Ezekiel 20:20

KJV

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I [am] the LORD your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And hallow {H6942} my sabbaths {H7676}; and they shall be a sign {H226} between me and you, that ye may know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and keep my shabbats holy; and they will be a sign between me and you, so that you will know that I am ADONAI your God."

Berean Standard Bible

Keep My Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us, so that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’

American Standard Version

and hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:20 serves as a poignant divine command embedded within a broader recounting of Israel's persistent rebellion against God's covenant. In this verse, the Lord reiterates the sanctity of His Sabbaths, declaring them to be a perpetual sign of the unique relationship between Himself and His people. This sign was intended not merely as an external observance, but as a means through which Israel would experientially "know" Yahweh as their sovereign God, acknowledging His identity, authority, and faithfulness despite their historical unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20 opens with elders of Israel approaching the prophet, seeking a word from the Lord. Instead of a direct answer to their inquiry, God delivers a sweeping historical indictment, recounting Israel's idolatry and rebellion from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness wanderings, and into the Promised Land. This narrative is punctuated by God's repeated declarations of His forbearance, restraining His wrath "for the sake of My name" to prevent His holy name from being profaned among the nations. Within this pattern of rebellion and divine patience, the command to "hallow my sabbaths" appears as a recurring theme (cf. [Ezekiel 20:12](/ezekiel/20-12 "Ezekiel 20:12 - Sabbath Command in the Wilderness")). The verse immediately preceding [Ezekiel 20:20](/ezekiel/20-19 "Ezekiel 20:19 - God's Statutes and Ordinances") emphasizes God's statutes and ordinances as life-giving, setting the stage for the Sabbath command as a vital component of that life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national crisis for Judah. The people, including the elders addressing Ezekiel, were grappling with the consequences of their sin, questioning God's justice and their future. Against this backdrop of national judgment, God reminds them of the foundational principles of their covenant. The Sabbath, a unique institution given to Israel, distinguished them sharply from surrounding pagan cultures, which had no such day of rest dedicated to a single deity. Its observance was a visible declaration of allegiance to Yahweh, contrasting with the pervasive idolatry that led to their exile. The command to hallow the Sabbath was therefore a call to return to their distinct identity and purpose as God's chosen people, rejecting the syncretism and polytheism of their neighbors.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Faithfulness") is God's unwavering faithfulness contrasted with Israel's persistent rebellion. The Sabbath emerges as a central symbol and test of this relationship. It embodies the themes of **Covenant Loyalty**, as its observance was a direct command from the Mosaic Law, signifying Israel's commitment to Yahweh. It also highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, as God's setting apart of the Sabbath asserts His authority over time and creation, demanding recognition from His people. Furthermore, the phrase "that ye may know that I am the LORD your God" underscores the theme of **Experiential Knowledge of God**, implying that true understanding of God's character and power comes through obedient relationship, not mere intellectual assent. This knowledge was crucial for Israel to grasp God's redemptive work, from their deliverance out of Egypt ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Remember the Exodus")) to His ongoing provision and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hallow (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** This verb (H6942) means "to set apart as holy," "to consecrate," or "to treat as sacred." It implies an act of reverence and dedication, elevating the Sabbaths above ordinary days and devoting them exclusively to God's purposes. For Israel, to "hallow" the Sabbath meant to cease from their regular labor, to rest, and to focus on God, acknowledging His creative and redemptive work. It was a command to recognize and honor the inherent holiness God ascribed to this day.
* **Sign (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** This noun (H226) refers to a signal, mark, token, or evidence. In the context of the Sabbath, it denotes a visible, recurring emblem that distinguished Israel from all other nations. It was a tangible reminder of the unique covenant relationship between God and His people, signifying His ownership of them and their distinct identity as His chosen nation. The Sabbath served as a perpetual witness to God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's obligation to Him.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H3045) encompasses a wide range of meanings beyond mere intellectual understanding, including to ascertain by seeing, to acknowledge, to be aware, to discern, and to experience. When God states "that ye may know that I am the LORD your God," it implies a deep, relational, and experiential knowledge of His character, power, and covenant loyalty. Through obedient observance of the Sabbath, Israel was meant to continually encounter and affirm God's supreme authority and unique identity as their deliverer and sustainer.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This proper noun (H3068) is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, often rendered "Yahweh." It signifies "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." In this context, "that I am the LORD your God" (H3068, H430) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, His unchanging nature, and His unique relationship with Israel as their covenant partner, distinguishing Him from all false gods.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hallow my sabbaths":** This is a direct command, reiterating the Fourth Commandment. It calls for Israel to actively treat the Sabbaths as holy, setting them apart from the other days of the week for sacred purposes. This involves refraining from work and dedicating the time to rest and worship, thereby acknowledging God's authority over time and their lives.
* **"and they shall be a sign between me and you":** This clause explains the purpose and significance of hallowing the Sabbaths. The Sabbaths were not just a legal requirement but a visible, recurring "sign" or token of the unique covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. This sign distinguished Israel as God's chosen people, reminding both them and the surrounding nations of their special status and allegiance.
* **"that ye may know that I [am] the LORD your God":** This final clause reveals the ultimate goal of the Sabbath as a sign. The observance of the Sabbath was designed to foster a deep, experiential knowledge of God's identity and character. Through obedience and the unique rhythm of rest and worship, Israel was meant to continually recognize and affirm Yahweh as their one true, sovereign, and covenant-keeping God, distinct from all other deities.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the Sabbath itself functions as a profound symbol. It is explicitly called a "sign" (`ʼôwth`), representing the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel, distinguishing them from other nations and serving as a perpetual reminder of God's creative work and redemptive power. This recurring sign reinforces the theme of God's distinctiveness and His people's identity. Furthermore, the phrase "that ye may know that I am the LORD your God" utilizes **Didactic Language**, emphasizing instruction and the cultivation of a deeper, relational understanding of God. It's not just about rules, but about the transformative knowledge that comes through obedience. The entire chapter, leading up to this verse, also employs **Repetition** of Israel's rebellion and God's forbearance, making this renewed command for Sabbath observance a stark reminder of what Israel consistently failed to do, yet God persistently commanded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:20 powerfully articulates the Sabbath's role as a cornerstone of the Mosaic Covenant, serving as both a divine command and a visible emblem of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh. Theologically, it underscores God's sovereignty over time and creation, His desire for a distinct and obedient people, and the vital link between obedience and true knowledge of Him. The Sabbath was not merely a day of rest but a weekly affirmation of God's identity as the Creator and Redeemer, a tangible reminder that Israel's identity and sustenance came from Him, not their own labor or the false gods of the nations. Its profanation was thus a direct affront to God's name and a rejection of their covenant identity, leading to severe consequences.

