Old Testament
Ezekiel 20:28
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God reflects on a time when He brought His people into a promised land, a place filled with potential and beauty.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
When I brought them into the land I had sworn to give them, they looked at every high hill and every leafy tree and set up their sacrifices there. They presented their offensive offerings there, burned their pleasing aromas, and poured out their drink offerings.
For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God reflects on a time when He brought His people into a promised land, a place filled with potential and beauty. Instead of honoring Him, they turned to the high hills and lush trees, setting up altars for sacrifices. These offerings were meant to please their own desires rather than God. They burned incense and poured out drink offerings, thinking these acts would earn them favor. However, their actions were misguided, as they chose to worship the creation instead of the Creator. This moment highlights a common human tendency: to seek fulfillment in things that ultimately do not satisfy. God wanted a relationship with His people, but they chose rituals over genuine connection. This serves as a reminder that true worship comes from the heart, not just from outward actions. It challenges us to reflect on where we place our devotion and what we truly value in our lives, urging us to seek a deeper relationship with God rather than mere rituals or traditions.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 20:28 to your life
Consider what you prioritize in your life. Are there things you value more than your relationship with God? Reflect on your daily actions and ensure they align with your faith. True worship is about connection, not just rituals. Seek to deepen your relationship with God today, focusing on what truly matters to Him. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”:”This chapter reveals the struggle between true worship and misguided devotion. God desires a genuine relationship with His people, but they often
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 20:28 mean?
Ezekiel 20:28 reflects on how God's people, after being brought into the promised land, chose to worship at high places instead of honoring God. They offered sacrifices to please themselves rather than seeking a true relationship with Him.
What is the significance of high hills and leafy trees in Ezekiel 20:28?
The high hills and leafy trees symbolize places of worship that the Israelites turned to for sacrifices. Instead of worshiping God directly, they engaged in rituals that focused on creation rather than the Creator.
What does the term 'offensive offerings' refer to in Ezekiel 20:28?
'Offensive offerings' in Ezekiel 20:28 refers to sacrifices made by the Israelites that were displeasing to God. These offerings were not made with sincere hearts and reflected their misguided devotion.
How does Ezekiel 20:28 relate to the theme of idolatry?
Ezekiel 20:28 illustrates idolatry by showing how the Israelites prioritized their rituals and the beauty of nature over their relationship with God. This highlights the danger of placing value on created things instead of the Creator.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
Unlock the full Ezekiel summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Ezekiel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 48 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Ezekiel summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.