Ezekiel 20:29 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 20:29 mean?

Ezekiel 20:29 records God questioning the Israelites about the "high place" (called "Bamah") where they go, highlighting that this name is still used in Ezekiel’s time. The verse points out the ongoing practice of visiting these high places, which were often associated with worship outside of God’s instructions.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, reminding them of their history of worship at "high places." These were locations, often on hills, where people performed religious rituals, sometimes mixing in practices from other religions. By asking about the name "Bamah," God draws attention to how these places and their reputation have persisted, showing the deep roots of this behavior in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 20:29

• "place" (בָּמָה, bamah): This word means "high place" and refers to elevated sites used for worship. The verse specifically calls out the ongoing use of this term, underlining how these locations remained significant in Israel’s religious life.
• "called" (קָרָא, qara): This verb means "to call" or "to name." The verse notes that the place is still called "Bamah," emphasizing the lasting identity and memory of these sites.
• "day" (יוֹם, yom): Used here to mean "to this day," it stresses that the name and the practice have continued up to Ezekiel’s present, not just in the distant past.

Why Ezekiel 20:29 matters

• Ezekiel 20:29 clarifies that the problem of worship at high places was not just a past issue but was still relevant in Ezekiel’s day, showing the persistence of certain traditions.
• The verse highlights God’s awareness and disapproval of religious practices that stray from His instructions, even if they are long-standing or widely accepted.
• By drawing attention to the name "Bamah," the verse connects the Israelites’ current actions to their history, setting up a challenge to break with these entrenched patterns.