* [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - Sabbath as a Perpetual Sign")
* [Nehemiah 9:14](/nehemiah/9-14 "Nehemiah 9:14 - God Made Known His Holy Sabbath")
* [Isaiah 58:13-14](/isaiah/58-13 "Isaiah 58:13-14 - Blessings of Honoring the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:20 calls us to consider the profound significance of setting apart time for God, not as a burdensome legalism, but as a joyful expression of our relationship with Him. In a world that often prioritizes constant activity and self-reliance, the principle of "hallowing" time for God challenges us to intentionally cease from our labors, anxieties, and distractions to focus on our Creator and Redeemer. This practice fosters a deeper "knowing" of God – an experiential understanding of His character, His provision, and His sovereignty over our lives. It reminds us that our identity and security are found in Him, not in our achievements or possessions. By intentionally dedicating time to worship, rest, and reflection on God's Word, we allow our lives to be a "sign" to a watching world, demonstrating that our ultimate allegiance and trust lie with the Lord, our God, who sustains us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current rhythm of life reflect a "hallowing" of time for God, or does it prioritize other pursuits?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally set apart time for spiritual rest and renewal, allowing it to be a "sign" of my relationship with God?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "know that I am the LORD your God" in an experiential, rather than merely intellectual, sense?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Sabbath so important to God in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The Sabbath was profoundly important to God because it served multiple crucial functions within the Old Covenant. Primarily, it was a **sign** of the covenant between God and Israel, distinguishing them as His chosen people ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - Sabbath as a Sign")). It commemorated God's creation work ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and His redemptive act of delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Remember the Exodus")). Observing the Sabbath was an act of obedience that fostered a deeper, experiential "knowledge" of God's sovereignty, provision, and faithfulness, reminding Israel that their existence and well-being depended on Him, not their own labor. Its profanation was a serious offense, indicating a rejection of God's authority and their covenant identity.

**How does the principle of hallowing time apply to believers today, given the New Testament understanding of the Sabbath?**

Answer: While New Testament believers are not bound by the specific legal requirements of the Old Covenant Sabbath (see [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come")), the underlying principles of Ezekiel 20:20 remain profoundly relevant. The call to "hallow" suggests setting apart intentional time for God—for worship, rest, spiritual renewal, and reflection on His character and works. This can manifest as regular church attendance, dedicated time for prayer and Bible study, or simply a conscious decision to pause from the demands of work and worldly pursuits to focus on God. The goal is to cultivate a deeper "knowing" of God, acknowledging His ultimate authority and resting in His provision, allowing our lives to be a "sign" to the world that we belong to Him and are committed to His ways, anticipating the eternal rest found in Christ ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Rest for the People of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:20, with its emphasis on the Sabbath as a sign for "knowing" the Lord, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant Sabbath, a shadow of things to come ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance")), pointed forward to the true and eternal rest found in Christ. He is our ultimate "Sabbath rest" ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The True Sabbath Rest")), the one who fulfills the law and brings us into a deeper, more profound knowledge of God. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), revealing that the "knowing" of God the Father, which the Sabbath was meant to facilitate, is now fully realized through knowing the Son. The "sign" of the Old Covenant, the Sabbath, is superseded by the new covenant sign of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who marks believers as God's own ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")) and empowers them to live lives that truly hallow God's name, not just on one day, but every day, as they walk in the newness of life in Christ ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 17:22

Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.

Isaiah 58:13

¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words:

Ezekiel 44:24

And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; [and] they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.

Nehemiah 13:15

¶ In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals.

Nehemiah 13:22

And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

Ezekiel 20:12

Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them.

Exodus 31:13

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you.