Ezekiel 20:32
Ezekiel 20:32 in Multiple Translations
When you say, ‘Let us be like the nations, like the peoples of the lands, serving wood and stone,’ what you have in mind will never come to pass.
And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
and that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, in that ye say, We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
And that which comes into your minds will never take place; when you say, We will be like the nations, like the families of the countries, servants of wood and stone;
When you say to yourselves, ‘Let's be like the other nations, like people in other countries who worship idols made of wood and stone,’ what you're thinking is never going to happen.
Neither shall that be done that commeth into your minde: for ye say, We wil be as the heathen, and as the families of the countreys, and serue wood, and stone.
And that which is going up on your mind, It is not at all — in that ye are saying: We will be as the nations, as the families of the lands, To serve wood and stone.
“‘“That which comes into your mind will not be at all, in that you say, ‘We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.’
And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
Neither shall the thought of your mind come to pass, by which you say: We will be as the Gentiles, and as the families of the earth, to worship stocks and stones.
You say, ‘We want to be like the other nations, like the other people-groups in the world. We want to worshipidols made of wood and stonelike they do.’ But what you want will never happen.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:32
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 20:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָֽ/עֹלָה֙
עַל
ר֣וּחֲ/כֶ֔ם
הָי֖וֹ
לֹ֣א
תִֽהְיֶ֑ה
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אַתֶּ֣ם
אֹמְרִ֗ים
נִֽהְיֶ֤ה
כַ/גּוֹיִם֙
כְּ/מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
הָ/אֲרָצ֔וֹת
לְ/שָׁרֵ֖ת
עֵ֥ץ
וָ/אָֽבֶן
וְ/הָֽ/עֹלָה֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | Art | V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
ר֣וּחֲ/כֶ֔ם
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs | Suff
הָי֖וֹ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Ptc
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִֽהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אֹמְרִ֗ים
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal
נִֽהְיֶ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
כַ/גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
כְּ/מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fp
הָ/אֲרָצ֔וֹת
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cp
לְ/שָׁרֵ֖ת
shârath
H8334
to minister
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
עֵ֥ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-ms
וָ/אָֽבֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
Conj | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 20:32
וְ/הָֽ/עֹלָה֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
ר֣וּחֲ/כֶ֔ם
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
הָי֖וֹ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Ptc
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִֽהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אֹמְרִ֗ים
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נִֽהְיֶ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כַ/גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
כְּ/מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
הָ/אֲרָצ֔וֹת
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cp
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לְ/שָׁרֵ֖ת
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
עֵ֥ץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
וָ/אָֽבֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 20:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:32
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:32
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 20:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:32
- Sermons on Ezekiel 20:32
Context — Israel’s Rebellion in the Land
30Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did, prostituting yourselves with their abominations?
31When you offer your gifts, sacrificing your sons in the fire, you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. So should I be consulted by you, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be consulted by you!
32When you say, ‘Let us be like the nations, like the peoples of the lands, serving wood and stone,’ what you have in mind will never come to pass.
33As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, with a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and outpoured wrath I will rule over you. 34With a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and outpoured wrath I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands to which you have been scattered.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 11:5 | And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me and told me to declare that this is what the LORD says: “That is what you are thinking, O house of Israel; and I know the thoughts that arise in your minds. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 44:17 | Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. |
| 3 | Psalms 139:2 | You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. |
| 4 | Daniel 5:4 | As they drank the wine, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone. |
| 5 | Revelation 9:20 | Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 4:28 | And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 29:17 | You saw the abominations and idols among them made of wood and stone, of silver and gold. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 28:36 | The LORD will bring you and the king you appoint to a nation neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 28:64 | Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known. |
| 10 | Lamentations 3:37 | Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it? |
Ezekiel 20:32 Summary
Ezekiel 20:32 is a warning from God to the Israelites not to try to be like the nations around them by worshiping idols made of wood and stone. This verse reminds us that when we try to fit in with the world and prioritize things that are not of God, we will ultimately be disappointed and unfulfilled, as seen in Proverbs 14:12. Instead, we should seek to follow God's will and plans for our lives, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty (Jeremiah 29:11). By doing so, we can experience true joy, peace, and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to serve wood and stone in Ezekiel 20:32?
Serving wood and stone refers to idolatry, where people worship and prioritize created things over the one true God, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:28 and Isaiah 44:19.
Why does God say that what the Israelites have in mind will never come to pass?
God says this because the Israelites' desire to be like the nations and serve idols is in direct opposition to His will and plans for them, as stated in Ezekiel 20:30-31 and reinforced in Jeremiah 29:11.
Is this verse still relevant to Christians today?
Yes, this verse remains relevant as a warning against compromising our faith and values to fit in with the world, as seen in Romans 12:2 and 1 John 2:15-17.
How does God feel about the Israelites' desire to be like the nations?
God is displeased and grieved by the Israelites' desire to be like the nations, as expressed in Ezekiel 20:33 and echoed in Hosea 11:8, demonstrating His love and concern for their spiritual well-being.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be trying to be like the world, and how can I align myself with God's will instead?
- How do I prioritize my relationship with God, and what idols might be competing for my attention and affection?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and plans for my life, even when they differ from my own desires or expectations?
