Ezekiel 23:38

They have also done this to Me: On that very same day, they defiled My sanctuary and profaned My Sabbaths.

Study Bible

They have also done this to Me
This phrase underscores the personal nature of the offense against God. The Hebrew root for "done" is עָשָׂה (asah), which means to act or to do. It implies deliberate action, highlighting the intentional rebellion of the people. The phrase "to Me" emphasizes that the sin is not just against a set of rules but is a direct affront to God Himself. This personal affront is significant in the context of a covenant relationship, where God is not just a distant deity but a personal God who has entered into a binding agreement with His people.

On that very same day
This phrase indicates the immediacy and the audacity of the people's actions. The Hebrew word for "day" is יוֹם (yom), which can mean a literal day or a period of time. Here, it underscores the idea that the people's defilement and profanation were not isolated incidents but were part of a pattern of behavior. The phrase suggests a willful disregard for the sanctity of time set apart for God, reflecting a deeper spiritual malaise.

they defiled My sanctuary
The word "defiled" comes from the Hebrew טָמֵא (tame), meaning to make unclean or impure. The sanctuary, or מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash), was the holy place where God's presence dwelled among His people. To defile the sanctuary was to desecrate the very place that symbolized God's holiness and His covenant with Israel. This act of defilement represents a profound disrespect for God's holiness and a breach of the covenant relationship.

and profaned My Sabbaths
The term "profaned" is derived from the Hebrew חָלַל (chalal), which means to pollute or desecrate. The Sabbath, or שַׁבָּת (shabbat), was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, a day set apart for rest and worship. By profaning the Sabbaths, the people were not only breaking a commandment but were also rejecting the rhythm of life that God had ordained for them. This act of profanation reflects a deeper spiritual rebellion, as the Sabbath was a reminder of God's creation and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and serves as God's messenger to the Israelites, conveying messages of judgment and hope.

2. Israel and Judah
The two kingdoms of the Israelites, often depicted in Ezekiel as unfaithful to God, engaging in idolatry and other sins.

3. God's Sanctuary
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a sacred place where God's presence dwelled and where the Israelites were to worship Him.

4. Sabbaths
The holy days of rest and worship commanded by God, meant to be a sign of the covenant between God and His people.

5. Idolatry
The worship of idols or false gods, which is a central theme in Ezekiel 23, symbolizing Israel and Judah's unfaithfulness to God.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Worship
God's sanctuary and Sabbaths are sacred, and their defilement is a serious offense. Believers today should approach worship with reverence and purity.

Faithfulness to God
Just as Israel and Judah were called to be faithful, Christians are called to remain loyal to God, avoiding modern forms of idolatry.

Consequences of Disobedience
The defilement of sacred things leads to judgment. This serves as a warning to live in obedience to God's commands.

The Importance of Rest
The Sabbath is a gift from God, providing rest and spiritual renewal. Christians should prioritize rest and worship in their weekly routines.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite the judgment, God offers hope and restoration to those who repent. Believers should seek forgiveness and strive to restore their relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the defilement of the sanctuary and the Sabbath in Ezekiel 23:38 reflect the spiritual state of Israel and Judah?

2. In what ways can modern Christians ensure they are keeping their worship and rest sacred, as commanded in the Bible?

3. What are some contemporary forms of idolatry that might lead believers away from faithfulness to God?

4. How do the themes of judgment and hope in Ezekiel 23 relate to the broader account of redemption in the Bible?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced spiritual renewal through rest or worship. How can you incorporate these practices more consistently into your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:8-11
The commandment to keep the Sabbath holy, highlighting the importance of the Sabbath as a covenant sign.

Leviticus 19:30
Commands to reverence God's sanctuary and keep His Sabbaths, emphasizing the sacredness of both.

Jeremiah 17:27
Warns of the consequences of profaning the Sabbath, similar to the warnings in Ezekiel.

2 Chronicles 36:14-21
Describes the defilement of the temple and the resulting exile, paralleling the themes in Ezekiel.

Isaiah 58:13-14
Encourages proper observance of the Sabbath, contrasting with the profanation described in Ezekiel.