Ezekiel 8:5

KJV

Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} he unto me, Son {H1121} of man {H120}, lift up {H5375} thine eyes {H5869} now the way {H1870} toward the north {H6828}. So I lifted up {H5375} mine eyes {H5869} the way {H1870} toward the north {H6828}, and behold northward {H6828} at the gate {H8179} of the altar {H4196} this image {H5566} of jealousy {H7068} in the entry {H872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to me, "Human being, raise your eyes toward the north." I raised my eyes toward the north and saw, north of the Altar Gate, this image that [arouses God's] jealousy in the entryway.

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man,” He said to me, “now lift up your eyes to the north.” So I lifted up my eyes to the north, and in the entrance north of the Altar Gate I saw this idol of jealousy.

American Standard Version

Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold, northward of the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 8:5 plunges the prophet, transported by the Spirit to Jerusalem, into a vivid vision revealing the profound spiritual defilement within the Temple precincts. This verse specifically unveils the initial and most prominent abomination: a provocative "image of jealousy" brazenly positioned at the north gate of the altar. This idol represents a blatant act of spiritual adultery and syncretism, directly inciting God's righteous anger and serving as a divine justification for the impending, severe judgment upon Jerusalem and its sacred sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 8:5 initiates a chilling sequence of divine revelations concerning the escalating abominations within the Jerusalem Temple. Preceding this verse, [Ezekiel 8:1-4](/ezekiel/8-1-4 "Ezekiel 8:1-4 - Ezekiel's Visionary Transport") describes Ezekiel's miraculous transportation by the Spirit from Babylon to Jerusalem, where he is placed at the entrance of the inner court. The Lord's command to observe the "great abominations" immediately precedes this verse, setting the stage for the shocking discoveries. The subsequent verses, [Ezekiel 8:6-18](/ezekiel/8-6-18 "Ezekiel 8:6-18 - Escalating Temple Abominations"), detail a progression of idolatry, moving from this publicly displayed "image of jealousy" to more hidden, insidious acts, demonstrating the pervasive and deeply ingrained nature of Israel's spiritual rebellion. This detailed exposé provides the irrefutable theological basis for the severe judgment and destruction prophesied in [Ezekiel 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - The Slaughter of the Guilty") and [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in Ezekiel 8 dates to approximately 592 BC, a period when Jerusalem was under the shadow of Babylonian dominance, and many of its inhabitants, including Ezekiel, were already living in exile following the first deportation. Despite this, the Temple in Jerusalem continued to operate as the focal point of Israelite religious life. However, the people of Judah had increasingly succumbed to the pervasive influence of surrounding pagan cultures, incorporating foreign deities and their associated rituals into their worship of Yahweh. The placement of an "image of jealousy" within the sacred Temple grounds was a direct and egregious violation of the Mosaic Covenant, which unequivocally prohibited idolatry and syncretism, as articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29-31 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warning Against Imitating Pagan Worship") and [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments"). The specific location, "the north gate of the altar," was highly prominent and visible, indicating that this idolatry was not a clandestine act but a brazen, public display, underscoring the profound depth of Judah's apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and reinforces several critical themes woven throughout the book of Ezekiel. Foremost among them is **Idolatry and Abomination**, vividly illustrating the profound spiritual betrayal of God by His covenant people. The "image of jealousy" directly evokes **God's Holy Jealousy**, an intrinsic attribute of Yahweh rooted in the covenant (cf. [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God as a Jealous God")), where He demands exclusive worship and utterly refuses to share His glory with false gods. This act also signifies severe **Temple Defilement**, as the sacred space, consecrated for God's dwelling and pure worship, was desecrated by the introduction of pagan objects and practices. Finally, the vision underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation of Sin and Justification for Judgment**, as God meticulously exposes the overt and hidden sins of His people to His prophet, thereby providing irrefutable grounds for the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, which would be executed through the Babylonians.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lift up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375 (_nâsâʼ_), this verb denotes "to lift," "to raise," or "to bear." In Ezekiel 8:5, it functions as a direct divine imperative, commanding the prophet to physically direct his gaze. The repetition of this command and Ezekiel's immediate compliance emphasizes the directness of God's instruction and the prophet's obedient posture, preparing him to receive and witness the shocking revelations that follow. It signifies a divinely orchestrated unveiling.
* **image (Hebrew, _çemel'_):** From H5566 (_çemel_), this term refers to a "likeness," "figure," or "idol." It specifically denotes a physical representation, often a statue or cultic monument, used in pagan worship. Its presence within the sacred precincts of the Temple signifies a tangible, overt, and deeply offensive act of idolatry, a direct violation of God's covenant commands against graven images.
