Ezekiel 20:30

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

לכן אמר אל בית ישראל כה אמר אדני יהוה הבדרך אבותיכם אתם נטמאים ואחרי שקוציהם אתם זנים:

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God is speaking directly to the people of Israel, asking if they are following the same sinful ways and bad habits as their ancestors. He wants to know if they are engaging in behaviors that He finds abominable.

Explained for Children

Imagine your parents tell you not to eat too much candy because it's bad for your teeth. But then you see your grandparents eating lots of candy and think it's okay. God is asking the Israelites if they're doing the same thing He told their grandparents not to do.

Historical Background

Ezekiel wrote this book while exiled in Babylon around 593-571 BCE. He is addressing the Israelites who are being led astray by their ancestors' bad habits and practices, which God considers abominations.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse can remind us to not follow the wrong habits or beliefs of our parents or grandparents just because they've done it for a long time. We should seek God's guidance and not be influenced by harmful traditions.

Topics

• sin
• traditions
• obedience
• spiritual pollution
• God's judgment
• abominations

Related Verses

• Leviticus 18:3
• Ezekiel 16:36
• Hosea 4:12
• Romans 1:24
• 1 Peter 1:18

Recommended Reading

Commentary Ezekiel Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is God addressing in Ezekiel 20:30?

God is addressing the house of Israel, specifically asking if they are following the same sinful practices as their ancestors.

What does it mean to be 'polluted after the manner of your fathers'?

Being 'polluted after the manner of your fathers' means following the bad habits and practices of one's ancestors, which God considers sinful and spiritually unclean.

Why does God use the term 'whoredom' in this verse?

God uses the term 'whoredom' metaphorically to describe the Israelites' involvement in pagan worship and practices, which He considers a form of spiritual adultery.

How can we avoid the pitfalls mentioned in Ezekiel 20:30 in our daily lives?

To avoid these pitfalls, we should seek God's guidance and not follow harmful traditions or practices, even if they come from our families or cultural backgrounds.