In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger.
God explains why He consumed Israel in anger: they 'defiled my holy name' by setting their threshold by His, their posts by His posts, with only a wall between. This proximity without holiness—physical nearness to God's house while maintaining spiritual adultery—provoked divine wrath. The Hebrew זָנָה (zanah, 'whoredom') represents covenant unfaithfulness, particularly idolatry (Israel as God's bride committing spiritual adultery). The 'carcases of their kings' may refer to royal tombs near the temple or idolatrous monuments. God's holiness cannot coexist with defilement—darkness and light cannot fellowship (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). The phrase 'they have even defiled my holy name' indicates that Israel's sin wasn't merely breaking rules but profaning God's reputation before nations. Reformed theology emphasizes that sin's primary offense is against God's glory (Psalm 51:4), not merely horizontal ethics.
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence suggests Judahite kings were buried near the temple mount (1 Kings 2:10, 2 Chronicles 21:20, 24:16), creating proximity God found offensive. Manasseh erected altars to foreign gods within the temple courts (2 Kings 21:4-5), and Ahaz built a Syrian-style altar (2 Kings 16:10-16)—literal placement of idolatrous 'thresholds' beside God's. The 'wall between' suggests minimal separation—physical proximity masking spiritual distance. This is hypocritical religiosity: maintaining temple worship while embracing idolatry. Jesus condemned similar behavior: 'This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth... but their heart is far from me' (Matthew 15:8). God consumed them in anger—the Babylonian conquest in 586 BC—because covenant unfaithfulness despite privileged access demanded covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28). The exile purged this syncretism, teaching that proximity to God requires holiness.
Questions for Reflection
What 'thresholds' do you place beside God's—allowing sacred and profane to coexist without conviction?
How does this verse challenge 'cultural Christianity' that maintains religious forms while embracing worldly values?
In what ways might you be defiling God's holy name through inconsistency between profession and practice?
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Analysis & Commentary
God explains why He consumed Israel in anger: they 'defiled my holy name' by setting their threshold by His, their posts by His posts, with only a wall between. This proximity without holiness—physical nearness to God's house while maintaining spiritual adultery—provoked divine wrath. The Hebrew זָנָה (zanah, 'whoredom') represents covenant unfaithfulness, particularly idolatry (Israel as God's bride committing spiritual adultery). The 'carcases of their kings' may refer to royal tombs near the temple or idolatrous monuments. God's holiness cannot coexist with defilement—darkness and light cannot fellowship (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). The phrase 'they have even defiled my holy name' indicates that Israel's sin wasn't merely breaking rules but profaning God's reputation before nations. Reformed theology emphasizes that sin's primary offense is against God's glory (Psalm 51:4), not merely horizontal ethics.