Their way was before me. Their ways and doings, i.e. their violent deeds and idolatrous practices (Ezekiel 36:18), were as morally loathsome in Jehovah's sight as the uncleanness of a woman in her separation was materially disgusting.
The comparison may have been derived from Isaiah 64:6, but was as likely to have been original, seeing Ezekiel was a priest-prophet, to whom the details of the Levitical Law must have been familiar (comp.
Ezekiel 18:6; Le 15:19).