Ezekiel 16:20
Afrikaans 1933/1953
Verder het jy jou seuns en jou dogters geneem wat jy vir My gebaar het, en die aan hulle geoffer om verteer te word. Was dit nie genoeg met jou hoererye nie,
What Does This Mean?
This verse is part of God's message to Jerusalem, accusing her of taking the children she bore for God and sacrificing them to idols. God is expressing His anger and disappointment over these actions.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a favorite toy, and your friend asks you to give it to them to play with, but you know they'll break it. That's how God feels about Jerusalem. He gave her children to take care of, but she gave them away to be hurt.
Historical Background
Ezekiel, a prophet, wrote this in the 6th century BCE while in exile. He was addressing the people of Jerusalem, accusing them of turning away from God and worshipping other gods, a practice that included sacrificing their own children.
Living It Out Today
This can be seen as a metaphor for when we prioritize harmful or meaningless activities over what truly matters. For example, spending time on addictive video games instead of nurturing meaningful relationships or focusing on personal growth.
Topics
sinjudgmentworshipchild sacrificeidolatryconsequences
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'whoredoms' mean in this context?
In this context, 'whoredoms' refers to idolatry and worshiping false gods, which is a metaphor for being unfaithful to God.
Why does God consider sacrificing children to be so severe?
Sacrificing children was a pagan practice that was deeply opposed to God's commandments. It shows a complete disregard for God's laws and a preference for false gods.
How was this practice of sacrificing children to idols viewed in ancient times?
In ancient times, sacrificing children to idols was seen as a way to appease or please the gods, but it was considered a horrific act that went against God's teachings.
What can we learn from this verse about prioritizing values?
We learn that it's important to prioritize our values and not let external influences lead us to make harmful decisions, especially at the expense of those we're meant to protect and nurture.