Definition: Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 23:38. It’s a really powerful and serious message about God’s holiness and how we treat His presence. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a terrible act of desecration – seriously violating God's sacred space and honoring traditions. It says, “They have defiled my sanctuary… in the same day.” Let’s unpack each part: “Ezekiel 23:38” : This is the specific verse we’re looking at. It’s a passage from a prophetic book written by Ezekiel, and it’s a key moment in biblical history. “Moreover this they have done unto me…” : This is an emphatic statement that shows the severity of what happened. “Moreover” means "and furthermore" – it's not just some thing happened; this was a significant transgression. It’s saying, “This is exactly what they did.” “They have defiled my sanctuary…” : This is the most important part. A "sanctuary" is a place of worship, a temple, or a holy space dedicated to God. Ezekiel describes it as being “defiled” – that means it was made impure, stained, and not in a right or proper state. It's like a sacred altar being soiled. “in the same day…” : This is crucial. It’s not just any day; it’s the same day this happened. This emphasizes that it was an immediate and deliberate act. What does "profaned my sabbaths" mean? This is where it gets deeper. The word “sabbaths” refers to God's holy days, like Passover, Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), or the Sabbath itself. “Profaned” means to desecrate, to ruin, to break something sacred. It implies a violation of God’s laws and commands for rest and worship. Essentially, they treated God’s holy time as if it were unimportant, unworthy, or even an enemy. What does this verse tell us about God? Absolute Holiness: It shows that God is utterly pure and perfect. He doesn’t tolerate anything that disrespects His holiness. His Righteousness is Threatened: The act of defiling the sanctuary threatens God's righteousness and his relationship with humanity. A Serious Warning: Ezekiel is warning us about the dangers of disobedience and disrespecting God’s boundaries. It’s a call to repentance – to recognize that we are falling short of His standards. In essence, this verse is a stark reminder that our actions have consequences and that true worship requires reverence and respect for God's holiness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible? Discuss what this verse might mean for believers today?