Ezekiel 8:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Rather than what has been stated: at the northern side of the altar gate, the figure of jealousy stands at the very entrance, the Seventy have rendered it: at the northern side of the east gate, a translation that does not align with the Hebrew text, preserving the other descriptions included. He declared to me, whether it was through the glory of God that I witnessed in the field, or by the spirit that elevated me between heaven and earth. As he transported me to Jerusalem, he conversed with me and revealed either the city or the temple, instructing me to gaze towards the north. For there, at the very entrance of the gate, the image of Baal was positioned, which he refers to as the idol of jealousy. However, those who associate the idol of jealousy or the possessor with the glory of God or the spirit err gravely, conflating the visage of the idol with the divine majesty of God.

The Prophet elucidates the veracity of the punishment meted out to the Jews, highlighting the reasons why the just Judge reveals to him all their wrongful actions.