Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 8 - Verse 14

Within the book of Ezekiel, this particular verse portrays a scene where the prophet is brought to the door of the gate of the Lord's house, specifically on the northern side. At this location, he witnesses women weeping for Tammuz. Tammuz was a Mesopotamian deity associated with vegetation and fertility, whose myth included a narrative of death and rebirth. The weeping for Tammuz was part of a ritual mourning for the god's death and awaited resurrection, which was practiced in various ancient Near Eastern cultures. This depiction in Ezekiel has been the subject of interpretation and debate among scholars, with some seeing it as a form of idolatry or syncretism creeping into Israelite worship practices. Overall, this verse serves as a glimpse into the religious customs and beliefs of the time, shedding light on the complex dynamics of ancient Near Eastern religious traditions.

In Ezekiel 8:14, the prophet Ezekiel is brought to the door of the gate of the LORD's house where he witnesses women weeping for Tammuz. Tammuz was a Sumerian god of fertility and vegetation, and his cult involved mourning rituals for his death and resurrection. The women mentioned in this verse were likely participating in these mourning practices as a form of worship. The theological interpretation of this verse sheds light on the idolatry and syncretism that plagued Israel during Ezekiel's time. The Israelites had mixed their worship of the one true God with pagan practices, which angered the Lord and led to his judgment upon them. This verse serves as a warning against compromising one's faith and engaging in false worship. Additionally, the word study of "Tammuz" reveals the significance of this deity in ancient Near Eastern cultures and the impact of idolatry on the spiritual life of Israel.