Ezekiel 22:8

KJV

Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast despised {H959} mine holy things {H6944}, and hast profaned {H2490} my sabbaths {H7676}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You treat my holy things with contempt, you profane my shabbats.

Berean Standard Bible

You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths.

American Standard Version

Thou hast despised my holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:8 delivers a scathing divine indictment against Judah, specifically Jerusalem, for its profound spiritual rebellion. The verse encapsulates the nation's deep-seated contempt for God's sacred institutions and commands, manifesting as a deliberate disregard for His "holy things" and a systematic "profanation" of His "sabbaths." This spiritual negligence and active defilement were not isolated incidents but symptomatic of a widespread moral decay that had permeated all levels of society, ultimately serving as a primary justification for God's impending judgment and the Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 stands as a powerful "catalogue of sins" and a divine indictment against Jerusalem, detailing the moral and spiritual corruption that permeated the city and its leadership. Following chapters that emphasize God's glory departing the Temple and the city's impending destruction, chapter 22 shifts to a detailed enumeration of the specific transgressions that warranted such severe judgment. Verse 8, "Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths," is strategically placed amidst a litany of social injustices (e.g., bloodshed, oppression of the vulnerable in [Ezekiel 22:6-7](/ezekiel/22-6 "Ezekiel 22:6-7 - Social Injustice in Jerusalem")), idolatry, and sexual immorality (e.g., [Ezekiel 22:9-11](/ezekiel/22-9 "Ezekiel 22:9-11 - Further Charges Against Jerusalem")). This verse specifically targets the religious and cultic failures, highlighting that even the core tenets of their covenant relationship with God were being actively undermined, revealing a deep-seated spiritual apostasy that underpinned all other societal ills. It underscores that the people's contempt for God's sacred commands was not merely neglect but an active, defiant act against His holiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during a tumultuous period (circa 593-571 BC), following the first wave of Babylonian deportations (597 BC). Jerusalem, though still standing, was under Babylonian vassalage and would eventually fall in 586 BC. The people of Judah, particularly those remaining in Jerusalem, continued in their rebellious ways, clinging to a false sense of security due to the presence of the Temple. In this context, "holy things" referred to the Temple, its sacred vessels, offerings, the priesthood, and the divine laws given at Sinai that governed their worship and daily life. The "sabbaths" included the weekly Sabbath, a foundational sign of the Mosaic Covenant ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant")), as well as other annual holy days and festivals. Their profanation was a direct assault on God's covenant and a rejection of their identity as His chosen people, who were set apart to reflect His holiness. The disregard for these sacred institutions demonstrated a profound spiritual blindness and a failure to remember God's deliverance and provision.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **God's Holiness and Justice**. God, being perfectly holy, cannot tolerate the defilement of what is sacred to Him, and His justice demands a response to such contempt. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Breach**. The Mosaic Covenant established a unique relationship between God and Israel, predicated on obedience to His commands, including the reverence for holy things and the observance of the Sabbath. By despising and profaning these, Israel actively broke their covenant vows, inviting the curses outlined in passages like [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Spiritual Decay and Apostasy**. The external acts of profanation were symptoms of an internal heart condition—a deep-seated apathy and rebellion against God's authority and His very character. This spiritual decline permeated all levels of society, from the priests who should have upheld the holy (e.g., [Ezekiel 22:26](/ezekiel/22-26 "Ezekiel 22:26 - The Sins of the Priests")) to the common people, leading to a complete breakdown of their relationship with God and ultimately, their national downfall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **despised (Hebrew, _bâzâh'_):** From H959, this primitive root conveys a strong sense of scorn, contempt, or disdain. It implies more than mere neglect; it signifies actively treating something with utter disregard, low esteem, and even contempt. In this context, it highlights the internal attitude of the people's hearts towards God's sacred commands and presence, demonstrating a deliberate and active rejection of their value and authority.
* **holy things (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From H6944, this noun refers to a sacred place or thing, or abstractly, sanctity. It encompasses anything consecrated or set apart for God's exclusive use or worship, including the Temple, its furnishings, offerings, the priesthood, and the divine laws themselves. The plural "holy things" indicates a widespread and comprehensive disregard for all that God had sanctified and declared sacred, undermining the very foundation of His covenant relationship with Israel.
* **profaned (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490, this primitive root means to bore, wound, dissolve, and figuratively, to profane, defile, or make common. It describes the act of taking something that is consecrated and treating it as ordinary, thereby stripping it of its sacred status. This word emphasizes the active and intentional nature of their sin—they were not simply forgetting, but actively defiling and desacralizing what God had set apart, treating the holy as common.
* **sabbaths (Hebrew, _shabbâth'_):** From H7676, this intensive noun denotes intermission, specifically the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a cornerstone of the Mosaic Law, a sign of the covenant, and a day set apart for rest, worship, and remembrance of God's creation and deliverance. The plural form "sabbaths" suggests not only the weekly Sabbath but also other holy days and festivals, indicating a consistent and pervasive violation of these sacred times, which were meant to foster their relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast despised mine holy things":** This clause directly accuses Jerusalem (and by extension, Judah) of holding God's sacred possessions, institutions, and laws in utter contempt. This "despising" was an internal attitude of scorn and disdain that manifested in their actions. It was a rejection of the very things that defined their unique relationship with a holy God, demonstrating a profound lack of reverence for His character and His covenant.
* **"and hast profaned my sabbaths":** This second clause specifies a key manifestation of their contempt: the active defilement of God's designated times of rest and worship. To "profane" the Sabbaths meant to treat them as common or ordinary, engaging in work or personal pursuits that violated their sacred purpose. This was not mere neglect but a deliberate act of making holy time unholy, undermining a foundational sign of their covenant with God and demonstrating a pervasive disregard for His authority and their spiritual identity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:8 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine condemnation. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and hast profaned my sabbaths") echoes and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Thou hast despised mine holy things"). Despising holy things is concretized and exemplified by the profanation of the Sabbaths, showing a consistent pattern of disrespect. This repetition underscores the pervasiveness and gravity of their sin. Furthermore, the use of **Direct Address** ("Thou hast...") creates an immediate and personal accusation, making the indictment more impactful and leaving no room for evasion. The language is also highly **Figurative**, with "holy things" and "sabbaths" serving as **Metonyms** for the entire covenant relationship and God's divine authority. Their desecration represents a complete breakdown of their spiritual bond with Yahweh. Finally, the verse is part of a broader **Indictment Speech**, a common prophetic genre, which systematically lists transgressions to justify impending judgment, emphasizing the deliberate and widespread nature of Israel's rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:8 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth that God's holiness demands reverence and obedience from His covenant people. The despising of "holy things" and the profaning of "sabbaths" represent a direct assault on God's character and His established order. This was not merely a breach of ritual law but a rejection of the very relationship God sought to have with Israel—a relationship built on mutual respect and faithfulness. Their actions demonstrated a failure to grasp the sanctity of God's presence and commands, leading to a spiritual apathy that invited divine judgment. The verse underscores that true worship extends beyond mere ritual; it requires an internal heart of reverence and a life of obedience that honors God's distinctiveness.

