Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Ezekiel 20:28 (BSB)
When I brought them into the land that I swore to give them and they saw any high hill or leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, presented offerings that provoked Me, sent up their fragrant incense, and poured out their drink offerings.
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“When I brought them into the land that I swore to give them and they saw any high hill or leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, presented offerings that provoked Me, sent up their fragrant incense, and poured out their drink offerings.” — Ezekiel 20:28
Imagine landing in a beautiful, promised land, filled with lush hills and vibrant trees. In this moment, people are so excited about what they have received that they can't help but express their gratitude through offerings. They gather around the high hills and leafy trees, lighting up the air with the sweet smells of their sacrifices. It’s a moment filled with joy and celebration, where people are pouring out their hearts, literally and figuratively, in gratitude. You can almost feel the excitement in the air as they connect with something bigger than themselves!
This verse comes from the prophet Ezekiel, who was chosen to speak during a tough time for his people. They were in exile, feeling lost and disconnected. Ezekiel wanted them to remember their roots and the promises from God. By including this detail about offerings, he highlights the human tendency to seek connection and gratitude in times of abundance, reminding them of the importance of staying true to their commitments, even when life feels good.
Ezekiel wrote this during a time when the Israelites were exiled in Babylon, a place far from their homeland. They were grappling with loss and longing for their past. This setting is crucial as it emphasizes the contrast between their current struggles and the hopeful promise of a land filled with blessings. Understanding this historical backdrop helps you see why they were so eager to express their gratitude – they had been through so much and were finally getting a taste of what was promised.
This verse speaks to you today because it’s a reminder to recognize and celebrate the blessings in your life, even when things get tough. It shows that gratitude can be a powerful response to abundance. Just like the people in this story, you might find yourself distracted or looking for fulfillment in the wrong places. This verse encourages you to take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for and to express that in your own way. It’s a call to stay grounded in gratitude.
This week, take time to acknowledge three things you’re grateful for in your life. Whether it’s writing them down, sharing them with a friend, or even creating a small ritual to celebrate those moments, let those feelings of thankfulness fill your heart. You could also consider how you express your gratitude – in what areas of your life can you pour out more appreciation? It doesn’t have to be grand; even small gestures can make a big difference!
This moment is part of a larger narrative where God is reminding the people about the promises made to their ancestors. They had been through difficult times and were now in a place of abundance. However, instead of fully embracing this new life, they were distracted and often turned to other practices rather than focusing on their commitment to God. This verse captures a key moment where they are acknowledging their blessings but also highlights a tension – their tendency to look elsewhere for fulfillment. It sets the stage for a more profound reflection on loyalty amidst plenty.
What are some specific ways you can express gratitude for the blessings in your life, similar to how the people in this verse offered their sacrifices?
Keep reading the full Ezekiel 20:28 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free