Ezekiel 20:12
Ezekiel 20:12 in Multiple Translations
I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.
Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am Jehovah that sanctifieth them.
And further, I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, so that it might be clear that I, who make them holy, am the Lord.
I also gave them my Sabbaths to be a sign between me and them, so that they would acknowledge that I am the Lord who makes them holy.
Moreouer I gaue them also my Sabbaths to be a signe betweene me and them, that they might knowe that I am the Lord, that sanctifie them.
And also My sabbaths I have given to them, To be for a sign between Me and them, To know that I [am] Jehovah their sanctifier.
Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.
Moreover I gave them also my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them: and that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.
Also, I established the Sabbath/rest days to be a symbol between us to show that I, Yahweh, had caused them to be set apartfrom the other nations.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 20:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַ֤ם
אֶת
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ/י֙
נָתַ֣תִּי
לָ/הֶ֔ם
לִ/הְי֣וֹת
לְ/א֔וֹת
בֵּינִ֖/י
וּ/בֵֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
לָ/דַ֕עַת
כִּ֛י
אֲנִ֥י
יְהוָ֖ה
מְקַדְּשָֽׁ/ם
וְ/גַ֤ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ/י֙
shabbâth
H7676
Sabbath
N-cp | Suff
נָתַ֣תִּי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
לִ/הְי֣וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/א֔וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
sign
Prep | N-cs
בֵּינִ֖/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep | Suff
לָ/דַ֕עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מְקַדְּשָֽׁ/ם
qâdash
H6942
to consecrate
V-Piel | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 20:12
וְ/גַ֤ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ/י֙
shabbâth
H7676
"Sabbath"
N-cp | Suff
The Hebrew word for the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, as commanded by God in Exodus 20:8-11 and observed by the Israelites. It is a special day set apart for spiritual renewal and reflection, as Jesus taught in Matthew 12:1-14.
Definition: Sabbath 1a) sabbath 1b) day of atonement 1c) sabbath year 1d) week 1e) produce (in sabbath year)
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] every) sabbath. See also: Exodus 16:23; 2 Chronicles 2:3; Psalms 92:1.
נָתַ֣תִּי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
לִ/הְי֣וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/א֔וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
"sign"
Prep | N-cs
A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.
Definition: : miraculous 1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token. See also: Genesis 1:14; Joshua 2:12; Psalms 65:9.
בֵּינִ֖/י
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
לָ/דַ֕עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מְקַדְּשָֽׁ/ם
qâdash
H6942
"to consecrate"
V-Piel | Suff
To consecrate means to set something or someone apart as holy or sacred, like the priests in Exodus. This word is about making something clean or pure. It is used in the Bible to describe sacred rituals and moral purity.
Definition: : consecate/sanctify 1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated 1a2) to be hallowed 1a3) consecrated, tabooed 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic 1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred 1b3) to be holy 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate 1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred 1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow 1c4) to consecrate 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be consecrated 1d2) consecrated, dedicated 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set apart, devote, consecrate 1e2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow 1e3) to consecrate 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to keep oneself apart or separate 1f2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God) 1f3) to be observed as holy 1f4) to consecrate oneself
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 2:3; 2 Samuel 11:4; Isaiah 5:16.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 20:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12
- Sermons on Ezekiel 20:12
Context — Israel’s Rebellion in the Wilderness
10So I brought them out of the land of Egypt and led them into the wilderness.
11And I gave them My statutes and made known to them My ordinances—for the man who does these things will live by them.
