27. Ezekiel, tell the people of Israel that their ancestors also rejected and insulted me
28. by offering sacrifices, incense, and wine to gods on every hill and under every large tree. I was very angry, because they did these things in the land I had given them!
29. I asked them where they went to worship those gods, and they answered, “At the local shrines.” And those places of worship are still called shrines.
30. Then ask the Israelites why they are following the example of their wicked ancestors
31. by worshipping idols and by sacrificing their own children as offerings. They commit these sins and still think they can ask me for a message. As surely as I am the living Lord God, I will give them no answer.
32. They may think they can be like other nations and get away with worshipping idols made of wood and stone. But that will never happen!
33. As surely as I am the living Lord God, I will rule over you with my powerful arm. You will feel my fierce anger
34. and my power, when I gather you from the places where you are scattered
35. and lead you into a desert surrounded by nations. I will meet you there face to face. Then I will pass judgment on you
36. and punish you, just as I punished your ancestors in the desert near Egypt.
37. I will force each of you to obey the regulations of our solemn agreement.
38. I will separate the sinful rebels from the rest of you, and even though I will bring them from the nations where they live in exile, they won't be allowed to return to Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
39. Go ahead and worship your idols for now, you Israelites, because soon I will no longer let you dishonour me by offering gifts to them. You will have no choice but to obey me!
40. When that day comes, everyone in Israel will worship me on Mount Zion, my holy mountain in Jerusalem. I will once again call you my own, and I will accept your sacred offerings and sacrifices.
41. When I bring you home from the places where you are now scattered, I will be pleased with you, just as I am pleased with the smell of the smoke from your sacrifices. Every nation on earth will see that I am holy,
42. and you will know that I, the Lord, am the one who brought you back to Israel, the land I promised your ancestors.
43. Then you will remember your wicked sins, and you will hate yourselves for doing such horrible things. They have made you unacceptable to me,
44. so you deserve to be punished. But I will treat you in a way that will bring honour to my name, and you will know that I am the Lord God.