiness?**
* **In what ways might I be participating in or tolerating spiritual compromises that defile the "temple" of my body or the church community?**

### FAQ
**What does "creeping things, and abominable beasts" refer to in Ezekiel 8:10?**

Answer: This phrase refers to various forms of animalistic idols and symbols associated with pagan religious practices prevalent in the ancient Near East. "Creeping things" (Hebrew *remes*) typically denotes reptiles or small animals, while "abominable beasts" (Hebrew *sheqets* and *bᵉhêmâh*) refers to larger animals that were considered ritually unclean or detestable in Israelite law, or were worshipped as deities by surrounding nations. The specific "form" (Hebrew *tabnîyth*) suggests images, models, or resemblances. These images were likely adopted from Egyptian animal cults (e.g., bull, snake, crocodile worship) or Canaanite fertility religions, where deities were often depicted with animal characteristics or associated with specific animals. Their presence in the Temple signified a profound syncretism and a direct violation of God's commands against making images of creatures for worship, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 4:16-18](/deuteronomy/4-16 "Deuteronomy 4:16-18 - Prohibition of Images").

**Why was this idolatry particularly offensive to God, given its location in the Temple?**

Answer: The idolatry described in Ezekiel 8:10 was supremely offensive to God precisely because it occurred within the Jerusalem Temple, which was consecrated as His exclusive dwelling place on earth. The Temple was meant to be a sanctuary of holiness, purity, and singular worship of Yahweh, symbolizing His presence among His people. To defile its sacred walls with images of pagan deities and detestable creatures was a direct affront to God's holiness, His covenant, and His unique identity as the one true God. It represented a brazen act of spiritual adultery, as Israel, God's chosen bride, was engaging in illicit worship within His own house. This profanation of the sanctuary was seen as the ultimate act of rebellion and a direct provocation of God's "jealousy" ([Ezekiel 8:3](/ezekiel/8-3 "Ezekiel 8:3 - The Hand of the Lord Carried Me")), justifying the severe judgment that would lead to the Temple's destruction and the people's exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 8:10 vividly portrays the pervasive defilement of God's earthly sanctuary by human sin and idolatry, setting the stage for the ultimate solution found in Christ. The Old Testament Temple, despite its sacred purpose, could not ultimately cleanse the hearts of the people or prevent their apostasy; its walls were defiled by the very worshippers it served. This highlights humanity's deep-seated problem of idolatry and the need for a radical, internal cleansing that no physical temple could provide. Jesus Christ, as the true and perfect Temple, fulfills and transcends all that the earthly Temple represented. He is the very presence of God among humanity, the one in whom "the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All the Fullness of God Dwells in Christ")). When Jesus cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), He demonstrated His divine authority over God's house and foreshadowed the dismantling of an old system that had become corrupted. More profoundly, through His sacrificial death, Christ became the ultimate purification for sin, cleansing not just a physical structure but the very hearts of believers, making them "a temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). He removed the "abominable beasts" and "idols" of sin from within, offering a new covenant where God's law is written on hearts, and true worship is offered in spirit and truth ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, the defiled Temple of Ezekiel's vision finds its redemptive answer in Christ, who purifies His people and establishes a spiritual temple where God truly dwells, a temple not made with hands, but eternal in the heavens ([Hebrews 9:11](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11 - Christ, the High Priest of the Good Things to Come")). In the new heaven and new earth, there will be no need for a temple, for "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")), perfectly fulfilling the longing for an undefiled dwelling place for God.

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

Exodus 20:4

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:

Romans 1:23

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Jeremiah 16:18

And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.

Deuteronomy 14:3

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

Jeremiah 2:26

As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,

Jeremiah 2:27

Saying to a stock, Thou [art] my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned [their] back unto me, and not [their] face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.

Leviticus 11:42

Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon [all] four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they [are] an abomination.