* [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")
* [Isaiah 58:13-14](/isaiah/58-13 "Isaiah 58:13-14 - True Sabbath Observance")
* [Malachi 1:6-8](/malachi/1-6 "Malachi 1:6-8 - Despising God's Name and Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:8 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual apathy and the casual treatment of what God deems sacred. For believers today, while the specific Old Testament ceremonial laws have been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of reverence, intentionality, and valuing God's presence remain profoundly relevant. We are called to examine our hearts: Do we treat God's Word, corporate worship, prayer, and our fellow believers—who are His temple—with the reverence and respect they deserve, or do we allow them to become common, secondary, or even despised in our busy lives? Honoring God's "holy things" in the New Covenant means cherishing His truth, protecting the sanctity of His church, and setting aside dedicated time for spiritual renewal and communion with Him, whether through personal devotion or corporate gathering. This verse challenges us to actively guard against the subtle creep of spiritual indifference, recognizing that a heart that despises God's sacred callings will inevitably drift from His presence and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "despising" God's "holy things" by treating them casually or with indifference?**
* **How do I prioritize "sacred time" (e.g., worship, prayer, Bible study, rest) in my weekly schedule, and does my practice reflect a genuine reverence for God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God's Word, His church, and His presence in my daily life?**
* **Am I allowing spiritual apathy to creep into my walk with God, and if so, what might be the root causes?**

### FAQ
**Why was profaning the Sabbath such a serious offense in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Profaning the Sabbath was a grave offense because the Sabbath was not merely a day off; it was a foundational sign of the covenant between God and Israel, symbolizing their unique relationship and God's creative and redemptive power (as seen in [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant")). It was a weekly reminder of God's sovereignty, Israel's dependence on Him, and their call to holiness. To profane it meant to treat something sacred as common, directly challenging God's authority and rejecting the covenant itself. This act demonstrated a deep-seated spiritual rebellion and a failure to trust God's provision, ultimately undermining the very identity of Israel as God's chosen people.

**What are "holy things" in the context of Ezekiel 22:8, and how does this concept apply to believers today?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 22:8, "holy things" (Hebrew: *qôdesh*) referred to anything consecrated or set apart for God's exclusive use or worship within the Mosaic covenant. This included the Temple, its sacred vessels, the offerings, the priesthood, and the divine laws and statutes that governed Israel's life and worship. For believers today, while the Old Testament ceremonial laws have been fulfilled in Christ, the principle of "holy things" translates to anything God has set apart as sacred or worthy of reverence. This includes God Himself, His Word (the Bible), the name of Jesus, the Church (as the body of Christ), the sacraments (like communion and baptism), and the call to live a holy life as those set apart for Him (as highlighted in [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Called to Holiness")). The application is to treat these spiritual realities with the utmost reverence, respect, and intentionality, guarding against any casualness or disregard that would diminish their sanctity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:8, with its stark indictment of Israel's contempt for God's holy things and profanation of His Sabbaths, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. Israel's failure to maintain holiness and uphold the covenant, culminating in their exile, underscored humanity's inability to perfectly obey God's righteous demands. Jesus, however, is the embodiment of perfect holiness, the true "holy thing" set apart by God (as seen in [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy One to be Born")). He perfectly honored God's commands, living a life of flawless obedience where Israel failed. He declared Himself "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), not to abolish it, but to restore its true meaning—a day for doing good and bringing life, pointing to the ultimate rest found in Him. Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate "holy place," the true Temple whose body was broken and raised ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")), through whom we now have direct access to God. Through His atoning sacrifice, He cleanses us from our profanation and makes us holy, enabling us to become a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")) and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Holy Nation")) in Him. Thus, Christ not only fulfills the law and the prophets but also provides the means for humanity to truly reverence God's holiness and enter into a new, everlasting covenant, where our hearts are transformed to delight in His commands rather than despise them ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")).

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

Ezekiel 23:38

Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths.

Ezekiel 23:39

For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house.

Ezekiel 20:13

But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

Ezekiel 22:26

Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

Ezekiel 20:21

Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.

Ezekiel 20:24

Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.

Amos 8:4

¶ Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,