Ezekiel 20:26

“And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD.”

Context:The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. The prophet Ezekiel was called by God to be a watchman over the people of Israel during a time of great spiritual and moral decline. The verse in question is part of a larger passage in which God is recounting Israel’s history of rebellion and idolatry.

Rebellion and Idolatry:In Ezekiel 20, God is addressing the elders of Israel who came to inquire of Him. He reminds them of Israel’s history of disobedience and idol worship. The people had turned away from God and engaged in various pagan practices, including child sacrifice by causing their firstborn to pass through the fire.

Polluting Their Gifts:In verse 26, God expresses His judgment on the people by saying, “And I polluted them in their own gifts.” This refers to the fact that God allowed the people to defile themselves through their idolatrous practices, even though they were offering sacrifices and gifts to Him. Instead of accepting their offerings, God allowed their actions to bring pollution and desolation upon themselves.

Causing to Pass through the Fire:The specific idolatrous practice mentioned in this verse is causing their firstborn to pass through the fire. This was a pagan ritual in which children were sacrificed to false gods, particularly Molech. It was a detestable practice that violated God’s commandments and was met with severe judgment.

Desolation and Knowledge of the Lord:The purpose behind God’s judgment was to make the people desolate, bringing destruction and devastation upon them. The aim was to bring about their repentance and a recognition of God’s sovereignty. Through this judgment, God wanted the people to come to know that He alone is the Lord and that their idolatry and rebellion would not go unpunished.

• Spiritual Lessons:While this verse describes a specific historical context and judgment on the people of Israel, there are important spiritual lessons that we can draw from it. It reminds us of the seriousness of idolatry, the consequences of turning away from God, and the need for repentance. It also highlights God’s desire for His people to know Him and acknowledge His lordship in their lives.