Ezekiel 7:20-24

20 They took pride in their beautiful jewelry and used it to make their detestable idols. They made it into vile images; therefore I will make it a thing unclean for them.

21 I will give their wealth as plunder to foreigners and as loot to the wicked of the earth, who will defile it.

22 I will turn my face away from the people, and robbers will desecrate the place I treasure. They will enter it and will defile it.

23 “ ‘Prepare chains! For the land is full of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence.

24 I will bring the most wicked of nations to take possession of their houses. I will put an end to the pride of the mighty, and their sanctuaries will be desecrated.

Ezekiel 7:20-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EZEKIEL 7

This chapter contains a prophecy of the speedy destruction of the Jews, as being just at hand; of the particular judgments that should come upon them; of the horror that should seize them, and the distress that all ranks of men among them should be in, a few only escaping, who are described as in mournful circumstances. The destruction in general is denounced as being very near; the end being come, which is often repeated; and as it is represented as sudden, so without mercy; which is declared, Eze 7:1-14; the particular judgments, sword, pestilence, and famine, are mentioned in Eze 7:15, and the few that should escape are compared to mourning doves, Eze 7:16; the trembling, horror, and shame that should be upon all, are intimated in Eze 7:17,18; the unprofitableness of their gold and silver to deliver them, and the unsatisfying nature of these things, are expressed, Eze 7:19; the profanation and destruction of their temple are prophesied of, Eze 7:20-22; and for their murder, rapine, and oppression, it is threatened that their houses should be possessed by the worst of Heathens, and their holy places defiled; and one calamity should come upon another; when their application to prophets, priests, and ancient men for counsel, would be in, vain, Eze 7:23-26; and king, prince, and people, should be in the most melancholy and distressed circumstances, Eze 7:27.

Cross References

• 1. S Jeremiah 10:3
• 2. S Ezekiel 5:11; Jeremiah 7:30
• 3. S Isaiah 2:20; Isaiah 30:22; Ezekiel 16:17
• 4. S Numbers 14:3
• 5. S 2 Kings 24:13
• 6. S Jeremiah 2:27; Ezekiel 39:23-24
• 7. Psalms 74:7-8; Jeremiah 19:13; S Lamentations 2:7
• 8. S 2 Kings 21:16; S Isaiah 1:15; S Ezekiel 22:9
• 9. S Genesis 6:11; Ezekiel 11:6
• 10. Lamentations 2:7; Ezekiel 24:21
• 11. 2 Chronicles 7:20; Ezekiel 28:7