Bible Commentary

Ezekiel 8:7-12

Matthew Henry on Ezekiel 8:7-12

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

A secret place was, as it were, opened, where the prophet saw creatures painted on the walls, and a number of the elders of Israel worshipped before them. No superiority in worldly matters will preserve men from lust, or idolatries, when they are left to their own deceitful hearts; and those who are soon wearied in the service of God, often grudge no toil nor expense when following their superstitions.

When hypocrites screen themselves behind the wall of an outward profession, there is some hole or other left in the wall, something that betrays them to those who look diligently. There is a great deal of secret wickedness in the world.

They think themselves out of God's sight. But those are ripe indeed for ruin, who lay the blame of their sins upon the Lord.

Recommended reading

More for Ezekiel 8:7-12

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 8:1-18EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 8:1-16Gradual disclosure of human sin. The prophet notes the exact date of the vision, so that, if any doubt arose, the circumstance could be verified, so long as any one of these elders survived. These details of day and mon…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentarySecret Abominations Discovered; The Chambers of Imagery. (b. c. 593.)SECRET ABOMINATIONS DISCOVERED; THE CHAMBERS OF IMAGERY. (B. C. 593.) We have here a further discovery of the abominations that were committed at Jerusalem, and within the confines of the temple, too. Now observe, I. Ho…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 8:7To the door of the court. What follows suggests that the prophet was led to the gate that opened from the inner to the outer court. This gas surrounded by chambers or cells (Jeremiah 35:4). The term for "wall" (kir) is…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 8:7-13The chambers of imagery; or, secret sins. "And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall," etc. In the case of "the image of jealousy" the idolatry of the Israelites was open;…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 8:10Every form of creeping things. The words obviously paint the theriomorphic worship of Egypt, the scarabseus probably being prominent. The alliance between Jehoiakim and Pharaoh (2 Kings 24:1-20 :33-35), and which Zedeki…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 8:10Base idolatry. Placed, as the children of Israel were, in a very central position among the nations, they were exposed to a great variety of temptations. Circumstances must sometimes have favoured the influence of one n…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 8:11Seventy men, etc. The number was probably chosen with reference to the "elders" who had seen the Divine glory in Exodus 24:9, Exodus 24:10. The Sanhedrin, or council of seventy, did not exist till after the Captivity. T…Joseph S. Exell and contributors