What is the meaning of Ezekiel 23:38? They have also done this to Me: - The LORD begins with a personal charge—“to Me.” The people’s actions are not merely social offenses; they are direct assaults against God Himself (Isaiah 1:2, Micah 6:3). - By highlighting “also,” He ties this sin to a pattern of ongoing rebellion cataloged throughout Ezekiel 23 (vv. 5–37). Their spiritual adultery is cumulative, intensifying judgment (Ezekiel 8:17, Jeremiah 7:13). On that very same day, - The timing stresses insolence. Even while engaging in idolatry, they presumed they could still approach God’s house (Jeremiah 7:9–10). - This simultaneous sin shows a hardened heart that feels no contradiction between pagan worship and covenant obligations (Zephaniah 1:5). - It magnifies guilt: deliberate, conscious defilement rather than accidental failure (Numbers 15:30). they defiled My sanctuary - Defilement refers to making the holy place ritually and morally unclean by bringing idolatrous practices or unrepentant hearts into it (Ezekiel 8:6, Ezekiel 44:6–7). - God’s presence was symbolically removed earlier (Ezekiel 10:18–19), showing that continued worship without holiness is empty ritual (Isaiah 1:11–15, Matthew 15:8). - The sanctuary was meant for God’s glory and fellowship with His people (Exodus 25:8). Defiling it breaks that fellowship and invites judgment (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). and profaned My Sabbaths. - Profaning the Sabbath means treating what God calls holy as common—working, trading, or worshiping idols on that day (Nehemiah 13:15–18, Ezekiel 20:12–13). - Sabbath observance was a covenant sign reminding Israel of creation rest (Genesis 2:3) and redemption from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). Violating it signaled covenant rejection (Exodus 31:13–17). - Ignoring God’s rhythm led to exile so “the land might enjoy its Sabbaths” (2 Chronicles 36:21). summary Ezekiel 23:38 exposes a shocking double life: the people practiced idolatry and, on that very same day, marched into God’s house, trampling His holiness and despising His Sabbath sign. Their behavior was a personal affront to the LORD, brought deliberate defilement to His sanctuary, and nullified the covenant rest He provided. The verse underscores that genuine worship requires exclusive devotion and obedient reverence, not ritual cover for continued sin. |
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