Ezekiel 8:9

KJV

And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto me, Go in {H935}, and behold {H7200} the wicked {H7451} abominations {H8441} that they do {H6213} here.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go in," he said, "and see the wicked practices they are engaged in here."

Berean Standard Bible

Then He said to me, “Go in and see the wicked abominations they are committing here.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, Go in, and see the wicked abominations that they do here.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a pivotal moment in the prophet Ezekiel's vision, where the Lord commands him to enter and personally witness the "wicked abominations" being committed within the very precincts of the Jerusalem Temple. This divine instruction serves as a direct, irrefutable revelation of the profound spiritual corruption and pervasive idolatry among the people of Judah, providing the undeniable justification for the impending judgment and destruction of Jerusalem. The verse powerfully underscores God's omniscience and His righteous indignation toward the blatant defilement of His holy dwelling place by His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 8:9 is situated within a profound prophetic vision that commences in [Ezekiel 8:1](/ezekiel/8-1 "Ezekiel 8:1 - The Vision of God's Glory"). Given in the sixth year of Judah's exile, this vision supernaturally transports Ezekiel from Babylon to Jerusalem. The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 8:1-8](/ezekiel/8-1-8 "Ezekiel 8:1-12 - Initial Temple Abominations")) describe Ezekiel being brought to the Temple gate, where he is first shown the "image of jealousy" ([Ezekiel 8:5](/ezekiel/8-5 "Ezekiel 8:5 - The Image of Jealousy")) and then commanded to dig through a wall to reveal a hidden chamber. This verse, [Ezekiel 8:9](/ezekiel/8-9 "Ezekiel 8:9 - Command to Witness Abominations"), directly follows the command to dig, initiating a series of increasingly horrifying revelations of idolatry and pagan practices occurring within the Temple complex itself. The subsequent verses ([Ezekiel 8:10-18](/ezekiel/8-10-18 "Ezekiel 8:10-18 - Further Temple Abominations")) detail the specific abominations witnessed, escalating in severity and demonstrating the profound depth of Israel's apostasy, ultimately leading to God's declaration of judgment without pity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision occurs around 593 BC, during the Babylonian exile. Nebuchadnezzar had already taken a significant portion of Judah's population, including Ezekiel, captive in 597 BC. Jerusalem and the Temple, though still standing, were under severe Babylonian threat, and their ultimate destruction was imminent (occurring in 586 BC). Spiritually, Judah had a long and tragic history of syncretism and idolatry, frequently blending the worship of Yahweh with Canaanite and other pagan deities. The Temple, intended as the exclusive dwelling place of God's glory and a center for pure worship, had become a site of egregious defilement. Culturally, the practices described in Ezekiel 8, such as the worship of Tammuz ([Ezekiel 8:14](/ezekiel/8-14 "Ezekiel 8:14 - Weeping for Tammuz")) and the sun ([Ezekiel 8:16](/ezekiel/8-16 "Ezekiel 8:16 - Sun Worship")), were common pagan rituals in the ancient Near East, representing fertility cults and astral worship that were explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:19](/deuteronomy/4-19 "Deuteronomy 4:19 - Warning Against Idolatry")). The people's engagement in these practices, especially within the sacred space, demonstrated a profound rejection of their covenant with Yahweh and His exclusive claim on their worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation of Sin**, showcasing God's active exposure of hidden iniquity, not merely knowing it but bringing it to light for His prophet to witness. Second, it emphasizes the pervasive theme of **Idolatry and Abomination**, portraying the depth of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, which is repeatedly condemned throughout the Old Testament as a direct violation of the first commandment (e.g., [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments")). Third, the shocking location of these acts within the Temple underscores the theme of **Temple Defilement**, a desecration of God's holy dwelling that justified His withdrawal of glory and subsequent judgment, as vividly seen in the departure of the glory of the Lord in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory"). Finally, the explicit command to "behold" serves as **Justification for Judgment**, providing irrefutable evidence for the severe divine punishment that was about to befall Jerusalem and Judah, thereby demonstrating God's unimpeachable justice in responding to persistent rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root (H7200) signifies to see, literally or figuratively, with numerous applications including to look intently, perceive, or discern. Here, it is an imperative command, implying not just a casual glance but a direct, undeniable observation. The emphasis is on Ezekiel's active and thorough witnessing, which is crucial for him to fully grasp the egregious nature of the sins and to serve as a credible, irrefutable witness to God's righteous judgment.
