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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover this they have done {H6213} unto me: they have defiled {H2930} my sanctuary {H4720} in the same day {H3117}, and have profaned {H2490} my sabbaths {H7676}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, they have done this to me as well: they defiled my sanctuary on the same day, and they profaned my shabbats

Berean Standard Bible

They have also done this to Me: On that very same day, they defiled My sanctuary and profaned My Sabbaths.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:38 delivers a profound divine indictment against the people of Judah (Oholibah) and, by extension, Israel (Oholah), for their deep spiritual apostasy. The verse specifically accuses them of actively defiling God's sacred sanctuary and profaning His holy Sabbaths, actions that represent a direct and deliberate affront to Yahweh's holiness and covenant demands. This dual accusation underscores their comprehensive rebellion, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the very institutions that symbolized God's presence among them and His unique relationship with His chosen people, ultimately justifying the impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the elaborate and graphic allegory of Ezekiel 23, where the prophet vividly portrays two sisters, Oholah (Samaria, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, representing the Southern Kingdom of Judah), as personifications of the spiritual harlotry and idolatry of God's people. The chapter meticulously details their insatiable lust for foreign alliances and pagan worship practices, tracing their descent into deeper depravity. Verse 38 functions as a climactic summary of their offenses, particularly focusing on Oholibah's (Judah's) actions, which mirrored and even surpassed Oholah's sins. It immediately precedes the pronouncement of severe judgment and the graphic description of their punishment, emphasizing that their deliberate defilement of sacred things is a primary cause for God's impending wrath. The preceding verses elaborate on Oholibah's promiscuous relationships with Assyrians and Babylonians, setting the stage for this direct accusation of religious transgression.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, addressing a people who had either already been deported or were on the brink of Jerusalem's catastrophic destruction in 586 BC. The historical backdrop is the late monarchical period of Judah, characterized by desperate political maneuvering with foreign powers (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon) and, crucially, a widespread adoption of their idolatrous practices. Despite the attempts at religious reform under kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, syncretism remained rampant. The Temple in Jerusalem, God's designated dwelling place, had become a site of pagan worship, as vividly described in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"), where abominations were openly practiced within its sacred courts. The Sabbath, a foundational covenant sign given at Sinai ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")), was consistently neglected and violated, reflecting a broader societal rejection of God's law and authority. The phrase "in the same day" likely refers to the concurrent practice of pagan rites alongside attempts at Yahweh worship, or even performing pagan rites within the Temple precincts on the Sabbath, a profound act of defiance and spiritual mockery.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 23:38 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **God's Holiness and Jealousy**, emphasizing that Yahweh is a God who demands exclusive worship and cannot tolerate the defilement of His sacred spaces and times. Their actions are a direct affront "unto me," underscoring the personal offense taken by God at their betrayal. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Breach and Unfaithfulness**. The defilement of the sanctuary and profanation of the Sabbaths are direct violations of the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the first commandment against idolatry ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")) and the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy ([Exodus 20:8](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - Remember the Sabbath Day")). Thirdly, it foreshadows the theme of **Divine Judgment and Restoration**. These specific transgressions are presented as primary justifications for the severe judgment of exile and the destruction of Jerusalem, which Ezekiel extensively prophesies. Yet, implicitly, the judgment aims for a future restoration where a purified people will truly honor God's sanctuary and Sabbaths, as seen in later promises of a new covenant found in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense (contaminated)." In this context, it indicates rendering something ritually or morally impure. The people actively made God's sanctuary unclean, not just by their presence, but by introducing abominable practices and idols, violating its inherent sanctity. This word carries a strong sense of pollution and corruption, highlighting the severe nature of their spiritual contamination.
* **sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** Derived from the root `qâdash` (to be holy), this noun refers to "a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of Jehovah or of idols) or asylum." In Ezekiel, it unequivocally refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the designated dwelling place of Yahweh's presence. Its defilement was a direct assault on God's dwelling and His honor, a violation of the very space set apart for His holy name.
* **profaned (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bore, wound," but figuratively, "to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin." In this context, it specifically means to treat something sacred as common or unholy. By profaning the Sabbaths, the people stripped them of their divine purpose and holiness, treating them as ordinary days for their own pursuits, thereby breaking a fundamental covenant sign. This implies a deliberate act of desacralization.
* **sabbaths (Hebrew, _shabbâth'_):** An intensive noun from the root `shâbath` (to cease), referring to "intermission, i.e. (specifically) the Sabbath." The plural form, as used here, emphasizes repeated and widespread violations of the Sabbath laws, indicating a systemic disregard for this fundamental covenant commandment, not just isolated incidents. It points to a pervasive societal rejection of God's rhythm and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover this they have done unto me":** This opening clause establishes the direct nature of the offense. The "they" refers to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah, specifically Oholibah from the preceding allegory. Their actions are not merely against a law or a place, but personally "unto me"—Yahweh Himself. This highlights God's personal affront and the relational breach caused by their unfaithfulness, emphasizing that their sin was a direct insult to their covenant Lord.
* **"they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day":** This is a specific and grave accusation. The "sanctuary" is the Temple in Jerusalem, the holy place where God's presence dwelt among His people. To "defile" it means to render it unclean or profane, likely through the introduction of pagan idols, abominable practices, or syncretistic worship within its sacred precincts. The phrase "in the same day" strongly suggests a blatant disregard for holiness, perhaps practicing idolatry concurrently with attempts to worship Yahweh, or even performing pagan rites on the very days designated for Yahweh's worship, such as the Sabbath. This points to a deliberate mixing of the sacred and the profane, a spiritual adultery.
* **"and have profaned my sabbaths":** This second specific charge underscores their comprehensive rebellion against God's covenant. The "sabbaths" (plural) indicates repeated and widespread violations of the Sabbath commandment, which was a foundational sign of the covenant. To "profane" the Sabbath means to treat it as common, to disregard its sacred nature as a day of rest and worship set apart for God. This demonstrates a systemic rejection of God's authority and a failure to honor the covenant sign that distinguished Israel as God's people, revealing a deep-seated spiritual indifference.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:38, while a direct accusation, is deeply embedded within a highly symbolic and allegorical chapter, making **Allegory** a pervasive device. The entire narrative of Oholah and Oholibah is an extended metaphor for the spiritual harlotry of Israel and Judah, with this verse serving as a concrete illustration of their infidelity. Within this verse, the actions described are stark and literal, yet they carry profound symbolic weight regarding their spiritual state. The **Repetition** of the verbs "defiled" (from _ṭâmêʼ_) and "profaned" (from _châlal_) emphasizes the severe, deliberate, and comprehensive nature of their transgressions. While distinct in their nuances (one focusing on impurity, the other on desacralization), both verbs point to the desecration of what is holy, creating a sense of cumulative guilt. The phrase "unto me" employs **Personification**, attributing personal offense to God, highlighting His emotional response to their betrayal and the relational breach. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between God's absolute holiness and the people's unholiness, and between the sacred nature of the sanctuary and Sabbaths and the common, defiled way they were treated. This stark contrast underscores the magnitude of their sin and the affront to divine majesty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:38 powerfully articulates the gravity of spiritual infidelity and the direct affront it poses to God's holiness. The defilement of the sanctuary and the profanation of the Sabbaths represent a comprehensive rejection of God's covenant, not merely through outward actions but through a corrupted heart that fails to distinguish between the sacred and the profane. This verse underscores that God's presence and His commands are not to be trifled with; they demand reverence, exclusivity, and obedience. Their actions were a direct assault on God's honor and the very foundations of their relationship with Him, making the impending judgment not arbitrary but a just consequence of their persistent rebellion and spiritual harlotry.

