Ezekiel 23:39

On the very day they slaughtered their children for their idols, they entered My sanctuary to profane it. Yes, they did this inside My house.

Study Bible

On the very day they slaughtered their children for their idols
This phrase highlights the heinous practice of child sacrifice, which was prevalent among some ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the Canaanites. The Israelites were explicitly forbidden from such practices (Leviticus 18:21, Deuteronomy 12:31). The act of sacrificing children to idols like Molech was a grave sin, demonstrating the depth of Israel's apostasy. This practice was not only a violation of God's commandments but also a profound moral corruption, showing the extent to which the Israelites had adopted pagan customs. The timing, "on the very day," underscores the immediacy and audacity of their sin, indicating a complete disregard for the sanctity of life and God's law.

they entered My sanctuary to profane it
Entering the sanctuary after committing such abominations was a direct defilement of God's holy place. The sanctuary, or temple, was where God's presence dwelled among His people (Exodus 25:8). By entering it in a state of spiritual impurity, the Israelites were desecrating what was meant to be a place of worship and holiness. This act of entering the sanctuary after engaging in idolatry and child sacrifice was a blatant act of hypocrisy and disrespect. It reflects a misunderstanding or disregard for the holiness required to approach God, as outlined in the laws of purity and worship (Leviticus 19:30, Psalm 24:3-4).

Yes, they did this inside My house
The repetition and emphasis in this phrase highlight the severity of the offense. "My house" refers to the temple, which was considered the dwelling place of God on earth (1 Kings 8:10-13). The temple was central to Israelite worship and identity, symbolizing God's covenant relationship with His people. By committing such acts within the temple, the Israelites were not only violating the physical space but also the spiritual covenant with God. This act of profanation is reminiscent of other instances in scripture where the temple was defiled, such as in the time of King Manasseh (2 Kings 21:4-7). It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who was called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.

2. Oholah and Oholibah
Symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel, respectively. They are depicted as sisters who engage in idolatry and unfaithfulness.

3. The Sanctuary
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the holy place where God's presence dwelt and where the Israelites were to worship Him alone.

4. Idols
False gods that the Israelites worshipped, often involving detestable practices such as child sacrifice.

5. Child Sacrifice
A heinous act condemned by God, where children were offered to idols, demonstrating the depth of Israel's apostasy.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of false gods but a profound betrayal of our relationship with the one true God. It leads to moral and spiritual decay.

The Sanctity of Worship
Entering God's sanctuary with unrepentant hearts and sinful practices profanes His holy name. True worship requires purity and reverence.

The Consequences of Sin
Persistent sin, especially when it involves the desecration of what is holy, leads to severe consequences. God's patience has limits, and judgment is inevitable for unrepentant hearts.

The Call to Repentance
Even in the face of judgment, God desires repentance. He calls His people to turn from their wicked ways and return to Him with sincere hearts.

The Importance of Holiness
As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God. This includes rejecting idolatry in all its forms and maintaining the purity of our worship and daily living.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of idolatry in Ezekiel's time compare to modern forms of idolatry, and what steps can we take to guard against it in our lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains pure and reverent, both individually and corporately as a church?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did it affect your relationship with God, and what did you learn from it?

4. How can we cultivate a heart of repentance and humility before God, especially when we recognize areas of sin in our lives?

5. Considering 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, how can we apply the concept of being God's temple to our daily actions and decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18:21
This verse forbids the Israelites from sacrificing their children to Molech, highlighting the gravity of such idolatrous practices.

Jeremiah 7:30-31
Jeremiah speaks against the abominations committed in the temple, including child sacrifice, similar to Ezekiel's message.

2 Kings 21:6
Describes King Manasseh's idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice, which led to God's judgment on Judah.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul reminds believers that they are God's temple and should not defile it, drawing a parallel to the physical temple's desecration in Ezekiel's time.