Ezekiel 16:21 - that you have slain my children, and delivered them up, in causing them to pass through the fire to them?
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Ezekiel 16:21" mean?
Ezekiel 16 is an allegory where God compares Jerusalem to an unfaithful wife. In this context, verse 21, "that you have slain my children, and delivered them up, in causing them to pass through the fire to them?" refers to the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice. Let's break it down:
"that you have slain my children": God considered the children of Israel His children. This phrase directly accuses Jerusalem (representing the people of Israel) of killing these children.
"and delivered them up": This indicates that the children weren't just accidentally killed, but intentionally offered up as sacrifices.
"in causing them to pass through the fire to them?": This is the most explicit part. It describes the specific ritual of child sacrifice, where children were made to "pass through the fire." This likely refers to being burned alive or passed through a ritual fire, a practice associated with pagan gods, particularly Molech (mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament). "To them" refers to the pagan idols and deities to whom these sacrifices were offered.
Therefore, the verse is a condemnation of the Israelites' participation in child sacrifice, which was a grave sin in God's eyes. It highlights the depth of their betrayal and apostasy.
Significance of the Verse in Context:
A Betrayal of Trust: God, through Ezekiel, reminds Jerusalem of how He found her abandoned and nurtured her into a beautiful and prosperous nation. This makes the act of child sacrifice even more heinous – a profound betrayal of the relationship.
A Violation of the Covenant: Child sacrifice was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law. By engaging in this practice, the Israelites were directly violating their covenant with God.
A Symptom of Spiritual Decay: Child sacrifice was not just a singular act of evil; it was a symptom of a deeper spiritual decay. It indicated that the Israelites had turned away from God and embraced the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations.
In summary, Ezekiel 16:21 is a powerful indictment against the Israelites for their horrific practice of child sacrifice. It underscores their unfaithfulness to God and the depth of their spiritual depravity.
Ezekiel 16:21 - that you have slain my children, and delivered them up, in causing them to pass through the fire to them?
What does "Ezekiel 16:21" mean?
Ezekiel 16 is an allegory where God compares Jerusalem to an unfaithful wife. In this context, verse 21, "that you have slain my children, and delivered them up, in causing them to pass through the fire to them?" refers to the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice. Let's break it down:
"that you have slain my children": God considered the children of Israel His children. This phrase directly accuses Jerusalem (representing the people of Israel) of killing these children.
"and delivered them up": This indicates that the children weren't just accidentally killed, but intentionally offered up as sacrifices.
"in causing them to pass through the fire to them?": This is the most explicit part. It describes the specific ritual of child sacrifice, where children were made to "pass through the fire." This likely refers to being burned alive or passed through a ritual fire, a practice associated with pagan gods, particularly Molech (mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament). "To them" refers to the pagan idols and deities to whom these sacrifices were offered.
Therefore, the verse is a condemnation of the Israelites' participation in child sacrifice, which was a grave sin in God's eyes. It highlights the depth of their betrayal and apostasy.
Significance of the Verse in Context:
A Betrayal of Trust: God, through Ezekiel, reminds Jerusalem of how He found her abandoned and nurtured her into a beautiful and prosperous nation. This makes the act of child sacrifice even more heinous – a profound betrayal of the relationship.
A Violation of the Covenant: Child sacrifice was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law. By engaging in this practice, the Israelites were directly violating their covenant with God.
A Symptom of Spiritual Decay: Child sacrifice was not just a singular act of evil; it was a symptom of a deeper spiritual decay. It indicated that the Israelites had turned away from God and embraced the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations.
In summary, Ezekiel 16:21 is a powerful indictment against the Israelites for their horrific practice of child sacrifice. It underscores their unfaithfulness to God and the depth of their spiritual depravity.