Ezekiel 20:12

Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12 (KJV)

Ezekiel 20:12 is a powerful verse that encapsulates God's covenant relationship with ancient Israel, highlighting the significance of the Sabbath as a divine sign. This verse is part of a larger historical recounting in Ezekiel chapter 20, where God confronts Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry throughout their history, from Egypt to the wilderness and into the promised land. Despite their unfaithfulness, God consistently reminds them of His gracious provisions and commands, including the Sabbath, which served as a crucial marker of their unique relationship.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel, ministering during the Babylonian exile, often delivered messages of judgment mixed with promises of restoration. In Ezekiel 20, God reviews Israel's past, detailing their repeated disobedience and failure to keep His statutes, even after being delivered from Egypt. The giving of the Sabbath is presented not merely as a law, but as a specific gift and a fundamental element of the covenant established at Mount Sinai. It was intended to distinguish Israel as God's chosen people and remind them of His ongoing work in their lives.

Key Themes

• The Sabbath as a Sign: The verse explicitly states the Sabbath was "a sign between me and them." This signifies its role as a visible, tangible token of the covenant between God and Israel. It was a weekly reminder of their unique status, God's creation, and His redemptive work. This concept is also emphasized in Exodus 31:13.
• God as the Sanctifier: The phrase "that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them" is central. It reveals that the ultimate purpose of the Sabbath was for Israel to recognize God's identity and power. The Hebrew word for "sanctify" (qadash) means to make holy, set apart, or consecrate. This highlights that holiness is not achieved by human effort but is a divine work initiated and completed by God. The Sabbath was meant to foster this understanding, reminding them that their distinctness and holiness came from their relationship with Yahweh.
• Knowledge of God: The Sabbath was a means by which Israel could truly "know" the LORD. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential and relational, leading to a deeper understanding of His character, power, and faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sabbaths" (Hebrew: shabbatot) refers to the various periods of rest commanded by God, primarily the weekly Sabbath, but also potentially including other holy days of rest. The word "sign" (Hebrew: 'oth) denotes a mark, token, or pledge, emphasizing its symbolic and binding nature. The verb "sanctify" (Hebrew: qadash) underscores God's active role in setting apart and making His people holy, a clear declaration that the LORD alone has the power to set His people apart and make them holy.

Practical Application

While Christians today observe the Sabbath not under the Old Covenant law but in the light of Christ's fulfillment, the principles embedded in Ezekiel 20:12 remain profoundly relevant:

• Setting Apart Time for God: The underlying principle of dedicating specific time to God, resting from our labors, and focusing on Him is still vital for spiritual health. It's a reminder that our lives are not solely about our own efforts but about acknowledging God's sovereignty.
• God as Our Sanctifier: This verse powerfully reminds us that our holiness and separation from the world come from God, not from our own works or rituals. It is God who sets us apart for His purposes. As believers, we are called to live out the holiness that Christ has imparted to us through His sacrifice.
• Knowing God: Just as the Sabbath was meant to help Israel know God, our intentional periods of rest, worship, and study are opportunities to deepen our knowledge and relationship with Him. This concept of God's sanctifying work ultimately points towards the spiritual rest and true Sabbath rest found in Christ, who Himself is our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30).