Ezekiel 8: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ezekiel 8 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Ezekiel experiences a vision while sitting in his house with the elders of Judah (vv. 1-2). He sees a likeness of fire and brightness. The Spirit lifts him up and brings him to Jerusalem, specifically to the gate of the inner court (vv. 3-4). There, he encounters the image of jealousy, which provokes Yahweh (vv. 5-6).

Key verse

“He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they do? Even the great abominations that the house of Israel commit here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? But you will again see yet other great abominations.”
Ezekiel 8:6 (WEB)

Outline

Ezekiel 8:1–2 Ezekiel's Vision Begins
Ezekiel 8:3–4 Transported to Jerusalem
Ezekiel 8:5–6 The Image of Jealousy
Ezekiel 8:7–10 Wicked Abominations Revealed
Ezekiel 8:11–12 Elders' Secret Idolatry
Ezekiel 8:13–15 Weeping for Tammuz
Ezekiel 8:16–18 Sun Worship and Divine Judgment

Discussion questions

In v6, what does Yahweh say about the abominations committed by the house of Israel?
What do the women do in v14 as they mourn for Tammuz?
Elders in v12 claim 'Yahweh doesn’t see us.' What does this suggest about their understanding of God's presence?
In v17, why does Yahweh question if it is a light thing for Judah to commit abominations?
When have you noticed people turning their backs to what is sacred, like the men in v16?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezekiel 8: Ezekiel 1, Ezekiel 11, Ezekiel 9.

Before next time: read Ezekiel 9.