Ezekiel 44:6

And thou shalt say to the rebellious, [even] to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,

And thou shalt say {H559} to the rebellious {H4805}, even to the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; O ye house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, let it suffice {H7227} you of all your abominations {H8441},

You are to tell the rebels, the house of Isra'el, that this is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'House of Isra'el, enough of all your disgusting practices!

Tell the rebellious house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I have had enough of all your abominations, O house of Israel.

And thou shalt say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,

Ezekiel 44:6 delivers a stern and direct message from the Lord God to the "rebellious house of Israel," marking a pivotal moment in the prophet's vision of future temple ordinances and the restoration of God's people. It serves as a sharp reminder of their past transgressions and a call for a complete cessation of their detestable practices before the establishment of true worship.

Context of Ezekiel 44:6

This verse is situated within a significant section of Ezekiel's prophecy (chapters 40-48) that details a comprehensive vision of a new temple, its layout, and the regulations governing its worship and priesthood. Following the desolation of Jerusalem and the first temple due to Israel's idolatry and rebellion, this vision offers hope for a future spiritual restoration. However, before outlining the strict rules for the temple's sanctity, God first confronts the people's history of defilement. Ezekiel 43:8 highlights how Israel had previously defiled God's holy name through their abominations. This verse in chapter 44 serves as a foundational rebuke, setting the stage for the rigorous standards of holiness required for those who would serve in or approach the new temple.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Rebuke and Warning: The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" emphasizes the divine authority behind this message. It is a direct confrontation of Israel's chronic disobedience, labeling them "the rebellious," a term used frequently throughout Ezekiel to describe their stubbornness.
  • The Extent of Sin ("Abominations"): The word "abominations" (Hebrew: to'evah) refers to actions and practices that are utterly detestable and repugnant to God, particularly idolatry, pagan rituals, and moral perversions. God declares that Israel has committed enough of these acts; His patience has reached its limit, and it is time for them to cease.
  • Call to Repentance: "Let it suffice you of all your abominations" is an urgent call for repentance and a decisive break from their sinful past. It implies that God's judgment was a direct consequence of their cumulative sin, and future blessing is contingent upon turning away from such practices. This echoes calls for turning from sin found throughout the prophets, such as Isaiah 55:7.
  • God's Holiness and Justice: The verse underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity from His people, especially in the context of His dwelling place. It highlights that God cannot tolerate sin indefinitely, and His justice demands a reckoning for unrepentant rebellion.

Linguistic Insights

The term "rebellious" is from the Hebrew word meri (מְרִי), often used to describe Israel's persistent defiance and unwillingness to obey God's commands. "Abominations" translates to'evah (תּוֹעֵבָה), a strong term used extensively in the Old Testament for practices that are morally repugnant and ritually unclean in God's eyes, frequently associated with idolatry and practices of surrounding pagan nations. The phrase "let it suffice you" conveys a sense of divine patience reaching its breaking point, a powerful expression of God's weariness with their persistent sin.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 44:6 remains relevant for believers today. It serves as a reminder that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite. We are called to:

  • Self-Examination: To honestly assess our own lives for any "abominations" – sins, idols, or practices – that grieve God and hinder our relationship with Him.
  • Decisive Repentance: To not merely acknowledge sin, but to actively and decisively turn away from it. God desires genuine change, not just outward religious observance. This aligns with the New Testament call to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
  • Pursuit of Holiness: To strive for holiness in our personal lives, knowing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Our worship and service to God must be accompanied by a commitment to purity and obedience.

This verse is a timeless call to acknowledge our past failings, recognize the seriousness of sin in God's eyes, and turn wholeheartedly towards a life of obedience and devotion.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 4:3

    For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

  • Ezekiel 45:9

    ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 3:9

    As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.

  • Ezekiel 3:26

    And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they [are] a rebellious house.

  • Ezekiel 3:27

    But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they [are] a rebellious house.

  • Ezekiel 2:5

    And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

  • Ezekiel 2:8

    But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.

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