Definition: Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 20:16. It’s a really important verse that speaks about a serious rebellion against God. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a group of people who were actively trying to ignore God’s rules and commands, and they were causing trouble and disruption. Basically, they were defying what God told them to do. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: "Because they despised my judgments..." – This means they were angry and opposed to God's laws and teachings. They weren't just passively ignoring him; they were actively trying to stop him from doing what he wanted. "...and walked not in my statutes..." – “Statutes” refers to God’s rules, commandments, or laws. They were breaking those rules. They were not following them. "...but polluted my sabbaths..." – "Sabbath" means a day of rest and worship dedicated to God. This is where it gets really serious. They were disrupting the time God set aside for his people. They weren’t just taking a break; they were actively interfering with the rhythm of God's plan. "...for their heart went after their idols." – This is the most crucial part. "Idols" refers to false gods or idols - things made by humans, often to worship instead of worshipping God directly. Their heart (their minds and desires) was focused on these idols, rather than on following God's will. They were prioritizing something else over what God commanded them to do. In short: These people were defiant and disruptive because they weren’t respecting God’s laws and were focusing their attention on something that wasn’t meant for them. What does this mean for us today? This passage is a warning about the dangers of pride, rebellion against God, and prioritizing false things over what truly matters – our relationship with God. It's a reminder to always keep our hearts open to God’s will and to live a life that honors him. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (Are you curious about its historical context, its meaning in the Bible, or something else?)