Ezekiel 23:39

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For when they had slain {H7819} their children {H1121} to their idols {H1544}, then they came {H935} the same day {H3117} into my sanctuary {H4720} to profane {H2490} it; and, lo, thus have they done {H6213} in the midst {H8432} of mine house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For after killing their children for their idols, they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; this they did in my house.

Berean Standard Bible

On the very day they slaughtered their children for their idols, they entered My sanctuary to profane it. Yes, they did this inside My house.

American Standard Version

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 my house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:39 delivers a profound and disturbing indictment against Judah and Israel, personified as the sisters Oholibah and Oholah, revealing the apex of their spiritual apostasy. The verse exposes the shocking hypocrisy of a people who, after engaging in the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice to pagan idols, immediately entered the sacred precincts of God's sanctuary, thereby defiling His holy dwelling. This brazen act of profanation, committed "the same day" as their detestable rituals, underscores their utter contempt for divine holiness and serves as a stark justification for the severe judgment pronounced against them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 is a powerful allegorical chapter, extending the prophetic theme of spiritual harlotry introduced earlier in Ezekiel 16. Here, God uses the vivid imagery of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, representing the Southern Kingdom of Judah), to graphically depict their unfaithfulness and idolatry. The chapter meticulously details their escalating pursuit of foreign alliances and their adoption of pagan worship practices, likening them to prostitutes who chase after lovers. Verse 39 serves as a climactic point within this narrative, highlighting the most egregious sin—child sacrifice—followed by the audacious defilement of God's temple. This specific act of profanation is presented as the ultimate insult, demonstrating a complete disregard for the covenant relationship and God's holiness, thereby solidifying the divine rationale for the impending judgment and exile detailed in subsequent chapters, particularly the fall of Jerusalem in [Ezekiel 24](/ezekiel/24 "Ezekiel 24 - The Parable of the Boiling Pot").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE) was marked by significant political upheaval and spiritual decline in Judah, leading to the Babylonian exile. Both Israel (Samaria) and Judah (Jerusalem) had a long history of syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. Child sacrifice, specifically to deities like Molech or Baal, was a particularly abhorrent practice, strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). Despite these prohibitions, archaeological evidence and prophetic denunciations confirm its prevalence. The "sanctuary" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the very dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The act of entering the Temple "the same day" after such a heinous ritual reveals a profound spiritual blindness and a cultural normalization of practices that were anathema to Yahweh, demonstrating a shocking lack of understanding regarding the sacred-profane distinction central to Israelite religion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel") and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Extreme Idolatry and Abomination**, showcasing the depths of Israel's spiritual depravity through the horrific act of child sacrifice, which directly violated the sanctity of human life and the exclusive worship due to Yahweh. Secondly, it highlights the **Profanation of the Sanctuary**, emphasizing how the people's unholy actions desecrated the very place where God's holiness resided, turning a sacred space into a common one. This profanation is a recurring theme, illustrating the consequences of spiritual rebellion, as seen in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple"). Thirdly, the verse exposes the **Brazen Hypocrisy and Disrespect** of a people who attempted to compartmentalize their lives, engaging in detestable pagan rites while simultaneously performing religious duties in God's house, demonstrating a profound spiritual schizophrenia. Finally, it serves as a crucial element in the theme of **God's Indignation and Justification for Judgment**, providing irrefutable evidence for the divine wrath and the impending judgment that would befall Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, as prophesied throughout the book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **slain (Hebrew, _shâchaṭ'_):** This verb, H7819, carries the primary meaning "to slaughter" or "to kill," often specifically in the context of sacrifice or massacre. Its use here emphasizes the ritualistic and violent nature of the act, not merely accidental death. It highlights the deliberate offering of human life, specifically their own children, as a horrifying sacrifice to pagan deities, underscoring the extreme depravity of their idolatry.
* **idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** This noun, H1544, is a derogatory term for idols, properly meaning "a log (as round)" but by implication referring to an idol. It often carries a connotation of contempt and disgust, sometimes translated as "dung-gods" or "filthy things," reflecting God's abhorrence for these false deities. The term emphasizes the worthlessness and defiling nature of the objects of their worship, contrasting sharply with the holiness of Yahweh.
* **profane (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** This verb, H2490, primarily means "to bore" or "to wound," but figuratively, "to dissolve" or "to profane." It signifies the act of treating something sacred as common or impure, thereby violating its holy status. In this context, it powerfully conveys the act of stripping God's holy sanctuary of its sacred distinction, demonstrating a complete disregard for God's presence and holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For when they had slain their children to their idols,"**: This clause describes the heinous act of child sacrifice, the ultimate expression of their idolatry and abandonment of Yahweh. The phrase "their children" emphasizes the personal and horrific nature of the sin, involving the most precious of offerings from their own flesh and blood. The act is directed "to their idols," highlighting the false, detestable gods to whom they offered such unspeakable devotion, a direct violation of the first commandment.
* **"then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it;"**: This segment reveals the shocking audacity and profound hypocrisy of their actions. "The same day" underscores the immediate transition from the defiling act of child sacrifice to entering God's holy dwelling, indicating a brazen lack of remorse or understanding of their sin. "My sanctuary" emphasizes God's personal ownership and the inherent sacredness of the Temple, the place where His presence resided. To "profane it" means to defile, pollute, or make common that which is holy, demonstrating their utter contempt for God's holiness and the sacred space dedicated to Him.
* **"and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house."**: This concluding clause serves as God's direct, indignant observation and declaration, emphasizing the undeniable reality and severity of their transgression. "Lo" (behold) draws immediate attention to the gravity of the situation, signaling divine astonishment and condemnation. "Thus have they done" acts as a summary condemnation, affirming the reality and severity of their actions. "In the midst of mine house" reiterates the location of the profanation, emphasizing that the desecration occurred within the very heart of God's dwelling place, a direct affront to His presence, authority, and covenant relationship with Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:39 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The entire chapter is built upon an **Allegory**, where the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, represent the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, respectively, allowing for a vivid and extended metaphor of spiritual harlotry. Within this specific verse, there is profound **Irony** and **Juxtaposition**: the people commit the most abominable act of child sacrifice, then immediately enter the holy Temple. This stark contrast highlights their spiritual blindness and the absurdity of their attempt to maintain outward religious observance while engaging in the most detestable sins. The phrase "the same day" intensifies this irony, emphasizing the brazenness and lack of conscience in their actions. The use of "my sanctuary" and "mine house" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing personal ownership and indignation to God, underscoring His direct witness and profound offense at their actions. The horrific nature of child sacrifice itself can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** in the context of divine condemnation, emphasizing the extreme nature of their sin and the justification for God's severe judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:39 profoundly illustrates the consequences of spiritual apostasy and the defilement of divine holiness. It reveals that God's people, despite their covenant relationship, descended into such moral depravity that they blurred the fundamental distinction between the sacred and the profane, treating the holy dwelling of God as common ground after committing the most heinous acts of pagan worship. This brazen act of hypocrisy and contempt for God’s explicit commands underscores the depth of their rebellion and serves as a powerful theological justification for the severe judgment of exile and the destruction of the Temple. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to His holiness and His intolerance for syncretism and spiritual impurity within His covenant community, demonstrating that outward religious observance without inward purity is an abomination.

* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")
* [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Jeremiah's Condemnation of Child Sacrifice")
* [Isaiah 1:13-15](/isaiah/1-13-15 "Isaiah 1:13-15 - God Rejects Superficial Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:39 serves as a sobering mirror for believers today, challenging us to examine the integrity of our faith and the authenticity of our worship. It exposes the perilous danger of spiritual compartmentalization, where we might attempt to engage in outwardly religious acts while harboring unconfessed sin or embracing worldly values that contradict God's commands. The brazenness of ancient Israel, moving from child sacrifice to temple worship "the same day," should shock us into a profound awareness of God's holiness and the seriousness with which He views our actions. True worship is not merely ritualistic; it flows from a heart wholly devoted to God, marked by genuine repentance, obedience, and a reverent fear of His holy presence. We are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God in every sphere, ensuring that our private conduct aligns with our public profession of faith, lest we, too, inadvertently profane the sacred space of our relationship with Him, or the corporate body of Christ, which is His dwelling place.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like ancient Israel, be tempted to compartmentalize my faith, engaging in "religious" activities while tolerating unholy practices or attitudes in other areas of my life?**
* **How does the concept of "profaning the sanctuary" apply to my understanding of my own body as a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples")) or the church as God's dwelling place?**
* **What are the "idols" in my life today—things I prioritize or devote myself to—that might subtly or overtly compete with my worship of the one true God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's holiness in my daily life and in my corporate worship?**

### FAQ

**What was child sacrifice, and why was it so abhorrent to God?**

Answer: Child sacrifice was a horrific pagan practice, often associated with the worship of deities like Molech or Baal, where children (usually infants) were offered as burnt offerings to appease the gods or secure blessings. It was abhorrent to God primarily because it violated the sanctity of human life, which is created in His image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Humanity Created in God's Image")). It was a direct affront to His character as the Giver of life and a profound rejection of His covenant commands, which strictly forbade such practices (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). Furthermore, it represented the ultimate perversion of worship, replacing the loving, life-giving God with cruel, demanding idols, demonstrating a complete abandonment of the covenant.

**How could the people dare to enter God's sanctuary after committing such a sin?**

Answer: Their ability to enter God's sanctuary after child sacrifice reveals a profound spiritual blindness, hardened hearts, and a deep-seated hypocrisy. They had lost their understanding of God's holiness and the sacred-profane distinction, which was foundational to Israelite religion. They likely viewed their religious rituals as disconnected from their moral actions, believing that outward observance could compensate for inward depravity. This spiritual schizophrenia allowed them to perform detestable acts and then immediately participate in temple worship, demonstrating a brazen contempt for God's presence and a complete disregard for His righteous demands. It was an attempt to manipulate God or to maintain a facade of piety while living in open rebellion, highlighting a severe breakdown in their covenant relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:39, with its stark portrayal of defilement and spiritual harlotry, finds its ultimate resolution and redemption in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The people's profanation of God's "house" by bringing their sin into His presence underscores humanity's profound inability to reconcile with a holy God through their own efforts or rituals. The Old Testament sanctuary, though sacred, could only temporarily cover sin through animal sacrifices, never truly taking it away ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")). Jesus, however, is the true and perfect "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is the ultimate sacrifice, whose shed blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness, making true reconciliation possible ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Moreover, Christ declared Himself to be the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, whose body was destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")), and through His Spirit, He makes believers themselves "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the profanation depicted in Ezekiel is overcome by Christ's perfect holiness and His atoning work, which not only cleanses us from the defilement of sin but also empowers us to live lives that honor and glorify God, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Spiritual Sacrifices")).

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

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.

Jeremiah 23:11

For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 44:7

In that ye have brought [into my sanctuary] strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, [even] my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.

Jeremiah 11:15

What hath my beloved to do in mine house, [seeing] she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.

Micah 3:11

The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

Ezekiel 23:38

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

Isaiah 3:9

¶ The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.