Ezekiel 20:12

20:12 I also gave them my Sabbaths ¹  as a reminder of our relationship, ²  so that they would know that I, the Lord, sanctify them. ³ 

Ezekiel 20:16

20:16 I did this ⁴  because they rejected my regulations, did not follow my statutes, and desecrated my Sabbaths; for their hearts followed their idols. ⁵ 

Ezekiel 20:24

20:24 I did this ⁶  because they did not observe my regulations, they rejected my statutes, they desecrated my Sabbaths, and their eyes were fixed on ⁷  their fathers’ idols.

Ezekiel 44:24

44:24 “‘In a controversy they will act as judges; ⁸  they will judge according to my ordinances. They will keep my laws and my statutes regarding all my appointed festivals and will observe ⁹  my Sabbaths.

[20:12]  ¹ sn Ezekiel’s contemporary, Jeremiah, also stressed the importance of obedience to the Sabbath law (Jer 17).

[20:12]  ² tn Heb “to become a sign between me and them.”

[20:12]  ³ tn Or “set them apart.” The last phrase of verse 12 appears to be a citation of Exod 31:13.

[20:16]  ⁴ tn The words “I did this” are not in the Hebrew text, but are supplied for stylistic reasons. Verses 15-16 are one long sentence in the Hebrew text. The translation divides this sentence into two for stylistic reasons.

[20:16]  ⁵ tn Heb “for after their idols their heart was going.” The use of the active participle (“was going”) in the Hebrew text draws attention to the ongoing nature of their idolatrous behavior.

[20:24]  ⁷ tn The words “I did this” are not in the Hebrew text, but are supplied for stylistic reasons. Verses 23-24 are one long sentence in the Hebrew text. The translation divides this sentence into two for stylistic reasons.

[20:24]  ⁸ tn Or “they worshiped” (NCV, TEV, CEV); Heb “their eyes were on” or “were after” (cf. v. 16).

[44:24]  ¹⁰ sn For a historical illustration of the priest carrying out this function, see 2 Chr 19:9-11.

[44:24]  ¹¹ tn Heb “sanctify, set apart.”