What is the definition of Ezekiel 20:29? π π
Then I said unto them, What [is] the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.
Explanation:
Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:29. Itβs a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means, explained simply:
What it says:
βThen I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.β
Letβs unpack it piece by piece:
π
βThen I said unto themβ¦β
: This is a serious command from God. He's addressing a group of people β likely Israelites β and telling them to stop their wandering and to understand what they are doing.
π
βWhat is the high place whereunto ye go?β
: This is the core of the verse. βYeβ refers to πthemπ. Itβs asking them to explain what they're doing, what their purpose is. "High place" is a tricky word here.
π
βAnd the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.β
: This is where it gets really significant. Bamah was a massive, ancient city located in the Sinai Desert β near modern-day Israel. Itβs described as a huge, imposing structure, and the name "Bamah" is given to it. The verse says that this city πisπ now called βBamahβ β meaning it's the place they are building or continuing to practice.
So, putting it all together:
Ezekiel 20:29 is telling those Israelites (and potentially others) that theyβve been wandering aimlessly for a long time, and they are now focused on building a massive, powerful, and unsettling city called Bamah. It's a warning about their behavior and suggests that this city has become a significant part of their identity and perhaps even a source of trouble or danger.
Why is it important?
This verse is considered one of the most disturbing in the Bible because:
π
It speaks of idolatry:
The imagery of Bamah β a huge, imposing city β is often interpreted as representing a focus on false gods and practices instead of worshipping God directly.
π
Itβs a warning about sin:
Itβs a reminder that even seemingly small or insignificant actions can have significant consequences if they are pursued without reverence and direction.
In short, it's a powerful message about the dangers of wandering away from God and focusing on things that arenβt truly sacred.
---
Do you want me to:
π Explain this verse in more detail?
π Discuss its historical context?
π Compare it to other biblical passages dealing with idolatry or spiritual guidance?