Ezekiel 16:19

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

وَأخَذْتِ الطَعَامَ الَّذِي أعْطَيتُكِ، وَالدَّقِيقَ وَالزَّيْتَ وَالعَسَلَ الَّتِي أطْعَمْتُكِ، وَقَدَّمْتِهَا بِالفِعْلِ لِلأصْنَامِ رَائِحَةً مُسِرَّةً! يَقُولُ الرَّبُّ الإلَهُ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God is speaking to Jerusalem, saying that He provided all the good things like fine flour, oil, and honey to feed them, but they used these gifts to worship other gods instead. This shows God's disappointment.

Explained for Children

Imagine your mom gave you a yummy sandwich, but instead of eating it, you used it to make a silly face for your toys. That's kind of what Jerusalem did with God's gifts. God gave them good things, but they used them to worship other gods instead.

Historical Background

Ezekiel wrote this around 593-571 BCE, while in exile in Babylon. He was speaking to the people of Jerusalem who had forgotten God and started worshiping other gods, showing how they misused the gifts God had provided.

Living It Out Today

Today, we might think about how we use the gifts and resources God has given us. Are we using them to honor God, or are we using them for other things that take away from our relationship with Him? This could be our time, money, or talents.

Topics

• faithfulness
• idolatry
• God's provision
• disappointment
• worship
• judgment

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 32:15
• Isaiah 57:8
• 1 Corinthians 8:4
• 1 Peter 4:3
• Revelation 2:14

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God describe the gifts as fine flour, oil, and honey?

These were considered the best foods of the time, symbolizing God's abundant provision for His people.

What does it mean to 'set it before them for a sweet savour'?

It means the people used God's gifts in rituals to worship other gods, thinking these gifts would make the gods happy.

How should we respond to God's gifts today?

We should use God's gifts to honor Him and to help others, rather than misusing them for our own selfish desires or to worship things other than God.

What can we learn about God from this verse?

This verse shows God's disappointment when His people misuse His gifts, but also His deep love and provision, as He continues to offer them His care.