This verse from Ezekiel 20:21 describes a specific instance of the Israelites' disobedience and God's response during their time in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break it down:
"But the children rebelled against me." This refers to the generation of Israelites born in the wilderness, the children of those who initially left Egypt. They, like their parents, were disobedient to God.
"They didn’t walk in my statutes, and didn’t keep my ordinances to do them..." "Statutes" and "ordinances" are different types of laws and commands God gave the Israelites. This highlights their failure to follow God's laws and commands.
"...which if a man does, he shall live in them." This refers to the life-giving quality of God's laws. Obedience to God's commands leads to a blessed and prosperous life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). This is not necessarily speaking of literal, physical immortality, but rather a life characterized by God's favor, peace, and provision.
"They profaned my Sabbaths." The Sabbath was a day of rest and worship that God commanded the Israelites to observe. Profaning it meant treating it as ordinary, neglecting its sacred purpose, or engaging in activities forbidden on that day.
"Then I said I would pour out my wrath on them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness." Because of their repeated rebellion, disobedience, and desecration of the Sabbath, God determined to pour out His wrath (anger) on them. He intended to punish them in the wilderness, where they were already facing hardship.
In summary, the verse emphasizes the following points:
Continuing Rebellion: The Israelites' disobedience was a recurring problem, even among the next generation born in the wilderness.
Disregard for God's Law: They rejected God's laws and commands, including the important observance of the Sabbath.
Consequences of Disobedience: Their disobedience provoked God's wrath and brought about a just punishment.
Missed Blessing: It shows that they missed out on the blessing that comes from obedience to God. They could have had the "life" mentioned in the passage.
This verse is part of a larger section of Ezekiel 20 where God recounts the history of Israel's rebellion and His faithfulness to them despite their unfaithfulness. It serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and a reminder of the importance of honoring God's commands.
This verse from Ezekiel 20:21 describes a specific instance of the Israelites' disobedience and God's response during their time in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break it down:
"But the children rebelled against me." This refers to the generation of Israelites born in the wilderness, the children of those who initially left Egypt. They, like their parents, were disobedient to God.
"They didn’t walk in my statutes, and didn’t keep my ordinances to do them..." "Statutes" and "ordinances" are different types of laws and commands God gave the Israelites. This highlights their failure to follow God's laws and commands.
"...which if a man does, he shall live in them." This refers to the life-giving quality of God's laws. Obedience to God's commands leads to a blessed and prosperous life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). This is not necessarily speaking of literal, physical immortality, but rather a life characterized by God's favor, peace, and provision.
"They profaned my Sabbaths." The Sabbath was a day of rest and worship that God commanded the Israelites to observe. Profaning it meant treating it as ordinary, neglecting its sacred purpose, or engaging in activities forbidden on that day.
"Then I said I would pour out my wrath on them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness." Because of their repeated rebellion, disobedience, and desecration of the Sabbath, God determined to pour out His wrath (anger) on them. He intended to punish them in the wilderness, where they were already facing hardship.
In summary, the verse emphasizes the following points:
Continuing Rebellion: The Israelites' disobedience was a recurring problem, even among the next generation born in the wilderness.
Disregard for God's Law: They rejected God's laws and commands, including the important observance of the Sabbath.
Consequences of Disobedience: Their disobedience provoked God's wrath and brought about a just punishment.
Missed Blessing: It shows that they missed out on the blessing that comes from obedience to God. They could have had the "life" mentioned in the passage.
This verse is part of a larger section of Ezekiel 20 where God recounts the history of Israel's rebellion and His faithfulness to them despite their unfaithfulness. It serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and a reminder of the importance of honoring God's commands.