12I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
13Yet the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness. They did not follow My statutes and they rejected My ordinances—though the man who does these things will live by them—and they utterly profaned My Sabbaths. Then I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and put an end to them in the wilderness. 14But I acted for the sake of My name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 20:20 | Keep My Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us, so that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’ |
| 2 | Ezekiel 37:28 | Then the nations will know that I the LORD sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is among them forever.’” |
| 3 | Leviticus 21:23 | but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’” |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 5:23 | Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 5:12–15 | Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. |
| 6 | Exodus 20:8–11 | Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. |
| 7 | Exodus 31:13–17 | “Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. Keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Anyone who profanes it must surely be put to death. Whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from among his people. For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death. The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come. It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’” |
| 8 | Exodus 19:5–6 | Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” |
| 9 | Leviticus 23:3 | For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. |
| 10 | Leviticus 23:24 | “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts. |
Ezekiel 20:12 Summary
[Ezekiel 20:12 tells us that God gave the Sabbath to His people as a special sign of His love and presence in their lives, to remind them that He is the one who makes them holy, as seen in Exodus 31:13. This means that God wants us to remember to rest and trust in Him, just as He rested after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). By keeping the Sabbath, the Israelites were reminded of God's power and love, and we can apply this principle today by setting apart time to rest and worship God. This helps us to remember that God is our sanctifier, and that He is always with us, guiding and caring for us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Sabbath in Ezekiel 20:12?
The Sabbath is a sign between God and His people, symbolizing His sanctifying work in their lives, as seen in Exodus 31:13 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15, where it is commanded as a day of rest and remembrance of God's creation and redemption.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sanctification?
In Ezekiel 20:12, God says He is the LORD who sanctifies His people, which means He sets them apart for Himself, making them holy, as also seen in Leviticus 20:8 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, where sanctification is a work of God in the lives of believers.
What does it mean for God to give the Sabbath as a sign between Him and His people?
The Sabbath serves as a reminder of God's covenant with His people, a sign of His presence and care for them, similar to the rainbow in Genesis 9:12-17, which is a sign of God's covenant with Noah and his descendants.
How does this verse apply to believers today?
While the Sabbath is specifically given to the Israelites, the principle of resting in God and remembering His sanctifying work applies to all believers, as seen in Hebrews 4:9-11, where believers are encouraged to enter into God's rest, and in Colossians 2:16-17, where the Sabbath is not binding on Gentile believers, but the principle of rest and worship remains.
Reflection Questions
- What does the concept of the Sabbath mean to me personally, and how can I apply it in my life as a sign of God's sanctifying work?
- How can I remember and honor God's sanctifying work in my life, and what are some practical ways to do so?
- In what ways can I set apart time to rest in God and remember His presence and care for me, just as the Israelites were commanded to do?
- How does the idea of God as my sanctifier impact my daily life and relationships, and what are some ways I can live out this truth?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:12
Moreover, also, I gave them my sabbaths,.... The Targum is, "the days of the sabbaths;'' or sabbath days, the seventh day sabbaths, which recurring throughout the year are many; but, besides these,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:12
Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12
I gave; both commanded, and also sanctified, those portions of time to be holy rests. My sabbaths; either the weekly sabbath, which, recurring every seventh day, soon multiplied into many, and was to be the commemoration of God’ s rest from his labour, Israel’ s delivery out of Egypt, , and an awakening of their hopes of the eternal rest with God; or it may, as most like it doth, include all the solemn days of God’ s worship, every of which was a sabbath, and no work to be done in it. To be a sign of their being peculiarly my people, select from all other, to walk with me, to rest in me, and receive more grace from me. That they might know: this was a teaching sign, they might by other ways know, and by this also. I am the Lord; in this see my authority, and my holiness, who by such means do promote and attain such holy purposes and ends. That sanctify them; that have withdrawn them from the profane and common herd of the heathen, and made them by this relatively holy; or else, that have changed the heart, and filled it with holy, pure, and gracious inclinations, and so made them really holy.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12