* [Leviticus 19:30](/leviticus/19-30 "Leviticus 19:30 - Reverence for Sanctuary and Sabbaths")
* [Isaiah 1:13](/isaiah/1-13 "Isaiah 1:13 - God's Displeasure with Empty Rituals")
* [Malachi 1:7](/malachi/1-7 "Malachi 1:7 - Profaning the Lord's Table")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:38 serves as a timeless mirror for believers, challenging us to examine our own hearts and practices regarding reverence for God. While we no longer have a physical Temple in Jerusalem or observe the Old Testament Sabbath laws in the same legalistic manner, the underlying principles of holiness, reverence, and exclusive devotion remain profoundly relevant. As New Testament believers, our bodies are now considered temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples")), and our lives—including our time, resources, and worship—are to be set apart for God. This verse warns against spiritual syncretism, the insidious mixing of genuine faith with worldly values, idols, or practices, which effectively defiles our spiritual sanctuary and profanes our dedicated time and worship. It calls us to a radical commitment to Christ, ensuring that our worship is pure, our lives are holy, and our devotion is undivided, recognizing that God is personally offended by anything that diminishes His glory or compromises His truth. It is a call to live consistently with the holiness to which we have been called.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "defiling my sanctuary" (my body, my church, my spiritual life) by allowing worldly influences or idols to compromise my devotion to God?**
* **How do I "profane my Sabbaths" (my dedicated time for God, rest, and worship) through distraction, neglect, or treating sacred time as common?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's presence and His commands in my daily life?**
* **Am I truly distinguishing between the sacred and the profane in my thoughts, words, and actions, or am I allowing spiritual compromise to creep into my walk with God?**

