Ezekiel proclaims judgment against Israel’s idolatry, while Yahweh preserves a remnant who will remember Him and grieve over their former abominations.
The high places judged (Ezekiel 6:1–7)
Ezekiel turns toward the mountains of Israel, where high places, altars and images have drawn the people away from Yahweh. These places will be destroyed; the slain will fall before their idols, and their bones will lie around the altars. The judgment will make known that Yahweh is the LORD.
A remnant remembers (Ezekiel 6:8–10)
Some will escape the sword and live among the nations. In captivity they will remember Yahweh and loathe the abominations they once committed. Their remembrance includes repentance, and they will know that Yahweh’s warning was not spoken in vain.
The land made desolate (Ezekiel 6:11–14)
Ezekiel is told to strike and stamp because of Israel’s abominations. Sword, famine and pestilence bring death, while the places once devoted to idols become desolate. Yahweh’s stretched-out hand leaves the land laid waste, and the survivors learn that He is the LORD.
The chapter’s message
Idolatry lies at the heart of Israel’s guilt, and its high places become scenes of judgment. Yet Yahweh preserves a remnant whose memory of Him leads to grief over former ways. The repeated recognition of Yahweh’s authority is the purpose of the judgment.