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to break in pieces," this word (H7451) denotes something bad or evil, encompassing both natural and moral corruption. It includes concepts of adversity, calamity, mischief, and profound moral depravity. In this context, "wicked" modifies "abominations," intensifying their detestable nature and highlighting the inherent evil and moral offensiveness of the acts being committed. It underscores that these are not mere mistakes but deliberate, deeply offensive actions against God's character.
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This feminine active participle (H8441) properly refers to something disgusting or abhorrent, particularly in a moral sense. It is strongly associated with idolatry, pagan practices, and gross moral offenses that are utterly detestable to God. Its use here signifies acts that are not merely sinful but are profoundly repugnant to God's holy character and covenant relationship with Israel, demanding a severe and decisive response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine speaker as the Lord God, who is directly addressing and guiding Ezekiel through this revelatory vision. It underscores the authoritative and personal nature of the command given to the prophet, emphasizing that this is a divine disclosure.
* **"Go in,"**: This is an imperative command (H935, _bôwʼ_), instructing Ezekiel to physically enter the hidden chambers or inner sanctums of the Temple complex. It signifies a deeper penetration into the heart of the spiritual corruption, moving beyond the initial observations at the outer gate to expose the most concealed depths of sin.
* **"and behold"**: Another imperative (H7200, _râʼâh'_), reinforcing the command to observe intently and with purpose. This is not a passive viewing but an active, deliberate act of witnessing, intended to leave no doubt in Ezekiel's mind about the reality, pervasiveness, and severity of the sins being committed.
* **"the wicked abominations"**: This phrase specifies the nature of what Ezekiel is to witness. The powerful combination of "wicked" (H7451, _raʻ_) and "abominations" (H8441, _tôwʻêbah_) conveys the utterly detestable, morally repugnant, and inherently evil practices being committed. These are acts that not only violate God's law but also profoundly defile His holiness.
* **"that they do here."**: This concluding clause identifies the perpetrators ("they," referring to the elders and people of Israel) and precisely pinpoints the location ("here," specifically within the sacred precincts of the Temple in Jerusalem). The phrase highlights the shocking audacity and profound spiritual blindness of the people, committing such egregious sins in the very place dedicated to God's presence and glory.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 8:9 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. The **Imperative Mood** is prominent through the commands "Go in" and "behold," creating a sense of urgency, direct divine instruction, and drawing the reader immediately into Ezekiel's experience of divine revelation. The phrase "wicked abominations" within the sacred space of the Temple utilizes powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the shocking contrast between God's absolute holiness and humanity's profound depravity. This also serves as a form of **Irony**, as the very place consecrated for pure worship has been transformed into a center of detestable defilement. The use of strong, evocative language like "wicked" and "abominations" contributes to **Pathos**, evoking a visceral sense of disgust, horror, and lament at the spiritual state of Judah, thereby emphasizing the gravity of their sin. The entire passage is part of an extended **Vision**, a common prophetic literary form, which allows for symbolic and dramatic representation of spiritual realities, making the unseen corruption tangible and undeniable for Ezekiel and his audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 8:9 serves as a stark theological declaration that God is neither ignorant of the hidden sins of His people nor indifferent to the blatant defilement of His holy name and dwelling. It underscores the profound biblical principle that sin, particularly idolatry, is an "abomination" to God—something utterly detestable that provokes His righteous wrath and judgment. The shocking location of these sins within the Temple highlights the depth of Israel's spiritual apostasy, demonstrating their profound rejection of the covenant and their exclusive God. This divine revelation of sin provides the irrefutable justification for the impending judgment, affirming God's unimpeachable justice and His unwavering commitment to holiness, even when it necessitates judging His own chosen people. It powerfully foreshadows the temporary withdrawal of God's glory from the Temple, a necessary prelude to its destruction, signifying that God will not dwell where His holiness is continually desecrated.

