Definition: Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this tough but important verse from the Book of Ezekiel! It’s a really powerful warning about disrespect and breaking God’s rules. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that someone has treated God’s sacred spaces (his holy things) and his times of rest or Sabbath (a day of peace and worship) with contempt and disregard. It's a severe condemnation. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thou hast…” : This is a formal, addressing language – it’s like saying "You" in the Bible. “…despised mine holy things” : This means they have actively violated something that God considers precious and important - his sanctuary, his temples, or anything sacred to him. Think of it as breaking a rule that is incredibly important to God. “and hast profaned my sabbaths” : This is the most shocking part. “Sabbaths” refer to Jewish holidays – days of rest and worship. "Profaned" means to desecrate, defile, or ruin something sacred. It’s like treating a gift as something worthless. What's the implication? This verse paints a picture of someone who is: Disrespectful: They don’t value God’s instructions or his plan for life. Unclean: They have broken a covenant (a promise) between God and humanity – a promise of peace, rest, and holiness. Harmful: Their actions are causing pain, disruption, and potentially spiritual destruction. Why is this important? The Bible often uses symbolism to represent the world and our lives. Ezekiel was warning about a time when people were acting in ways that would upset God’s perfect order. It's a reminder that we need to: Respect God’s rules: He created everything, and he has boundaries. Honor his times of rest: Taking breaks is essential for renewal and spiritual growth. Live righteously: Acting with integrity and kindness is vital for a good relationship with God. In short, the verse warns against treating God’s sacred things and honoring his Sabbath as if they are unimportant. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse might be applied in a real-life situation (keeping in mind it's a general warning)?