Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 11:21

"But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord Jehovah." — Ezekiel 11:21 (ASV)

I will recompense their way. — In striking contrast to the mercy granted to the repentant, the Divine wrath upon the impenitent is presented here, as in Revelation 21:8. It has never been promised that all people will be brought to a true sense of their relationship with God, for human responsibility, and consequently the power of choice, is not removed. But God’s grace is never in vain, and if it does not lead to blessing through its acceptance, it must result in greater condemnation through its rejection. (Compare 2 Corinthians 2:16).

The heart of their detestable things is a figurative expression. Idols in themselves are inanimate things. However, the people's hearts were so devoted to the spirit of idolatry and alienation from God that this abstract reality, as is usual with this prophet, is represented in this concrete, figurative form.