Text: Ezekiel 14:1-11
OT Text Referred to: Leviticus 17
Subject: heart idolatry and sacrificial infidelity
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): None
Significance: Ezekiel 14:1-11 extends the anti-idolatry legislation of Leviticus 17 from external cultic practice to internal spiritual reality. Leviticus 17 prohibits Israel from sacrificing in open fields to שְׂעִירִם (se'irim, "goat-demons") and requires all sacrifices be brought to the tabernacle. Ezekiel addresses elders who have "set up idols in their hearts" (גִּלּוּלִים, gillulim) while outwardly coming to consult the prophet—a form of syncretism that the Levitical law could not detect because it resides in the heart. God declares he will "answer" such inquirers according to their idolatry and "cut them off" (כָּרַת, karat), the same penalty language used throughout Leviticus for covenant violations.