And I said to them, ‘Cast away the detestable things your eyes feast on, every one of you, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "abominations of your eyes" isn't just about looking at idols; it points to the fact that their deepest desires and affections were captivated by these false gods, which became the focus of their longing and pursuit. This highlights that idolatry isn't just a visual offense, but a deep-seated corruption of the heart's desires.
And I said to them, ‘Cast away the detestable things your eyes feast on, every one of you, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is recounting His history with Israel, beginning with their choosing them in Egypt and bringing them out. He reminds them of His covenant promises made then, but immediately pivots to how they rebelled, turning to the idols they saw around them. This verse is God's direct command to abandon those detestable idols they’d become attached to while in Egypt, before they even left.
Why does Ezekiel talk about idols being an 'abomination of your eyes'? It's not just about what you see, but what you crave.
God tells Ezekiel to have Israel 'cast away the detestable things your eyes feast on.' This phrase points to more than just outward appearances.
The Allure of the Visible
Why specifically the idols of Egypt? This wasn't just a random choice of forbidden gods; it represented a deep spiritual infection Israel caught.
God's command to 'not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt' carries significant weight because of Israel's history and environment.
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The Temptation of Familiarity
After commanding them to abandon detestable idols, God states, 'I am the LORD your God.' Why is this so crucial?
The repeated declaration 'I am the LORD your God' isn't just a signature; it’s the foundation for the command and the basis of the covenant relationship.
The Authority of the Almighty
Understand the original words
shiqquts · Hebrew Noun
Anything that is loathsome, repulsive, or morally abhorrent to God, particularly objects or practices associated with idolatry and false worship.
tame' · Hebrew Verb
To make ceremonially or morally impure; to render unclean through contact with sin, idolatry, or forbidden practices, thus separating oneself from God's holiness.
gillulim · Hebrew Noun
A representation of a false god, or any object, person, or priority that replaces the true God in one's heart and worship. They are considered empty and powerless, leading to spiritual ruin.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel; it signifies His eternal existence, His unchanging nature, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.
This verse is spoken by Ezekiel while the Israelites are in exile in Babylon, but it directly addresses their repeated sin of idolatry, which began even during their time in Egypt and continued throughout their wilderness journey. God reminds them of His foundational act of deliverance and His commands, highlighting that their persistent turning to idols was a betrayal of their covenant relationship with Him.
c. 1650 BC - 1450 BC
Israelites Sojourn in Egypt
The descendants of Jacob settled in the land of Egypt, eventually becoming enslaved. During this time, they were exposed to Egyptian culture and religious practices.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
God, through Moses, led the Israelites out of Egypt in a dramatic series of events, including the Ten Plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. This event marked a pivotal moment of deliverance and covenant-making.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
Shortly after the Exodus, God gave the Israelites His Law at Mount Sinai, establishing His covenant with them and outlining their duties and prohibitions, including strict commands against idolatry.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Israelites' Early Rebellions in Wilderness
Despite God's powerful deliverance and the giving of His Law, the Israelites quickly demonstrated a rebellious spirit, including the incident with the golden calf, showing their lingering attraction to idolatry.
c. 593 BC
Ezekiel's Prophetic Ministry Begins
Ezekiel, a priest, was taken into exile in Babylon. He began his prophetic ministry to the exiled community, addressing their spiritual state and God's judgment and restoration.
This passage directly shows Israel's relapse into idolatry, specifically the creation of a golden calf, which scholars note had parallels with Egyptian worship like that of Apis, directly illustrating the 'idols of Egypt' that Ezekiel was commanding them to cast away.
Joshua 24:14Joshua echoes Ezekiel's command by urging the Israelites to 'put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt' and to 'serve the LORD,' highlighting the historical continuity of this struggle against idolatry rooted in Egypt.
Leviticus 18:3This verse warns against doing 'what is done in the land of Egypt' or 'what is done in the land of Canaan,' implying that the practices, including idolatry, of these nations were a known spiritual contagion that Israel was to avoid, aligning with Ezekiel's directive.
Acts 7:39-43Stephen's speech recounts Israel's history, referencing their turning 'back in your hearts to Egypt' and making 'idols' even as they were being led out, which provides a powerful, early New Testament echo of the persistent problem of Egyptian idolatry that Ezekiel is addressing.
clarkeEzekiel 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."
Cast ye away - the abominations - Put away all your idols; those incentives to idolatry that ye have looked on with delight.
calvinEzekiel 20:5-8: "And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I am the LORD your God;"
- And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand…
The phrase "abominations of your eyes" isn't just about looking at idols; it points to the fact that their deepest desires and affections were captivated by these false gods, which became the focus of their longing and pursuit. This highlights that idolatry isn't just a visual offense, but a deep-seated corruption of the heart's desires.
God is recounting His history with Israel, beginning with their choosing them in Egypt and bringing them out. He reminds them of His covenant promises made then, but immediately pivots to how they rebelled, turning to the idols they saw around them. This verse is God's direct command to abandon those detestable idols they’d become attached to while in Egypt, before they even left.
God is recounting His history with Israel, beginning with their choosing them in Egypt and bringing them out. He reminds them of His covenant promises made then, but immediately pivots to how they rebelled, turning to the idols they saw around them. This verse is God's direct command to abandon those detestable idols they’d become attached to while in Egypt, before they even left.
"And I said to them, ‘Cast away the detestable things your eyes feast on, every one of you, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.’" — The phrase "abominations of your eyes" isn't just about looking at idols; it points to the fact that their deepest desires and affections were captivated by these false gods, which became the focus o…
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Last reviewed October 2026