* [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9-12 "Abominable Practices")
* [Jeremiah 7:30](/jeremiah/7-30 "Defilement of the Temple")
* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7-12 "God's Omnipresence and Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 8:9 is a potent mirror for profound self-examination, reminding us that God sees beyond outward appearances and superficial religious rituals, penetrating to the true state of our hearts and lives. Just as the physical Temple in Jerusalem was defiled by hidden idolatry, our own lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, can harbor "wicked abominations"—secret sins, unconfessed compromises, or subtle idols that subtly detract from our singular devotion to God. This verse challenges us to actively "go in and behold" the unseen areas of our lives that may be displeasing to God, prompting a sincere repentance and a renewed, uncompromising commitment to purity. It calls us to discern and reject any form of spiritual syncretism, where worldly values, cultural norms, or personal desires subtly infiltrate and corrupt genuine faith and worship. Understanding God's righteous indignation against sin should profoundly motivate us to pursue holiness and integrity in every facet of our being, recognizing that His discerning gaze penetrates beyond outward appearances to the true state of our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hidden abominations" might be present in my own heart or life that need to be exposed and confessed before God?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly blending worldly values or practices with my faith, thereby defiling my spiritual "temple" and compromising my devotion?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous anger and unwavering commitment to holiness against sin motivate me to pursue deeper holiness and integrity in my daily walk?**
* **What concrete steps can I take to ensure that my life truly reflects the purity, devotion, and exclusive worship expected of a follower of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What were the specific "wicked abominations" being committed in the Temple that Ezekiel was commanded to witness?**

Answer: The specific abominations that Ezekiel was commanded to "go in and behold" are detailed in the verses immediately following [Ezekiel 8:9](/ezekiel/8-9 "Ezekiel 8:9 - Command to Witness Abominations"). The prophet witnesses a series of escalating acts of idolatry and pagan worship within the sacred precincts of the Temple: (1) In a secret chamber, he sees seventy elders of Israel worshipping idolatrous carvings of creeping things and detestable beasts on the walls ([Ezekiel 8:10-12](/ezekiel/8-10-12 "Ezekiel 8:10-12 - Idolatry of the Elders")); (2) At the north gate, he observes women weeping for Tammuz, a pagan Mesopotamian fertility deity ([Ezekiel 8:13-14](/ezekiel/8-13-14 "Ezekiel 8:13-14 - Weeping for Tammuz")); and (3) Between the porch and the altar, he sees twenty-five men bowing down to the sun, worshipping it with their backs toward the Temple of the Lord ([Ezekiel 8:15-16](/ezekiel/8-15-16 "Ezekiel 8:15-16 - Sun Worship in the Temple")). These acts collectively represent a profound rejection of Yahweh's exclusive covenant and a full embrace of explicitly forbidden pagan practices, demonstrating the deep spiritual apostasy of Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 8:9, with its stark portrayal of Temple defilement and God's righteous indignation against the "wicked abominations," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Himself, driven by divine zeal, cleanses the physical Temple on two occasions, as recorded in [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13-17 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple") and [Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple Again"). His actions demonstrate His zealous concern for the holiness of God's house, mirroring God's command to Ezekiel to "behold" the defilement and act upon it. More profoundly, Jesus reveals that He is the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, as He declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"), foreshadowing His death and resurrection as the dismantling and rebuilding of this spiritual temple. The "wicked abominations" of Ezekiel's day, which defiled God's physical dwelling, foreshadow the ultimate human abomination: the rejection and crucifixion of the Son of God, which was the most egregious act of defiling God's presence in the world. However, through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He not only purifies the spiritual "temple" of our hearts, making us fit dwelling places for the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple")), but also establishes a new covenant where true worship is no longer confined to a physical building but is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, Christ's work addresses the root of the problem seen in Ezekiel: not merely the defilement of a building, but the pervasive idolatry and sin of the human heart, offering ultimate cleansing and true communion with God through His atoning blood ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

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 20:8

But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.