Ezekiel 23:38 - Moreover this they have done to me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my Sabbaths.
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What does "Ezekiel 23:38" mean?
Ezekiel 23:38 is part of a larger allegory where God is accusing the sisters Oholah (representing Samaria, the northern kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (representing Jerusalem, the southern kingdom of Judah) of spiritual adultery. The verse specifically focuses on the sins of Oholibah (Jerusalem), and it breaks down as follows:
"Moreover this they have done to me...": This phrase introduces a specific accusation against Oholibah (Judah). It emphasizes that what follows is a direct offense against God himself.
"...they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day...": The "sanctuary" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the center of worship and God's presence among the people. "Defiled" means to make something impure or unclean, rendering it unfit for holy use. In this context, it implies that the people of Jerusalem were engaging in idolatrous or immoral practices within the Temple itself, treating it with disrespect and corrupting its sacred purpose. "In the same day" could mean that these acts are happening constantly, as if the whole day is dedicated to the profanation of the temple.
"...and have profaned my Sabbaths.": The Sabbath was a holy day of rest dedicated to God. To "profane" the Sabbath means to treat it as common or secular, failing to observe it with reverence and obedience to God's commands. This could involve working on the Sabbath, engaging in frivolous activities, or neglecting worship and prayer.
In essence, the verse accuses Jerusalem (Oholibah) of two major offenses:
1. Desecrating the Temple: Engaging in idolatrous or immoral practices within the Temple, the very place where God was meant to be worshipped.
2. Disregarding the Sabbath: Treating the Sabbath as an ordinary day, failing to honor God through rest and worship.
Theological Implications:
This verse highlights the severity of spiritual infidelity and the consequences of turning away from God. The people of Jerusalem were not merely breaking rules; they were desecrating the very symbols of God's presence and covenant with them. This was a grave offense that warranted God's judgment.
Historical Context:
Ezekiel was a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. His prophecies, including this passage, served as a warning about the consequences of sin and a call to repentance. He attributes the cause of their destruction to the people's turning away from God, as illustrated in the actions he notes in this verse.
Ezekiel 23:38 - Moreover this they have done to me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my Sabbaths.
What does "Ezekiel 23:38" mean?
Ezekiel 23:38 is part of a larger allegory where God is accusing the sisters Oholah (representing Samaria, the northern kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (representing Jerusalem, the southern kingdom of Judah) of spiritual adultery. The verse specifically focuses on the sins of Oholibah (Jerusalem), and it breaks down as follows:
"Moreover this they have done to me...": This phrase introduces a specific accusation against Oholibah (Judah). It emphasizes that what follows is a direct offense against God himself.
"...they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day...": The "sanctuary" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the center of worship and God's presence among the people. "Defiled" means to make something impure or unclean, rendering it unfit for holy use. In this context, it implies that the people of Jerusalem were engaging in idolatrous or immoral practices within the Temple itself, treating it with disrespect and corrupting its sacred purpose. "In the same day" could mean that these acts are happening constantly, as if the whole day is dedicated to the profanation of the temple.
"...and have profaned my Sabbaths.": The Sabbath was a holy day of rest dedicated to God. To "profane" the Sabbath means to treat it as common or secular, failing to observe it with reverence and obedience to God's commands. This could involve working on the Sabbath, engaging in frivolous activities, or neglecting worship and prayer.
In essence, the verse accuses Jerusalem (Oholibah) of two major offenses:
1. Desecrating the Temple: Engaging in idolatrous or immoral practices within the Temple, the very place where God was meant to be worshipped.
2. Disregarding the Sabbath: Treating the Sabbath as an ordinary day, failing to honor God through rest and worship.
Theological Implications:
This verse highlights the severity of spiritual infidelity and the consequences of turning away from God. The people of Jerusalem were not merely breaking rules; they were desecrating the very symbols of God's presence and covenant with them. This was a grave offense that warranted God's judgment.
Historical Context:
Ezekiel was a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. His prophecies, including this passage, served as a warning about the consequences of sin and a call to repentance. He attributes the cause of their destruction to the people's turning away from God, as illustrated in the actions he notes in this verse.