- What does it mean to 'serve wood and stone' in my own life, and how can I identify and repent of any idolatrous tendencies?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:32
And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all,.... What they had contrived in their own breasts, and laid a plan of, and would gladly have brought about, should be frustrated, take no
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:32
And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:32
God by his prophet, to convince and recover them, tells them what they think and have purposed. Shall not be at all; shall be quite frustrated. Ye say; you have consulted and come to a resolution herein. As the heathen; unite in habitation, covenants, marriages, commerce, and religion too; and then ye shall be more safe among them, thrive with them, and all the displeasure they have against you will cease: these are your imaginations and contrivances of you at the court of Zedekiah in Jerusalem. But I tell you that this shall not be at all. This designed apostacy to Gentilism, if you do act it, shall not prosper with you, or help you, ye blind, hardened, senseless atheists.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:32
Ezekiel 20:32 And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.Ver. 32. And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all.] You are laying a plot for an accommodation with the Babylonish idolaters, a compliance with them, and thereby you think to ingratiate, to get their favour and friendship. But please not yourselves in such a project; it will never be. So, no peace with Rome. The Moderater, Sancta Clara, and other such as sought to bring us together, made a pretty show, saith one, if there had been no Bible. Such carnal professors are not unlike these in the text, as seeing the wicked’ s full cups, and their own harder condition, are ready to revolt, that "waters of a full cup may be wrung out to them" also. We will be as the heathen.] And so help ourselves as we can, since God will not help us.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:32
(32) As the heathen.—The desire to be “like the nations that are round about,” had long been a ruling ambition with the Israelites, as shown in their original desire for a king (1 Samuel 8:5; 1 Samuel 8:20), and this desire, as shown in the text, had been one chief reason for their tendency to idolatry. The second part of this prophecy extends from Ezekiel 20:33 to Ezekiel 20:44, where the chapter closes in the Hebrew, and it would have been better if the same division had been observed in the English, as the fresh prophecy of Eze 20:45-49 is more closely connected with the following chapter. The object of this concluding part of the prophecy is to declare the mingled severity and goodness with which God is about to deal with His people to wean them from their sins, and prepare them to receive His abundant blessing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:32
Verse 32. And that which cometh into your mind] Ye wish to be naturalized among idolaters, and make a part of such nations. But this shall not be at all; you shall be preserved as a distinct people. Ye shall not be permitted to mingle yourselves with the people of those countries: even they, idolaters as they are, will despise and reject you. Besides, I will change your place, restore your captivity; yet not in mercy, but in fury poured out; and reserve you for sorer evils, Ezekiel 20:34.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:32
32. The prophet regards the worship on the high-places as Canaanitish heathenism; but probably many of the exiles to whom he spoke were drifting into complete conformity with the nations among whom they were. Their minds were losing hold of their distinctiveness as the people of Jehovah. This practical assimilation to the heathen the prophet represents as a deliberate one, which in many cases it may have been—cf. the answer of the exiles in Egypt to Jeremiah 44:15-19, also Jeremiah 2:25. to serve wood and stone] The service of the heathen is a service of wood and stone, Deuteronomy 4:28; Deuteronomy 28:36; Isaiah 37:19. The images were often of wood, plated with some precious metal (Isaiah 40:20; Jeremiah 10:3; Isaiah 30:22), or of stone; often, however, of baser metal overlaid with gold or silver. It is the dead matter in opposition to Jehovah, the living God, that gives point to the antithesis. On “cometh into your mind” cf. Ezekiel 11:5; Jeremiah 7:31; Jeremiah 19:5; Isaiah 10:7.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 20:32
God’s future dealings with His people: (1) in judgment Ezekiel 20:32-38; (2) in mercy Ezekiel 20:39-44.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:32
32. We will be as the heathen — Even while claiming Jehovah as their national God and expecting him to preserve them as a nation they had practically apostatized by also giving honor to other deities
Sermons on Ezekiel 20:32
| Sermon | Description | |
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Glimpses of the Future - Part 3 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into various prophetic glimpses from the book of Revelation and other biblical passages, highlighting the significance of young people in evangelism, the role of |
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It's Not Business, It's Personal by Bob Sorge | In this sermon, Bob Sorge discusses the importance of having a father figure in worship ministry. He emphasizes the unique and precious relationship that can be formed with a fathe |
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Blotted Out by Mel Trotter | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a boy in Chicago who confessed to killing his parents. The boy's confession was recorded on a dictaphone, and when played back, it |
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The Deceitfulness of the Heart by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the deceptive nature of sin and the false promises it offers. He warns against being deceived by the temporary pleasures and illusions of si |
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God's Peace Guarding You From Anxious Thoughts by James Jennings by James Malachi Jennings | This sermon delves into Philippians chapter 4, emphasizing the importance of not being anxious but instead bringing all requests to God in prayer with thanksgiving. The passage hig |
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Amos 4:12 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the urgency of preparing to meet God, highlighting how God has sent various warnings and judgments to prompt repentance. He explains that calamities serve as |
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God's Anatomy Upon Man's Heart by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the omniscience of God, emphasizing that all things are naked and open before His eyes. He calls for humility, repentance, and soul-affliction in the f |