Ezekiel 20:24

Authorized King James Version

Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַ֜עַן
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#2
מִשְׁפָּטַ֤י
my judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#3
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
עָשׂוּ֙
Because they had not executed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
וְחֻקּוֹתַ֣י
my statutes
a statute
#6
מָאָ֔סוּ
but had despised
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
#7
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֖י
my sabbaths
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#9
חִלֵּ֑לוּ
and had polluted
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#10
וְאַחֲרֵי֙
were after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#11
גִּלּוּלֵ֣י
idols
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol
#12
אֲבוֹתָ֔ם
H1
their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#13
הָי֖וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
עֵינֵיהֶֽם׃
and their eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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