Ezekiel 23:38

“Ezekiel 23:38 (KJV): Moreover, this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths.”

Context: In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is delivering a message from God to the people of Israel, specifically addressing the sins of the two sister cities, Samaria (representing the northern kingdom of Israel) and Jerusalem (representing the southern kingdom of Judah). God uses the metaphor of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to illustrate the spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry of the two kingdoms.

The verse highlights two transgressions committed by the people. Firstly, they defiled God’s sanctuary. The sanctuary refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites. It was considered holy and set apart for God’s presence. The defilement mentioned here could be understood in a literal sense, such as the desecration of the physical temple through idolatrous practices or offering sacrifices to foreign gods. It could also be interpreted metaphorically, symbolizing the people’s spiritual corruption and turning away from God’s commandments.

Secondly, the people profaned God’s Sabbaths. The Sabbath was a day of rest and worship set apart by God as a sign of the covenant between Him and His people. It was to be observed on the seventh day of the week (Saturday) and was a reminder of God’s creative work and His deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. However, the people had disregarded this sacred day and failed to honor it as God had commanded.

By engaging in these acts of defiling the sanctuary and profaning the Sabbaths, the people of Israel were disregarding God’s holiness, His covenant, and His rightful place as their Lord and God. They were giving preference to false gods and participating in practices that were contrary to God’s commands.

Through the prophet Ezekiel, God warned the people of the consequences of their actions and the judgment that would befall them as a result of their unfaithfulness. The subsequent verses in Ezekiel 23 depict the punishment that God would bring upon the two sister cities for their sins, which included invasion, captivity, and destruction.

The message of this verse, and the surrounding context, serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring God’s sanctuary and observing His appointed times. It also emphasizes the need for faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands, as well as the consequences that come from turning away from Him.

As with any biblical passage, it is beneficial to explore the surrounding verses and chapters to gain a fuller understanding of the historical context, the message being conveyed, and the application of the passage to our lives today.