Ezekiel 20:39

As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God, Goe yee, serue ye euery one his idoles, and hereafter also, if ye wil not hearken vnto me: but pollute ye my holy Name no more with your gifts, and with your idoles. Ezekiel 20:39 (KJV)

Historical Context: Ezekiel was a prophet who lived during the Babylonian exile, a time when the people of Israel were taken captive by the Babylonians. The book of Ezekiel contains prophecies and messages from God to the exiled Israelites. In this particular passage God is addressing the rebellious and idolatrous nature of the people of Israel.

Idolatry and Its Consequences: Idolatry refers to the worship of idols or false gods instead of the one true God. Throughout the Old Testament idolatry was a prevalent sin among the Israelites, leading them away from God’s commandments and inviting His judgment. In this verse God acknowledges their inclination toward idolatry and allows them to continue serving their idols if they refuse to listen to Him, while also commanding them not to pollute His holy name with their gifts and idols.

God’s Desire for True Worship: The passage emphasizes God’s desire for the Israelites to turn away from idolatry and worship Him alone. He calls them to hearken to His voice and follow His commandments. The statement “Go ye, serve ye every one his idols” is part of God’s rebuke, not an endorsement of idolatry, and the offer to serve idols is a form of divine irony that highlights the futility and emptiness of idol worship.

Polluting God’s Holy Name: God instructs the Israelites not to pollute His holy name any longer with their gifts and idols. Their idolatrous practices had defiled the sacred name of God among the nations, and He desires that His people honor His name and live in a way that reflects His holiness and righteousness.

Lessons for Us Today:

• a. God desires our wholehearted worship; He wants us to worship Him alone and not be led astray by false gods or idols.
• b. Idolatry brings consequences; just as the Israelites faced judgment, we must be aware of the dangers of anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God.
• c. Our actions reflect God’s name; believers are called to represent God’s character in the world, bringing glory rather than defiling His name through sinful practices.
• d. God’s patience and warnings; He is patient with His people, giving opportunities to repent and turn back to Him, and He warns of the consequences of persistent rebellion.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 20:39 serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of wholehearted worship and reverence for God. It calls us to examine our own lives and ensure that our devotion is centered on the one true God, reflecting His holiness and righteousness in all that we do.