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
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and audacity of the actions of the people. In the Hebrew context, the word "day" (יוֹם, yom) often signifies not just a 24-hour period but a significant time or event. The use of "very" underscores the brazenness of their sin, highlighting a complete disregard for the sanctity of time and the moral order established by God. It serves as a stark reminder of the people's hardened hearts and their insensitivity to the gravity of their actions.

they slaughtered their children
The act of child sacrifice is one of the most abhorrent practices condemned in the Bible. The Hebrew word for "slaughtered" (שָׁחַט, shachat) conveys a brutal and violent act, often associated with sacrificial rituals. Historically, this refers to the worship of deities like Molech, where children were offered as burnt sacrifices. This practice was strictly forbidden in Israelite law (Leviticus 18:21), and its mention here underscores the depth of Israel's apostasy and moral decay.

for their idols
The term "idols" (גִּלּוּלִים, gillulim) in Hebrew is often used pejoratively, implying not just false gods but objects of disgust and worthlessness. This highlights the futility and deception of idol worship, contrasting the living God with lifeless images. The historical context reveals a syncretism where Israelites adopted pagan practices, betraying their covenant relationship with Yahweh. This phrase serves as a call to recognize the emptiness of idolatry and the need for exclusive devotion to God.

they entered My sanctuary
The sanctuary, or "מִקְדָּשׁ" (miqdash), was the holy place where God's presence dwelt among His people. Entering it was a privilege and required purity and reverence. The juxtaposition of their heinous acts with entering the sanctuary highlights the hypocrisy and sacrilege of the people. It reflects a profound disrespect for God's holiness and a violation of the sacred space meant for worship and communion with God.

to profane it
To "profane" (חָלַל, chalal) means to defile or desecrate something holy. This word choice indicates a deliberate act of disrespect and irreverence. In the biblical context, profaning the sanctuary was one of the gravest sins, as it directly challenged God's holiness and authority. This phrase serves as a warning against taking lightly the things of God and the consequences of treating sacred matters with contempt.

Behold, this is what they did
The word "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinneh) is an attention-grabbing term, urging the listener or reader to pay close attention to the gravity of the situation. It serves as a divine indictment, emphasizing the seriousness of the people's actions. This phrase calls the audience to reflect on their own lives and the importance of aligning actions with faith.

in My house
"My house" refers to the temple, the dwelling place of God among His people. The possessive "My" underscores God's ownership and the intended sanctity of the temple. Historically, the temple was central to Israelite worship and identity, symbolizing God's covenant and presence. This phrase highlights the betrayal of trust and the violation of the sacred relationship between God and His people, serving as a call to repentance and restoration of true 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.