Ezekiel 8:17
Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.
Ezekiel 8:17 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is being shown a vision by God, who asks him if he has seen the abominations being committed by the house of Judah. The phrase "Is it a light thing" indicates that God takes these sins very seriously and is deeply troubled by the violence and idolatry that has filled the land. The act of putting a branch to their nose was a gesture of contempt and disrespect towards God, further provoking his anger. This verse serves as a warning to the people of Judah that their actions have consequences and that they must turn away from their sinful ways before it is too late. It is a reminder of the importance of staying faithful and obedient to God, as he expects nothing less from his people.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet Ezekiel is being shown by God the detestable and wicked actions of the people of Judah. The phrase "Is it a light thing to the house of Judah" indicates that the sins committed by the people are not minor or insignificant, but rather serious and grievous. The word "abominations" used here refers to actions that are morally repugnant and offensive to God. The mention of filling the land with violence highlights the rampant injustice and cruelty that permeated society at that time. The phrase "put the branch to their nose" is a symbol of contempt and defiance towards God, as it was a gesture often used to show disrespect. Overall, this verse serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and engaging in sinful behavior. It highlights the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and avoiding actions that provoke His anger.
Ezekiel 8:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen [this], O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have turned again to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.
World English Bible
Then he said to me, Have you seen this, son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have turned again to provoke me to anger: and behold, they put the branch to their nose.
Douay-Rheims
And he said to me: Surely thou hast seen, O son of man: is this a light thing to the house of Juda, that they should commit these abominations which they have committed here: because they have filled the land with iniquity, and have turned to provoke me to anger? and behold they put a branch to their nose.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The he said vnto me, Hast thou seene this, O sonne of man? Is it a small thing to the house of Iudah to commit these abominations which they do here? for they haue filled the land with crueltie, and haue returned to prouoke mee: and loe, they haue cast out stinke before their noses.