Introduction
B. The vision of the departure of Yahweh’s glory chs. 8-11
These chapters all concern one vision that Ezekiel received, which the chiastic structure of this section reinforces. [Note: See Block, The Book . . ., p. 272, for a diagram of the chiasm.] Chapter 8 exposes the abominable idolatry of the people of Jerusalem, and chapters 9-11 describe God’s judgment on this idolatry.
"Ezekiel was first confronted with the wickedness of the people in the temple (chap. 8); then he was shown the slaughter of the people of Jerusalem (chap. 9). Jerusalem was so wicked that God’s glory departed from the temple (chap. 10), and as it left the city, judgment was pronounced on her rulers (chap. 11)." [Note: Dyer, "Ezekiel," p. 1242.]
1. The idolatry of the house of Israel ch. 8
This chapter contrasts the glory of God with the idolatry of Judah’s leadership and citizens back in Jerusalem.
"The purpose of the visions of chapter 8 was twofold: to show the Jews in Babylon the righteous judgment of God upon His people for their sins and to forewarn that continuance in these outrages would result in a final and complete exile of Israel from the promised land. The present chapter amplifies the reason for the threatenings found in Ezekiel 7:20-22." [Note: Feinberg, p. 49.]
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