Old Testament

Ezekiel 20:29

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 is questioning the people about their practices.

Author: Ezekiel the prophet
Written: Around 590 BC
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: Exiled Israelites in Babylon

CBTClear Bible Translation

I asked them: What is this high place you keep going to? And so it has been called Bamah to this day.'"

KJVKing James Version

Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, God is questioning the people about their practices. He refers to a 'high place,' which symbolizes a location where they worshipped other gods instead of Him. The term 'Bamah' signifies these places of worship, which were often on elevated ground. God is pointing out their tendency to stray from true worship. This inquiry serves as a reminder of their unfaithfulness and the importance of recognizing where they direct their devotion. The name 'Bamah' has persisted, indicating that these practices were deeply rooted in their culture. God’s question invites reflection on our own lives: what are the 'high places' we turn to instead of focusing on our relationship with Him? It challenges us to examine our priorities and the influences we allow in our lives, urging us to seek genuine connection with the divine rather than distractions. This passage encourages us to be mindful of where we invest our time and energy, ensuring that we are not led astray by false idols.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Ezekiel 20:29 to your life

Consider what distractions or priorities might be taking your focus away from your relationship with God. Identify any 'high places' in your life that may not align with your values. Make a conscious effort to redirect your attention towards what truly matters and strengthens your faith. Seek genuine connection and avoid distractions that lead you away from your purpose. Remember, true worship is about the heart, not just the location.

Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Ezekiel 20:29 mean?

Ezekiel 20:29 highlights God's question to the people about their worship practices at high places, known as 'Bamah.' It signifies their tendency to worship other gods instead of Him, serving as a reminder of their unfaithfulness.

What is the significance of 'Bamah' in Ezekiel 20:29?

'Bamah' refers to the high places where people worshipped idols. In this verse, it symbolizes the locations of false worship that God is questioning, emphasizing the need for true devotion to Him.

How does Ezekiel 20:29 relate to modern worship?

Ezekiel 20:29 encourages individuals to examine their own lives for 'high places' or distractions that may divert their focus from God. It prompts self-reflection on what truly matters in one's spiritual journey.

What lessons can we learn from Ezekiel 20:29?

From Ezekiel 20:29, we learn the importance of recognizing and addressing distractions in our worship. It teaches us to prioritize our relationship with God and to avoid practices that lead us away from true faith.

Book Summary

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.

Beside each living creature appears a wheel on the earth, and the wheels have the appearance of a wheel within a wheel. Their rims are high and full of eyes all around. When the living creatures move, the wheels move with them, and the spirit of the living creature is in the wheels. Above the heads of the living creatures is the likeness of a firmament like crystal, and above the firmament is the likeness of a throne like a sapphire stone. Upon the throne is the likeness of a man with brightness like fire and a rainbow around him. Ezekiel sees the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD, and when he sees it, he falls upon his face and hears a voice speaking. Ezekiel 2: Son of Man, Stand Upon Your Feet The voice says to him, "Son of man, stand upon your feet, and I will speak unto you." The Spirit enters him and sets him on his feet, and the LORD speaks to him. The LORD says he sends him to the children of Israel, a rebellious nation that has transgressed against Him. Their fathers have rebelled, and they continue in stubbornness and impudence. Ezekiel is sent to speak the LORD's words to them whether they hear or refuse to hear. The LORD tells him they shall know that a prophet has been among them. The LORD warns him not to fear them or their words, though they are like briers and thorns and though he dwells among scorpions. He is not to be afraid of their faces. He must speak the LORD's words to them whether they listen or refuse, for they are most rebellious. The LORD commands him not to be rebellious like that rebellious house. He is told to open his mouth and eat what the LORD gives him. He sees a hand with a scroll written inside and outside with lamentations, mourning, and woe.

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