Ezekiel 20:12 Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them.Ver. 12. Moreover also, I gave them my Sabbaths.] A sweet mercy, without which the best would even grow wild. What a wretch then was that Egyptian in Phagius, who said that those Jews, and after them the Christians, had a loathsome disease upon them, and were therefore fain to rest the seventh day! To be a sign between me and them.] A distinctive sign of my distinguishing grace to Israel above others, who jeered them for sabbatising, as those that lost a seventh part of their precious time. To be also both a sign of a godly person - anciently, when the question was propounded, Servasti Dominicum? Hast thou kept the Lord’ s-day? the answer was returned, I am a Christian, and can do no less - and a means of conveying more holiness into his heart.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12
(12) I gave them my sabbaths.—“Not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers” (John 7:22). The Sabbath, like circumcision, was an institution far older than the period here spoken of, but was now commanded anew, and made the especial pledge of the covenant between God and His people. The verse is a quotation from Exodus 31:13; and every one must have remarked the great stress everywhere laid in the Old Testament upon the observance of the Sabbath, and the prominence given to it among the privileges of the Divine covenant. It is plain that the day is regarded not in its mere outward character, as a day of rest, but as “a sign” of the covenant, and a means of realising it in the study of God’s word, and the communion of the soul with Him. It is in these latter aspects also that the weekly day of rest still retains its inestimable value—that men “might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12
Verse 12. I gave them my Sabbaths] The religious observance of the Sabbath was the first statute or command of God to men. This institution was a sign between God and them, to keep them in remembrance of the creation of the world, of the rest that he designed them in Canaan, and of the eternal inheritance among the saints in light. Of these things the Sabbath was a type and pledge.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:12
12. my sabbaths] The plural refers to the stated recurrence of the day; other festivals are not included. to be a sign] The prophet does not speak of the Sabbath as an older institution than the exodus, though his language does not decide the point, as he refers merely to the connexion into which the day was brought with Israel’s redemption (as Deuteronomy 5:15) and made a “sign” to them of their relation to Jehovah. The people were commanded to “sanctify” the Sabbath, i.e. to dedicate it and keep it to the Lord. This dedication of a part of their time or life to Jehovah had a similar significance to the dedication of the first-fruits of the ground and the firstlings of their cattle; it was an acknowledgment that they were the Lord’s. It was the response on their side to the operation of Jehovah on his side in “sanctifying” them, or making them his own possession (end of v.) Thus the Sabbath was a “sign” or visible token that he was their God and they his people (Ezekiel 20:20); Exodus 31:13-14; Isaiah 56:2; Isaiah 56:4. This meaning of the Sabbath as a symbol of the religion of Jehovah explains the importance attached to keeping it particularly in the exile; its observance sustained the feeling of the people among the heathen that they were the people of Jehovah, Isaiah 56:2 seq., Isaiah 58:13; Nehemiah 13:19, cf. Jeremiah 17:21; Leviticus 19:3; Leviticus 26:2.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:12
12. My sabbaths — The giving of a stated portion of the week, like the giving of a stated portion of cattle and fruit to the Lord, was an acknowledgment of their acceptance of the covenant of
Sermons on Ezekiel 20:12
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K-069 the Wilderness Call by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of delivering a message on Elijah in Jerusalem. Despite misinterpreting a note and speaking for longer than intended, the s |
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Then… the Nations Shall Know That He Is Lord. by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes that God's judgment is essential for His people to experience salvation and for the nations to recognize Him as Lord. The book of Ezekiel illustrates that |
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Matthew 12 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby discusses the rejection of the nation of Israel and the transition to a new system under Christ, emphasizing that Jesus, as the Son of God, stands alone in a worl |
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Be Ye Holy for I Am Holy by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being transformed and renewed in our minds to align with God's will. He quotes from 1 Peter 1:14, urging believers to be o |
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Christ: Perfect Manhood by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker explores the nature of man and how God created him. The purpose of man's creation is to be inhabited by God and used for His purposes. The speaker empha |
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Glimpses of the Future - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon focuses on the importance of understanding and heeding biblical prophecy, particularly in relation to Israel and the future events predicted in the Bible. It emphasizes |
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Brokenness by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God breaking us in order to use us effectively. He uses the example of Jacob being broken for twenty years in his father-in |