Ezekiel 16:21

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

إِنَّكِ ذَبَحتِ بَنِيَّ وسَلَّمتِهِم لِيُمَرَّروا في النَّارِ لأَجلِها؟

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God is speaking to Jerusalem, saying that the people have sacrificed their children to false gods, passing them through fire as offerings. This is a very serious accusation, highlighting the severe consequences of idol worship.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your parents gave away your favorite toys to make a scary monster happy, thinking it would make everything better. That's kind of what God is saying here, but much worse. He's upset because His people are giving away something very precious to Him.

Historical Background

Ezekiel, a prophet, wrote this in the 6th century BCE to the exiled Jews in Babylon. The verse reflects the cultural practice of child sacrifice among some ancient Near Eastern religions, which was considered a grave sin in the eyes of God.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse reminds us not to prioritize false beliefs or idols over our values and relationships. For example, a person might work too much, sacrificing family time and well-being, which can be seen as a modern form of idolatry.

Topics

• idolatry
• worship
• consequences
• child sacrifice
• God's anger
• faithfulness

Related Verses

• Leviticus 18:21
• 2 Kings 23:10
• Jeremiah 7:31
• Deuteronomy 12:31
• Isaiah 57:5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of passing through fire in this verse?

Passing through fire refers to a pagan practice where children were sacrificed to the god Molech, emphasizing the extreme form of idolatry practiced by some Israelites.

Why is God angry in this verse?

God is angry because the people have turned away from Him and are participating in rituals that are abhorrent to Him, sacrificing their own children to false gods.

How does this verse relate to modern times?

This verse can remind us to avoid giving our time and resources to things that do not honor God, even if they seem important or beneficial, as idolatry can take many forms in modern life.

What can we learn about God from this verse?

This verse teaches us about God's intense love for His people, as well as His justice and anger towards practices that harm His children, showing His desire for us to follow Him alone.