Ezekiel 44:7

In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food--the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant.

Study Bible

In addition to all your other abominations
This phrase indicates that the actions being addressed are part of a larger pattern of disobedience and sin. The term "abominations" is often used in the Old Testament to describe practices that are detestable to God, such as idolatry and moral corruption. Ezekiel frequently addresses the abominations of Israel, highlighting their departure from God's laws and the covenant established with them.

you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh
The inclusion of "foreigners" refers to non-Israelites who were not part of the covenant community. Circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Genesis 17:10-14). However, the emphasis here is on being "uncircumcised in both heart and flesh," suggesting a lack of spiritual commitment and purity. This echoes Deuteronomy 10:16 and Jeremiah 4:4, where God calls for a circumcision of the heart, symbolizing true devotion and obedience.

to occupy My sanctuary
The sanctuary, or temple, was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Allowing those who were not consecrated to occupy it was a violation of its sanctity. This reflects the broader theme in Ezekiel of the desecration of holy spaces, which is a serious offense in the context of Israel's worship and relationship with God.

you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood
The temple was defiled through improper offerings. The "fat and the blood" were significant parts of the sacrificial system (Leviticus 3:16-17), reserved for God alone. Offering them improperly or in a defiled state was a direct violation of the sacrificial laws. This act of defilement is reminiscent of the corrupt practices condemned by the prophets, where the outward rituals were performed without true reverence or obedience.

you broke My covenant
Breaking the covenant refers to Israel's failure to uphold the terms of the agreement established with God at Sinai (Exodus 19-24). The covenant was central to Israel's identity and relationship with God, involving laws, promises, and obligations. This breach is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, where the prophets call the people back to faithfulness and warn of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. Foreigners
Non-Israelites who were not part of the covenant community, specifically those "uncircumcised in heart and flesh."

3. The Sanctuary
The holy place of worship, representing God's presence among His people.

4. The Covenant
The sacred agreement between God and Israel, which included laws and rituals to maintain holiness.

5. Abominations
Actions considered detestable by God, often associated with idolatry and disobedience.

Teaching Points

Holiness of Worship
God's sanctuary is a place of holiness, and those who enter must do so with reverence and purity. This calls for self-examination and repentance.

Covenant Faithfulness
Breaking God's covenant has serious consequences. Believers are called to uphold their commitment to God through obedience and faithfulness.

Spiritual Circumcision
True belonging to God is marked by a heart transformed by His Spirit, not merely external rituals. This transformation should be evident in our lives.

Guarding Against Profanation
We must be vigilant against allowing worldly influences to corrupt our worship and relationship with God. This includes maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity.

Inclusivity in Christ
While the Old Testament emphasized separation, the New Testament reveals that through Christ, all are invited to become part of God's family, provided they come with a sincere heart.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to be "uncircumcised in heart and flesh," and how can we ensure our hearts are aligned with God's will?

2. How does the concept of holiness in the Old Testament sanctuary apply to our lives as temples of the Holy Spirit today?

3. In what ways can we guard against allowing "foreign" influences to profane our worship and relationship with God?

4. How does the New Testament teaching on the inclusion of Gentiles expand our understanding of God's covenant and community?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt convicted about breaking God's covenant. How did you seek restoration, and what did you learn from the experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 22
Discusses the requirements for those who may enter the sanctuary and partake in holy offerings, emphasizing purity and holiness.

Jeremiah 9
Speaks about the importance of circumcision of the heart, not just the flesh, as a true sign of belonging to God.

Acts 15
The early church's discussion on the inclusion of Gentiles, highlighting the shift from physical to spiritual circumcision.

1 Corinthians 6
Paul warns against defiling the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, drawing a parallel to the sanctity of God's sanctuary.

Hebrews 10
Emphasizes the new covenant through Christ, who fulfills the law and offers a way to approach God with a pure heart.