### FAQ
**What does "defiled my sanctuary in the same day" specifically mean?**

Answer: This phrase highlights a profound act of spiritual hypocrisy and syncretism. "My sanctuary" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the physical dwelling place of God's presence among His people. To "defile" it means to render it ritually or morally unclean. The addition of "in the same day" strongly suggests that the people were engaging in pagan worship practices or idolatry concurrently with, or even within the very precincts of, their worship of Yahweh. It implies a blatant disregard for God's exclusive claim on their worship and the holiness of His dwelling place, treating sacred space and time as common or interchangeable with pagan rituals. It's a vivid picture of attempting to serve two masters, which Jesus later condemned as impossible in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters"). This simultaneous practice was an abomination, demonstrating a complete lack of reverence for God's holiness.

**Why was the profanation of Sabbaths such a serious offense?**

Answer: The Sabbath was more than just a day of rest; it was a fundamental sign of the covenant between God and Israel, symbolizing His creative power, His redemption of them from slavery, and their unique relationship with Him ([Exodus 31:13-17](/exodus/31-13-17 "Exodus 31:13-17 - The Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant")). To "profane" the Sabbaths meant to treat them as common, to disregard their sacred purpose, and to engage in forbidden activities. This wasn't merely a minor infraction but a direct rejection of God's authority, His law, and the very sign that marked them as His chosen people. It reflected a deep spiritual indifference and a comprehensive failure to honor the covenant, making it a severe offense in God's eyes that contributed significantly to the reasons for judgment and exile. Their consistent disregard for the Sabbath demonstrated a heart unwilling to submit to God's rule and enjoy His intended rest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:38, with its stark indictment of Israel's defilement of God's sanctuary and profanation of His Sabbaths, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Himself becomes the true and ultimate "sanctuary." He boldly declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). The physical Temple, which was repeatedly defiled by human sin and eventually destroyed, finds its perfect and undefiled reality in Christ. Through His once-for-all sacrifice, He cleanses and purifies, becoming the new and living way to God's presence, a sanctuary that can never be defiled by human hands or sin ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant")). Second, Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), fulfilling its true meaning not through legalistic observance but through bringing rest and liberation from the bondage of sin and the law. He offers true spiritual rest to all who are weary and burdened by their striving ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The profanation of the Sabbaths by Israel underscored their failure to enter into God's promised rest; in Christ, we are invited into an eternal Sabbath rest, a cessation from our own works and reliance on His finished work on the cross ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains for the People of God")). Thus, the very institutions Israel defiled and profaned are perfectly embodied, purified, and eternally fulfilled in Jesus, who offers a perfect sanctuary and perfect rest to all who believe.

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 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.

2 Kings 21:7

And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

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.

Ezekiel 7:20

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations [and] of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.

Ezekiel 8:5

Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.

Ezekiel 8:16

And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.

2 Kings 21:4

And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.