Chapter Summary

Third vision of the glory. The former profanation of the temple and God's anger because of sin.

Discussion Questions for Ezekiel, Chapter 8

1. What does it mean that the hand of God fell on Ezekiel in 8:1? Do we experience anything similar to this today? How would we evaluate an experience like this?
2. Why do you think that Ezekiel was transported to Jerusalem and specifically the temple in this vision?
3. Read 8:4. Which vision is he referring to? Why do you think that there is a similarity between the first and second visions? How might this help us interpret both visions?
4. Are these visions physical or spiritual realities? How do you know? What other books of the Bible contain similar visions? How might those books help us interpret Ezekiel? Give some examples? What can we learn from spiritual visions like this?
5. What is the "image of jealousy (ESV)" in 8:5? Is it a positive or negative thing? How do you know? What kinds of things could God call an image of jealousy in our world today?
6. Ezekiel 8:7-18 depicts scenes of idolatry within the temple that get progressively worse. What does this say about the nature of sin? Give some examples of how sin gets progressively worse when its not dealt with. What are some examples of the progressive nature of sin from your own life?
7. What does it mean that the elders were doing things "in the dark (ESV)" in 8:12? What does this say about the state of Israel's leadership? Why is it significant that this was happening in the temple courts? What does it say about the state of a religious community when its holy place becomes a place of iniquity? Why do you think that there was no concern about this kind of sin in Israel?
8. Instead of weeping over their sin, the women of 8:14-15 weep over a pagan god. What role should sorrow have in repentance? What is the distinction between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow? How should a Christian find balance between godly sorrow and shame?
9. Who do you think the twenty-five men in 8:16-18 are? What is the significance of the location of their sin? What is conveyed by the expression "with their backs to the temple of the Lord (ESV)?" What kinds of things do you think would lead a people to turn their backs on God? What does that look like?
10. Ezekiel 8:17-18 speak of the necessity of God's wrath. Why is God's wrath necessary? According to the book of Ezekiel so far, what will his wrath accomplish? Why is this important?

Key Words/Phrase

Abominations, v. 6.

Characters

God, Ezekiel, Jaazaniah.

Strong Verse(s)