* **jealousy (Hebrew, _qinʼâh'_):** From H7068 (_qinʼâh_), this word signifies "jealousy" or "envy." When applied to God, particularly in the phrase "image of jealousy," it does not imply a human flaw or insecurity. Rather, it describes God's righteous zeal, His fervent commitment to His covenant relationship, and His absolute intolerance of any rival gods or spiritual infidelity. It underscores His exclusive claim to the worship and devotion of His people, making the idol a direct affront to His holy nature and covenant demands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north."**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the vision and the specific directive given to Ezekiel. The address "Son of man" (Hebrew: _bên ʼâdâm_), a frequent address for Ezekiel, emphasizes his humanity and mortality in contrast to the divine speaker, preparing him for a profound, divinely orchestrated revelation. The command to "lift up thine eyes...toward the north" precisely directs Ezekiel's attention to a specific geographical and symbolic direction within the Temple complex, setting the stage for the initial shocking discovery.
* **"So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north,"**: This clause immediately demonstrates Ezekiel's obedience and the immediacy of his visionary experience. He complies without hesitation, confirming his role as a receptive and obedient instrument of God's revelation. This also transitions the reader's focus to the exact location where the abomination is about to be unveiled, building anticipation for the shocking sight.
* **"and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry."**: This is the climactic revelation of the verse, marked by the exclamatory "behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_), signaling a dramatic and significant sight. The location "northward at the gate of the altar" is profoundly significant, indicating a prominent and sacred area near the very place of sacrifice and atonement, the heart of Israelite worship. The "image of jealousy" is the central abomination—a pagan idol that directly provoked God's righteous wrath and symbolized the people's spiritual adultery, defiling the very essence of their covenant relationship. Its presence "in the entry" suggests it was a visible and accepted part of the Temple's immediate approach, highlighting the brazenness of their apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 8:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful message. The overarching framework is **Visionary Literature**, which immerses the reader in Ezekiel's spiritual transport and divine tour of the Temple, lending an immediate, visceral quality to the revelations. The phrase "image of jealousy" utilizes profound **Symbolism**, where the idol itself transcends a mere physical object to represent the spiritual infidelity, syncretism, and covenant breaking that provoked God's **Holy Jealousy**. This concept of God's jealousy is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human emotion (jealousy) to God, but in a purified, righteous sense, emphasizing His exclusive claim over His people's worship and His intolerance of rivals. The **Repetition** of "lift up thine eyes... toward the north" serves to underscore the divine command and Ezekiel's immediate, precise obedience, effectively drawing the reader's focus intently to the specific, defiled location. The use of "behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) functions as an **Exclamatory Interjection**, dramatically signaling the shocking and significant nature of the discovery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 8:5 lays bare the profound theological truth that God is a holy and jealous God who demands exclusive worship and will not tolerate rivals. The "image of jealousy" is not merely an idol; it is a direct affront to God's covenant faithfulness and His unique identity as the one true God. This act of spiritual adultery, committed within the very sanctuary dedicated to Him, highlights the depth of Israel's apostasy and the severity of their betrayal. God's jealousy here is not a petty human emotion, but a righteous zeal for His own glory and the purity of His relationship with His people. It underscores the sanctity of His presence and the grave consequences of defiling it with syncretistic practices. This verse sets the stage for understanding the divine judgment as a necessary act of God's holiness to vindicate His name and restore His honor, demonstrating that His justice is an extension of His perfect character.
* [Exodus 20:4-5](/exodus/20-4-5 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Second Commandment on Idolatry")
* [Deuteronomy 32:16-17](/deuteronomy/32-16-17 "Deuteronomy 32:16-17 - Provoking God to Jealousy")
* [Psalm 78:58](/psalms/78-58 "Psalm 78:58 - Provoking God with High Places")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision serves as a timeless and sobering mirror for believers today, challenging us to examine the "gates" of our own hearts and lives. The "image of jealousy" at the Temple gate prompts us to ask: What are we allowing to enter and occupy a prominent place that rightfully belongs to God alone? In the modern context, idolatry rarely manifests as a physical statue, but rather as anything—be it career aspirations, relationships, material possessions, self-image, comfort, or even ministry itself—that subtly or overtly competes for our ultimate affection, allegiance, and worship. This passage calls us to a radical self-examination, urging us to identify and dismantle any "images of jealousy" that defile our inner "temple" (our bodies, as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit). It reminds us that God's holy jealousy for our devotion is not a burdensome demand but an invitation to a pure, unadulterated relationship with Him, where He is truly preeminent. Our worship must be exclusive, wholehearted, and uncompromised, reflecting the absolute holiness and worthiness of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "images of jealousy" might be subtly or overtly present in my own life, competing for the primary devotion that belongs to God?**
* **How does understanding God's holy jealousy for His people's worship impact my view of personal holiness and spiritual discipline?**
* **In what ways might I be allowing "defilement" to enter the "gate" of my heart or mind, compromising my exclusive devotion to Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the "image of jealousy" mentioned in Ezekiel 8:5?**

