Like chapter 16, much of chapter 20 is a survey of Israel’s past. This particular review is dated to the seventh year, fifth month, tenth day (August 591). This date is all the more ominous, for it is exactly five years to the day before Nebuchadnezzar torches the Jerusalem temple (Jer. 52:12–13). Again the elders come to Ezekiel for a spiritual message, only to be rebuffed.

Verses 5–29 are about the detestable practices of the exiles’ fathers. This section is presented in four subunits. The first is verses 5–9 and covers the fathers in Egypt. Although chosen by God, the people still rebelled and held on to their images. Only for the sake of his reputation did the Lord restrain himself from destroying them. The second subunit (20:10–17) covers the first wilderness generation. To these Go…