What does Ezekiel 7:20 mean?
"As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them." - Ezekiel 7:20

Ezekiel 7:20 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them."
To fully understand the meaning and context of this verse, it is important to a have a background understanding of the book of Ezekiel as a whole. Ezekiel was a prophet who lived during the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites. He prophesied to the exiled Israelites about the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the temple due to the people's sin and rebellion against God. The book of Ezekiel is filled with vivid and dramatic imagery as Ezekiel uses various symbolic acts and visions to communicate God's message to the people.
In Ezekiel 7, the prophet warns the people of the impending judgment and destruction that will come upon them as a result of their unfaithfulness and idolatry. The verse in question specifically addresses the people's misuse and defilement of the "beauty of his ornament." This could refer to the temple and its sacred objects, which were originally intended for the worship of God. Instead of using these holy items for their intended purpose, the people turned to idolatry and created "images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein." This refers to the worship of false gods and the practice of pagan rituals, which was detestable in the sight of God.
The verse speaks to the irony and tragedy of the Israelites' actions. God had set the temple and its sacred objects in majesty, intending for them to be a place of worship and honor to Him. However, the people defiled and desecrated these holy things by using them for idolatrous and detestable practices. As a result, God declares that He has "set it far from them," indicating that He will remove His presence and protection from them due to their disobedience and unfaithfulness.
The themes present in this verse are the consequences of sin, idolatry, and the holiness of God. The imagery of the "beauty of his ornament" and the "images of their abominations" serves as a powerful depiction of the contrast between the intended purpose of the temple and the sinful actions of the people. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of honoring and revering God.
The context of this verse within the book of Ezekiel further emphasizes the severity of the Israelites' disobedience and the impending judgment that they will face as a result. The destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem was a pivotal event in Israel's history, and Ezekiel's prophecies served as a warning to the people to repent and turn back to God before it was too late. The verse serves as a poignant reflection of the people's unfaithfulness and the consequences that they will inevitably face.
Symbolically, the "beauty of his ornament" can also be interpreted as the beauty and glory of God's presence and holiness. The people's defilement of this "ornament" represents their rejection of God and their turning to false gods and sinful practices. The removal of this ornament from them symbolizes the separation and distance that sin creates between humanity and God.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 7:20 is a profound and somber reflection on the consequences of sin and the holiness of God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and revering God, and the devastating effects of turning away from Him. The verse is a sobering call to repentance and a warning of the judgment that comes upon those who persist in disobedience.
Have questions about Ezekiel 7:20?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Ezekiel 7:20 Artwork
Ezekiel 7:20 - "¶ As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them."
"¶ As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them." - Ezekiel 7:20
Ezekiel 20:7 - "Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your God."
Ezekiel 20:41
Ezekiel 20:40
Ezekiel 20:41
Ezekiel 20:41
Ezekiel 20:40
Ezekiel 20:40
Ezekiel 20:41
Ezekiel 20:40
Ezekiel 20:41
Ezekiel 20:41
Ezekiel 27:20 - "Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots."
Ezekiel 20:2 - "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 21:7
Ezekiel 28:20 - "¶ Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 20:45 - "¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 20:20 - "And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God."
Ezekiel 37:7
Ezekiel 37:20 - "¶ And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes."
Ezekiel 37 1-7
Ezekiel 24:20 - "Then I answered them, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Revelation 20:7
Revelation 20:7
Revelation 20:7
Ezekiel 21:20 - "Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites, and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced."
Ezekiel 20:48 - "And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched."
Ezekiel 20:35 - "And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face."
Psalm 20 :7