You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths. You have despisedThe Hebrew root for "despised" is "בָּזָה" (bazah), which conveys a sense of contempt or disdain. In the context of Ezekiel, this word indicates a deliberate rejection and undervaluing of what is sacred. Historically, Israel's leaders and people had turned away from God's commandments, showing a lack of reverence for His laws. This attitude reflects a heart hardened against divine instruction, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic books. The call here is for introspection and repentance, urging believers to hold God's commands in the highest regard. My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites, often focusing on their sins and the need for repentance. 2. Israelites The people of God who are being addressed in this passage, specifically those living in Jerusalem, who have turned away from God's commandments. 3. Jerusalem The city where the Israelites are committing the sins mentioned, including the desecration of holy things and the Sabbath. 4. God The speaker in this passage, expressing His displeasure with the Israelites' actions. 5. Sabbath A holy day of rest and worship, instituted by God, which the Israelites have profaned. Teaching Points Reverence for the HolyRecognize the importance of treating God's holy things with respect and reverence. This includes places of worship, sacred practices, and the observance of the Sabbath. Sabbath Observance Reflect on the significance of the Sabbath as a day set apart for rest and worship. Consider how you can honor this day in your own life, focusing on spiritual renewal and connection with God. Consequences of Disobedience Understand that disregarding God's commandments leads to spiritual and communal consequences. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be neglecting God's instructions. Call to Repentance Acknowledge the need for repentance when we fall short of God's standards. Seek forgiveness and strive to realign your life with His will. Holiness in Daily Life Strive to incorporate holiness into everyday actions, recognizing that all aspects of life can be an act of worship when done in accordance with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "holy things" that we might be tempted to despise or neglect, and how can we guard against this?2. How does the observance of the Sabbath in your life reflect your relationship with God, and what changes might you consider to honor it more fully? 3. In what ways can the community of believers support each other in maintaining reverence for God's commandments? 4. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament help us understand the true purpose of the Sabbath? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of neglecting God's instructions. What did you learn, and how did it change your approach to obedience? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:8-11This passage provides the original commandment to keep the Sabbath holy, highlighting its importance in the covenant between God and Israel. Leviticus 19:30 Reinforces the command to respect God's Sabbaths and sanctuary, emphasizing the sacredness of these observances. Isaiah 58:13-14 Discusses the blessings associated with honoring the Sabbath, contrasting with the consequences of profaning it. Nehemiah 13:15-22 Describes Nehemiah's efforts to restore the sanctity of the Sabbath, showing the importance of community adherence to God's laws. Matthew 12:1-8 Jesus addresses the true spirit of the Sabbath, providing insight into its intended purpose and the heart of worship.
People EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Desecrated, Despised, Hast, Holy, Polluted, Profaned, Sabbaths, UncleanDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 22:8Library God Seeks Intercessors"I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night. Ye that are the Lord's remembrancers, keep not silence, and give Him no rest till He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth."--ISA. lxii. 6, 7. "And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor."--ISA. lix. 16. "And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered, and there was none to uphold."--ISA. lxiii. 5. "There is none that calleth upon Thy name, that … Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, How those who Fear Scourges and those who Contemn them are to be Admonished. The Wrath of God The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 22:8 NIVEzekiel 22:8 NLT Ezekiel 22:8 ESV Ezekiel 22:8 NASB Ezekiel 22:8 KJV Ezekiel 22:8 Commentaries Bible Hub |