Answer: The "image of jealousy" (Hebrew: *çemel qinʼâh*) refers to a pagan idol or cultic object that had been strategically placed within the sacred precincts of the Jerusalem Temple. Its precise identity is not specified, but its purpose was clear: to provoke God's "jealousy" or righteous zeal. This "jealousy" is not a human flaw, but an attribute of God's holy character, signifying His demand for exclusive worship from His covenant people, as clearly stated in the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). The presence of this idol represented a profound act of spiritual adultery and a direct violation of the covenant, signifying that the people of Judah had turned to foreign gods, thereby inciting God's wrath and justifying His impending judgment.

**Why is the "north gate of the altar" significant as the location of this image?**

Answer: The "north gate of the altar" was a highly significant and prominent location within the Temple complex. The altar itself was the central place of sacrifice and atonement, symbolizing the means of access to God and the very heart of Israelite worship. Placing a pagan idol at its gate, particularly the north gate (which often held symbolic significance in ancient Near Eastern religions and was a common entry point for ritual activities and even animal sacrifices), meant that this abomination was not hidden but brazenly displayed at a sacred and highly visible point. This public defilement underscored the depth of Israel's spiritual apostasy and their blatant disregard for God's holiness and covenant commands, further emphasizing the severity of their sin and the justification for divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 8:5, with its stark portrayal of the Jerusalem Temple defiled by an "image of jealousy," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The physical Temple, corrupted by human sin and idolatry, foreshadows the ultimate need for a radical cleansing and the establishment of a new, undefiled dwelling for God. Jesus, the true Son of Man, enters this narrative as the ultimate Temple-cleanser, not merely driving out merchants but confronting the spiritual idolatry that had turned God's house into a "den of robbers" ([Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). He embodies God's holy jealousy, zealously upholding the Father's honor and demanding exclusive worship. Furthermore, Jesus Himself becomes the true Temple, as He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")), referring to His own body. Through His sacrificial death, Christ removes the "image of jealousy"—the sin and idolatry that separates humanity from God—and establishes a new covenant. Now, believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, become the spiritual temple of God ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple"); [2 Corinthians 6:16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - You Are the Temple of the Living God")), called to offer pure worship and to guard against any "images of jealousy" in our hearts, ensuring that Christ alone reigns supreme and receives our undivided devotion.

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 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.

Jeremiah 3:2

Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.

Psalms 48:2

Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

Jeremiah 32:34

But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it.

Zechariah 5:5

¶ Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what [is] this that goeth forth.

Zechariah 5:11

And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

Psalms 78:58

For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.