Ezekiel – 8:1-18
The Glory of God versus Four Abominations in the Temple – Chapters 8–11 relates how Yahweh’s “Glory” abandons the Jerusalem temple to destruction. The return of the “Glory” in the eschatological temple is in Ezekiel’s vision of 43:1-4. Many scenes are echoed in the book of Revelation. The work of the divine “man” in 8:2-3 compares to the appearance of the resurrected Christ in Rev. 1:13-16; 10:1-3 (also Dan 10:4-6 and Acts 9:3-7; 26:13-18). We also ought to keep in mind the promised remnant (e.g. 5:10; 6:8-10). Chapters 8–11 are a single visionary experience. 8:1 The Context and Beginning of the Vision – The vision is dated exactly fourteen months after Ezekiel’s rst vision (1:1-2), so September 18, 592 B.C. Now he is recognized and respected as a prophet and the elders have asked and are waiting for God’s message. “The Elders” seem to be whatever self-government the exiles have established (Jer 29:1; Ezra 5:5, 9; 6:7, 8, 14). “The hand of the Lord Yahweh fell upon me” is unique here. 8:2-3a The Divine Man Reappears and the Spirit Transports Ezekiel – Ezekiel describes the same human, yet also supernatural, form of Yahweh’s Glory as before (1:26b-28), the preincarnate Christ. Usually, Yahweh’s hand is a metaphor for His overwhelming power but here concrete, the “form” is also used for “pattern” (Ex 25:9, 40; Acts 7:44; Heb 8:5) or “plan” (1 Chr 28:11,12). And the “wind” may also be the “Spirit” who transports Ezekiel. 8:3b-4 “The Statue of Jealousy” Opposes “the Glory of God” – These two are starkly contrasted. From 2 Ki 21:5 and 23:12, we learn that the late monarchic temple had two courts, unlike the early temple or tabernacle. The king’s palace is thought to be to the north of the temple, so this gate is for the king. Ezekiel’s route through the temple is less geographic or logical but a zigzag. The four abominations are typical of what was happening in various sections at various times. This statue is prohibited by Deut 4:16 but was violated but Manasseh’s idol (2 Chr 33:7; 2 Ki 21:7), the carved image of Asherah. Despite being removed by Josiah, it appears to have returned. She was the highest goddess of the Canaanite pantheon and consort of El, the highest God. While Baal is one of her seventy lesser o spring, she is often worshiped alongside Baal (2 Ki…