Then he said to me, “Son of man, lift up your eyes now toward the north.” So I lifted up my eyes toward the north, and behold, north of the altar gate, in the entrance, was this image of jealousy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "image of jealousy" isn't just describing an idol; it reveals this idol was specifically placed there to provoke God's "jealousy"— His righteous anger and fierce protection over His people's devotion. Its placement "in the entry" near the altar wasn't accidental; it was a brazen affront meant to contaminate the very place of worship and challenge God's presence directly.
Then he said to me, “Son of man, lift up your eyes now toward the north.” So I lifted up my eyes toward the north, and behold, north of the altar gate, in the entrance, was this image of jealousy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God directs Ezekiel's gaze to the north, revealing a detestable idol placed right at the entrance near the altar. This isn't just any idol; it's an "image of jealousy," a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness and provocation of God. This shocking sight, positioned so brazenly within the temple courts, sets the stage for God's upcoming judgment on the deep-seated corruption within His people.
Ever felt like God is pushing you to look at something uncomfortable? Sometimes His commands aren't just about seeing, but about understanding the depth of a problem.
Ezekiel isn't just casually observing; he's commanded by God to 'lift up your eyes now toward the north.' This isn't a neutral act. God is deliberately directing Ezekiel's gaze to a specific, horrific sight: an 'image of jealousy' placed right at the 'gate of the altar.'
The Command to See
Think about it: Ezekiel could have potentially seen this idol on his own, but God’s direct instruction makes it significant. It's like a parent pointing out a dangerous situation to a child – the warning is more potent because it comes with a specific command to observe. This ensures Ezekiel understands the full gravity of Israel's betrayal.
The Location Matters
The idol isn't hidden away in a back alley; it's 'north of the altar gate, in the entrance.' This is prime real estate in God's house, right where worship was supposed to happen. Placing an idol so close to the altar is an audacious act of defiance, an intentional insult meant to provoke God's 'jealousy.' It signifies a total disregard for God's holiness and presence.
What exactly is an 'image of jealousy,' and why was it such a big deal for God?
The phrase 'image of jealousy' is loaded with meaning. It's not just a statue; it's an object that provokes God's righteous jealousy.
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What Provokes God's Jealousy?
God's jealousy isn't like human insecurity or possessiveness. It's His fierce, holy opposition to anything that steals the worship and loyalty that rightfully belong to Him alone. The Old Testament describes God as a husband whose people (His bride, Israel) are committing adultery by worshipping other gods.
A Symbol of Betrayal
This idol, placed at the very threshold of the altar, represented the ultimate betrayal. It was a public display of Israel's infidelity to God, a direct challenge to His covenant and His presence in their midst. It was a constant, visual reminder of their sin, designed to anger God and demonstrate their rejection of Him.
Understand the original words
ben-adam · Hebrew Noun phrase
A term used repeatedly in Ezekiel to signify the prophet’s human frailty and his status as a mere mortal creature before the infinite, transcendent Creator.
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A place of sacrifice, specifically designed for the offering of animals or incense to appease, worship, or approach God, serving as a point of intersection between the divine and human.
Ezekiel's vision of the 'image of jealousy' located at the north gate, near the altar, highlights specific historical acts of idolatry by kings like Ahaz and Manasseh. This wasn't just a general concept of sin, but a tangible, in-your-face desecration of the Temple that directly preceded its destruction and the exile.
c. 750-722 BC
Reign of Ahaz
King Ahaz of Judah, known for his unfaithfulness, introduced foreign religious practices and even removed the great altar in the Temple, placing it in a more prominent, northern position.
c. 700 BC
Reign of Manasseh
King Manasseh, Ahaz's successor, significantly escalated idolatry within the Temple, potentially erecting altars to foreign gods and placing them near the northern gate.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon begins deporting Judeans, including skilled craftsmen and nobility, to Babylon. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Deportation
A larger group of Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel himself, are exiled to Babylon following a Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar completely destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and scattering the remaining Jewish population.
c. 593 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Vision of Temple Abominations
Ezekiel, living in exile in Babylon, receives a series of visions from God, detailing the shocking idolatry and corruption that had defiled the Jerusalem Temple, explaining why God's judgment was just.
This passage details the command against having other gods and making idols, which directly parallels the 'image of jealousy' Ezekiel sees. It highlights the sin of idolatry that provokes God's anger.
Jeremiah 7:14Jeremiah prophesied against the temple and its practices, just as Ezekiel's vision reveals the abominations within. This shows a consistent theme of God's judgment on those who defile His dwelling place.
2 Kings 16:10-14This historical account explains how King Ahaz moved the altar to the north side, bringing it closer to the location where Ezekiel sees the 'image of jealousy.' It provides crucial context for the specific placement of the idol.
Romans 1:23Paul describes people exchanging the glory of God for images, which resonates with the 'image of jealousy' Ezekiel encounters. It illustrates the broader human tendency towards idolatry that leads to divine wrath.
Ezekiel 5:11This verse uses similar language to describe the abominations within Jerusalem that would provoke God. It reinforces the idea that such actions are detestable and lead to severe judgment.
calvinEzekiel 8:5: "Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry."
Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.
Et dixit ad me, Fib hominis, tolle agedurn…
gillEzekiel 8:5: "Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry."
Then said he unto me, son of man,.... That is, the glorious Person described above in this vision, the glorious God of Israel, seen by the prophet in the temple, he spoke unto him, calling him son of man; a name by which he often goes in this prophecy: lift up thine…
The phrase "image of jealousy" isn't just describing an idol; it reveals this idol was specifically placed there to provoke God's "jealousy"— His righteous anger and fierce protection over His people's devotion. Its placement "in the entry" near the altar wasn't accidental; it was a brazen affront meant to contaminate the very place of worship and challenge God's presence directly.
God directs Ezekiel's gaze to the north, revealing a detestable idol placed right at the entrance near the altar. This isn't just any idol; it's an "image of jealousy," a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness and provocation of God. This shocking sight, positioned so brazenly within the temple courts, sets the stage for God's upcoming judgment on the deep-seated corruption within His people.
God directs Ezekiel's gaze to the north, revealing a detestable idol placed right at the entrance near the altar. This isn't just any idol; it's an "image of jealousy," a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness and provocation of God. This shocking sight, positioned so brazenly within the temple courts, sets the stage for God's upcoming judgment on the deep-seated corruption within His people.
"Then he said to me, “Son of man, lift up your eyes now toward the north.” So I lifted up my eyes toward the north, and behold, north of the altar gate, in the entrance, was this image of jealousy." — The phrase "image of jealousy" isn't just describing an idol; it reveals this idol was specifically placed there to provoke God's "jealousy"— His righteous anger and fierce protection over His people…
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Last reviewed October 2026