43:7 43:7

Ezekiel 43:8

43:9 43:9

Bible Versions

In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger.
In their setting {H5414} of their threshold {H5592} by my thresholds {H5592}, and their post {H4201} by {H681} my posts {H4201}, and the wall {H7023} between me and them, they have even defiled {H2930} my holy {H6944} name {H8034} by their abominations {H8441} that they have committed {H6213}: wherefore I have consumed {H3615} them in mine anger {H639}.
or by placing their threshold next to my threshold and their door-frames next to my door-frames, with only a common wall between me and them. Yes, they defiled my holy name by the disgusting practices they committed; which is why I destroyed them in my anger.
When they placed their threshold next to My threshold and their doorposts beside My doorposts, with only a wall between Me and them, they defiled My holy name by the abominations they committed. Therefore I have consumed them in My anger.
in their setting of their threshold by my threshold, and their door-post beside my door-post, and there was but the wall between me and them; and they have defiled my holy name by their abominations which they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger.

Ezekiel 43:8 delivers a powerful indictment against the people of Israel for their spiritual corruption and disregard for God's holiness, specifically in relation to the defilement of His Temple. This verse is part of Ezekiel's vision of the new Temple, contrasting it sharply with the idolatrous practices that led to the destruction of the first Temple and the exile of Judah.

Context

This verse is found within Ezekiel's detailed vision of a future, restored Temple, beginning in Ezekiel chapter 40. After describing the glory of the Lord returning to the Temple, God immediately recalls the past transgressions that caused His presence to depart. The sin highlighted here is the proximity of idolatrous altars and practices to the sacred space of the Temple, blurring the lines between pure worship and pagan abominations. The "thresholds" and "posts" refer to the very entrance and structure of the Temple, implying that their idols were set up right beside God's dwelling place.

Key Themes

  • Defilement of God's Holy Name: The primary accusation is that the people "defiled my holy name." This wasn't merely a private sin but a public dishonoring of God's character and reputation among the nations. Their actions negated the very purpose of the Temple as a place of God's unique presence, similar to warnings in Leviticus 18:21.
  • Proximity of the Profane to the Sacred: The phrase "their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts" vividly illustrates the audacity of bringing idolatry into the immediate vicinity of God's dwelling. This represents a profound lack of reverence and understanding of God's absolute holiness. The "wall between me and them" refers to the necessary separation that ought to exist between God's purity and human sin, which they deliberately broke down.
  • Divine Judgment as Consequence: The verse concludes with "wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger." This directly links the judgment (the Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple) to their specific sins of idolatry and defilement. It underscores the principle that God's justice responds to persistent rebellion against His holiness. Jeremiah 25:9 also speaks to this judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The term "abominations" (Hebrew: to'evah) is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe practices that are utterly detestable to God, particularly idolatry, sexual perversions, and unjust acts. Its usage here emphasizes the severity and offensive nature of their actions in God's sight. The phrase "defiled my holy name" highlights that God's name (representing His character and being) was directly dishonored by these practices, rather than just His physical dwelling.

Practical Application

While we no longer have a physical Temple in the same way, the principle of Ezekiel 43:8 remains profoundly relevant. It calls believers to:

  • Maintain Spiritual Purity: We are called to keep our lives, thoughts, and actions separate from the "abominations" of the world, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We must not allow the profane to creep into the sacred spaces of our lives.
  • Revere God's Holiness: This verse is a stark reminder of God's absolute holiness and His demand for reverence. True worship involves acknowledging and honoring God's distinctness and purity, setting Him apart from all worldly influences.
  • Beware of Compromise: The danger lies in blurring the lines between devotion to God and engagement with practices or beliefs that dishonor Him. Spiritual compromise, even seemingly small acts of setting "threshold by threshold," can lead to profound defilement and separation from God's blessing. This echoes warnings found in the New Testament about not being conformed to the world.
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.

  • Ezekiel 5:11

    Wherefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.

  • Ezekiel 8:3

    And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:7

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

  • 2 Chronicles 33:4

    Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.
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