Ezekiel 8:3

And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

And he put forth {H7971} the form {H8403} of an hand {H3027}, and took {H3947} me by a lock {H6734} of mine head {H7218}; and the spirit {H7307} lifted me up {H5375} between the earth {H776} and the heaven {H8064}, and brought {H935} me in the visions {H4759} of God {H430} to Jerusalem {H3389}, to the door {H6607} of the inner {H6442} gate {H8179} that looketh {H6437} toward the north {H6828}; where was the seat {H4186} of the image {H5566} of jealousy {H7068}, which provoketh to jealousy {H7069}.

The form of a hand was put out, which took me by a lock of my hair; and a spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and brought me, in these visions from God, to Yerushalayim, to the entrance of the inner [courtyard] gate that faces north. There stood the idol that [arouses God's] jealousy and provokes [his] zealous indignation.

He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. Then the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and carried me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes jealousy was seated.

And he put forth the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the gate of the inner court that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezekiel 8:3 (KJV)

Ezekiel 8:3 marks a dramatic turning point in the prophet Ezekiel's ministry, as he is supernaturally transported in a vision to Jerusalem to witness the abominations being committed within the temple precincts. This verse initiates a profound revelation of the spiritual decay that preceded Jerusalem's destruction.

Context

At this point, Ezekiel is among the exiles in Babylon, specifically at Tel-abib by the river Chebar (Ezekiel 1:3). The vision described in this chapter occurs in the sixth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity (Ezekiel 8:1), around 592 BC. While the first wave of exiles, including Ezekiel, had already been taken, Jerusalem itself was still standing, though under Babylonian dominion. This verse describes the Lord's Spirit empowering Ezekiel for a visionary journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, specifically to the inner gate of the temple looking north. This direct, divine transportation underscores the urgency and divine origin of the message he is about to receive regarding the deep-seated idolatry and defilement within the holy city.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Prophetic Transport: The verse vividly portrays God's direct intervention in human affairs, using a "form of an hand" and the "spirit" to transport Ezekiel in a vision. This highlights the supernatural nature of prophetic revelation, demonstrating God's ability to reveal hidden truths and future events to His chosen servants.
  • Idolatry and Defilement: The central focus of the vision is "the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy." This refers to a specific idol, likely a pagan deity like Asherah or Baal, that had been installed in the temple area. Its presence was a direct affront to God's holiness and His exclusive claim to Israel's worship, symbolizing the nation's profound spiritual unfaithfulness.
  • God's Righteous Jealousy: The phrase "provoketh to jealousy" emphasizes God's character as a "jealous God" (Exodus 20:5). His jealousy is not human envy but a righteous zeal for His own glory and the purity of His worship. The presence of the idol in His temple was an intolerable act of betrayal.

Linguistic Insights

  • "form of an hand": The Hebrew phrase is tabnith yad (ΧͺΧ‘Χ Χ™Χͺ Χ™Χ“), suggesting a visible, yet perhaps not fully corporeal, manifestation of divine power. It emphasizes the active, intentional, and personal involvement of God in initiating the vision.
  • "the spirit lifted me up": The Hebrew ruach nasa'ani (Χ¨Χ•Χ— נשאני) clearly identifies the divine Spirit as the agent of Ezekiel's supernatural elevation and transport. This is consistent with the Spirit's role throughout Ezekiel's prophecies (Ezekiel 3:12).
  • "image of jealousy": The Hebrew semel haq-qin'ah (במל הקנאה) literally means "symbol of jealousy." This term powerfully conveys that the idol was not merely an object of worship but a direct provocation that stirred God's righteous anger and indignation against His unfaithful people.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 8:3 serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of idolatry, not just in ancient times but in any era. For believers today, "idolatry" extends beyond physical statues to anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts or lives – be it wealth, power, pleasure, or even self. This verse challenges us to:

  • Examine Our Hearts: Are there "images of jealousy" in our lives that provoke God's righteous displeasure? We are called to worship God alone (Matthew 4:10).
  • Uphold Purity in Worship: God is holy and demands pure worship. This vision underscores that defilement within the spiritual "temple" (our bodies and the church, 1 Corinthians 6:19) has serious consequences.
  • Recognize God's Sovereignty: Even in exile and despair, God remained active, revealing truth and preparing His prophet for the coming judgment and subsequent restoration. He is always at work, even when circumstances seem bleak.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 32:16

    They provoked him to jealousy with strange [gods], with abominations provoked they him to anger.

  • Ezekiel 11:1

    ΒΆ Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD'S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.

  • Ezekiel 5:11

    Wherefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.

  • Deuteronomy 32:21

    They have moved me to jealousy with [that which is] not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with [those which are] not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

  • Exodus 20:5

    Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

  • Deuteronomy 5:9

    Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me,

  • Deuteronomy 4:24

    For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.