Ezekiel 6:13
Then shall ye know that I am the LORD, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.
Ezekiel 6:13 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse, found in the book of Ezekiel, serves as a warning and a declaration of the power of the Lord. The verse speaks of a time when the people will truly understand the might of the Lord, as they see the destruction that comes upon them for their idolatry. The image of slain men among their idols, surrounding their altars on high hills, mountain tops, and under every green tree and thick oak, depicts a scene of devastation and judgment. The phrase "the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols" emphasizes the people's worship of false gods, which ultimately led to their downfall. The verse highlights the consequences of turning away from the one true God and serving idols instead. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying faithful and obedient to the Lord, for He is the only one worthy of worship and praise.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of recognizing the true power and authority of God. In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is describing a scene of devastation and destruction, with slain men scattered among idols on high hills, mountains, and under trees where offerings were made. The use of the phrase "Then shall ye know that I am the LORD" emphasizes that even in the midst of chaos and idolatry, God's supremacy will be revealed. The juxtaposition of the slaughtered men with their lifeless idols serves as a stark reminder of the futility of worshiping false gods. This verse underscores the ultimate judgment that will come upon those who turn away from the one true God and serves as a call to repentance and renewed faith in the divine.
Ezekiel 6:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And ye shall know that I am Jehovah, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, on all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick [ oak, the places where they offered sweet savor to all their idols.
World English Bible
You shall know that I am Yahweh, when their slain men shall be among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the places where they offered pleasant aroma to all their idols.
Douay-Rheims
And you shall know that I am the Lord, when your slain shall be amongst your idols, round about your altars, in every high hill, and on all the tops of mountains, and under every woody tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they burnt sweet smelling frankincense to all their idols.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then ye shall knowe, that I am ye Lord, when their slaine men shalbe among their idoles round about their altars, vpon euerie hie hill in al the toppes of the mountaines, and vnder euery greene tree, and vnder euerie thicke oke, which is the place where they did offer sweete sauour to all their idoles.