Definition: And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I [am] the LORD your God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:20. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of scripture! Here's what it means in plain language: “And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I [am] the LORD your God.” Let's unpack this step-by-step: "And hallow my sabbaths..." - This is a bit tricky. "Sabbath" in Jewish tradition means a day of rest, a time for spiritual renewal and connection with God. Ezekiel was writing this verse while he was experiencing a significant period of intense vision and divine guidance. So, he's talking about his own personal Sabbath – a day of rest and reflection. "...and they shall be a sign between me and you..." - This is the key part. He’s saying that this act of “hallowing” his sabbath will be a visible demonstration of God’s presence and power. It's like a public announcement! "...that ye may know that I [am] the LORD your God." – This is the core message: “I am the LORD.” This isn’t just saying “I am God”; it’s specifically declaring that he is the Lord. It's a declaration of divine authority and ownership over everything. So, putting it all together: Ezekiel 20:20 is essentially telling us that God is setting aside time for rest and reflection – his own Sabbath – to show us that he is in control and that he is the ultimate authority. It’s a way of saying, "I am the one who deserves respect and worship." What's the bigger picture? This verse has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It’s often seen as: A sign of divine sovereignty: It emphasizes that God is in charge and doesn’t rely on humans to be aware of his will. A call for humility: It reminds us that we are not the center of everything, but rather part of a larger, divine plan. Important Note: This verse is complex and has been debated by theologians for centuries. It's a beautiful example of how ancient texts can carry layers of meaning beyond their literal words. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail with examples? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Explore different interpretations of this verse?