Then he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each in his room of pictures? For they say, ‘The LORD does not see us, the LORD has forsaken the land.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
These elders aren't just practicing secret idolatry; they're using their hidden rituals as a twisted justification for abandoning God. By saying "The LORD does not see us," they imply God is either unaware or powerless, so they're free to seek help elsewhere, even blaming God for their troubles by claiming He's "forsaken the land."
Then he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each in his room of pictures? For they say, ‘The LORD does not see us, the LORD has forsaken the land.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel is shown a vision of idolatrous practices happening within the Temple courts themselves, revealing a deep spiritual corruption among the elders and priests. After witnessing grotesque scenes and an elder leading further abominations, Ezekiel is confronted with these elders actively practicing idolatry in hidden chambers decorated with images. They rationalize their actions by declaring that God does not see them and has abandoned the land, justifying their turn to other gods.
Why would people worship in the dark, in secret rooms, if they truly believed God was watching?
The elders of Israel weren't just dabbling in a little bit of forbidden practice; they were engaged in deep, secret idolatry. The text highlights they did this 'in the dark, each in his room of pictures.' This wasn't a public display but a hidden, shameful act.
Why the Secrecy?
When faced with suffering, why would people conclude God had 'forsaken' them instead of repenting?
Ask a follow-up
The elders’ justification for their secret idolatry is chilling: 'The LORD does not see us, the LORD has forsaken the land.' This isn't just a statement of atheism; it’s a twisted logic born out of their suffering.
The Elders' Argument:
Understand the original words
ben 'adam · Hebrew Noun phrase
A term often applied to Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and finite perspective in contrast to the majesty and holiness of the divine messenger and the LORD.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His faithfulness, holiness, and self-existence as the I AM who enters into relationship with His people.
Ezekiel's vision unfolds during the escalating crisis of the Babylonian exile. The 'ancients' in Jerusalem, engaging in secret idolatry and believing God was unaware or had abandoned them, were tragically blind to the impending judgment that God's people were already experiencing or about to face.
c. 626 BC
Josiah's Reforms
King Josiah initiates a sweeping religious reform, purging idolatry and centralizing worship in Jerusalem. This event sets a backdrop of religious tension and potential resurgence of old practices.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah and deports a group of prominent citizens, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
After a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon. This intensifies the sense of abandonment and crisis for those left behind and in exile.
c. 592 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Vision of Temple Abominations
The prophet Ezekiel, in exile in Babylon, receives a series of visions revealing the deep spiritual corruption within Jerusalem and the Temple. This specific vision occurs during this period, showing the elders practicing secret idolatry.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces finally destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, completing the Babylonian conquest. This catastrophic event serves as the ultimate consequence of the sin and apostasy described by Ezekiel.
This psalm echoes the same sentiment of wicked hearts believing God doesn't see or care, stating 'He has said in his heart, “You will not require it. You have seen it, for you will mark,”' reflecting the 'The LORD does not see us' idea.
Isaiah 29:15This passage speaks about those who 'hide their counsel from the LORD' and act 'in darkness,' which strongly parallels the secret, hidden idolatry described in Ezekiel 8:12.
Jeremiah 23:11-12The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel both condemn false prophets and leaders who lead people astray with deceptive messages, much like these elders who claim God has forsaken them, leading to their ruin.
Romans 1:18-23This New Testament passage describes humanity suppressing the truth and exchanging the glory of God for idols, driven by a refusal to acknowledge God, mirroring the elders' denial of God's sight and presence.
2 Chronicles 15:2This verse highlights the consequences of turning away from God when 'he is with you, when you are with him,' echoing the elders' belief that God had forsaken them, a condition they brought upon themselves.
pooleEzekiel 8:12: "Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth."
Hast thou seen? observed and thoroughly considered. The ancients: see Ezekiel 8:11 . Do in the dark; whether ashamed to act openly what was most absurd, or whether out of blindness doting in secret on what heathens secretly derided, though for interest they acted…
barnesEzekiel 8:12: "Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth."
In the dark - Hidden in the secret places which the seer dug through the wall to discover. Chambers of his imagery - i. e., chambers painted with images.
These elders aren't just practicing secret idolatry; they're using their hidden rituals as a twisted justification for abandoning God. By saying "The LORD does not see us," they imply God is either unaware or powerless, so they're free to seek help elsewhere, even blaming God for their troubles by claiming He's "forsaken the land."
Ezekiel is shown a vision of idolatrous practices happening within the Temple courts themselves, revealing a deep spiritual corruption among the elders and priests. After witnessing grotesque scenes and an elder leading further abominations, Ezekiel is confronted with these elders actively practicing idolatry in hidden chambers decorated with images. They rationalize their actions by declaring that God does not see them and has abandoned the land, justifying their turn to other gods.
Ezekiel is shown a vision of idolatrous practices happening within the Temple courts themselves, revealing a deep spiritual corruption among the elders and priests. After witnessing grotesque scenes and an elder leading further abominations, Ezekiel is confronted with these elders actively practicing idolatry in hidden chambers decorated with images. They rationalize their actions by declaring that God does not see them and has abandoned the land, justifying their turn to other gods.
"Then he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each in his room of pictures? For they say, ‘The LORD does not see us, the LORD has forsaken the land.’”" — These elders aren't just practicing secret idolatry; they're using their hidden rituals as a twisted justification for abandoning God. By saying "The LORD does not see us," they imply God is either u…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026