Ezekiel 20:26 Meaning and Explanation
“And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God allowed Israel's idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice, to bring desolation.
The Context of Ezekiel 20:26
God allows Israel's idolatrous practices to bring them to desolation.
What Does Ezekiel 20:26 Mean?
The practice of causing children to 'pass through the fire' refers to child sacrifice to the god Molech—one of the most abominable practices of pagan worship. God's allowing this to happen represents the final stage of judgment: removal of restraint. The people had chosen slavery to idolatry; now they were given over to it, experiencing its terrible consequences.
The purpose remained redemptive: 'that they might know that I am the LORD.' Even desolation brought through their own sin could lead to recognition of God's lordship. The judgment was severe because the sin was severe, but it was never without the possibility of returning to God. Desolation could become a teacher, if the people listened.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 20:26
What does Ezekiel 20:26 mean?
God allowed Israel's idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice, to bring desolation.
What is the context of Ezekiel 20:26?
God allows Israel's idolatrous practices to bring them to desolation.