Ezekiel 20:24

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

لأنَّهُمْ لَمْ يَحفَظُوا فَرائِضِي وَرَفَضُوا شَرائِعِي، وَاستَخَفُّوا بِأيّامِ الرَّاحَةِ الَّتِي عَيَّنْتُها، وَتعَلَّقُوا بِالأوثانِ القَذِرَةِ الَّتِي كانَتْ لِآبائِهِمْ.

What Does This Mean?

God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, saying that the people did not follow His laws, they did not respect the Sabbath, and they still looked to their old idols for guidance. This shows God's disappointment with their behavior.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your parents made rules for you to follow, like cleaning your room or not playing with matches, but you didn't listen and still played with your toys on clean-up time. God is upset because the people didn't follow His rules and still wanted to play with their old 'toys' instead.

Historical Background

Ezekiel, a prophet, wrote this around 593 BC. He was speaking to the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. The cultural setting was one where religious practices and adherence to God's laws were key, but many people were still tempted by old traditions and idols.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this can apply to someone who knows what is right but chooses to follow old habits or bad influences instead. For example, a person who knows the benefits of a healthy diet but still craves junk food and indulges in it regularly.

Topics

• disobedience
• judgment
• laws
• idolatry
• repentance
• worship

Related Verses

• Exodus 20:8-11
• Ezekiel 22:8
• Isaiah 56:1-2
• 2 Chronicles 36:15-16
• Matthew 12:8

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main reason for God's disappointment in Ezekiel 20:24?

The main reason was the people's failure to follow God's laws and their continued worship of idols instead of Him.

How can we apply the message of Ezekiel 20:24 to our daily lives?

We can apply it by ensuring we follow God's commands and not letting our old habits or influences lead us astray.

Why is the Sabbath mentioned specifically in this verse?

The Sabbath represents God's commandments and rest, and its desecration symbolizes a deeper rebellion against God's authority.

What does the phrase 'their eyes were after their fathers' idols' imply?

It implies that the people were still drawn to and influenced by the old ways of their ancestors, rather than fully turning to God.