Ezekiel 20:21
Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.
Ezekiel 20:21 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse conveys a message of disobedience and consequence as the children of Israel rebelled against God by not following His statutes and judgments. By failing to obey and keep His commandments, they provoked God's anger and brought upon themselves punishment in the form of His fury. The reference to polluting the sabbath suggests a disregard for the sacredness of the day set aside for rest and worship. The consequence of their rebellion was God's decision to pour out His anger on them in the wilderness, demonstrating the seriousness of their actions and the need to adhere to His laws. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience in the eyes of God.
Theological Overview
In the theological interpretation of Ezekiel 20:21, the rebellious nature of the children of Israel is highlighted as they turned away from God's statutes and judgments. The refusal to obey God's commands led to the pollution of the sabbaths, which were meant to be a time of rest and reflection on God's goodness. The consequences of their disobedience were severe, as God declared that He would pour out His fury upon them to accomplish His anger in the wilderness. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's instructions and the consequences of straying from His path. Through word studies, it is evident that living in accordance with God's statutes leads to life, while rebellion results in His anger and judgment. The theological significance of this verse lies in the portrayal of God's justice and the importance of obedience in maintaining a relationship with Him.
Ezekiel 20:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
But the children rebelled against me; they walked not in my statutes, neither kept mine ordinances to do them, which if a man do, he shall live in them; they profaned my sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.
World English Bible
But the children rebelled against me; they didn’t walk in my statutes, neither kept my ordinances to do them, which if a man do, he shall live in them; they profaned my Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out my wrath on them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.
Douay-Rheims
But their children provoked me, they walked not in my commandments, nor observed my judgments to do them: which if a man do, he shall live in them: and they violated my sabbaths: and I threatened to pour out my indignation upon them, and to accomplish my wrath in them in the desert.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Notwithstanding the children rebelled against mee: they walked not in my statutes, nor kept my iudgements to doe them, which if a man doe, hee shall liue in them, but they polluted my Sabbaths: then I thought to powre out mine indignation vpon them, and to accomplish my wrath against them in the wildernes.