Psalm 106:39

Psalm 106:39

Defilement in God's eyes

What does it mean to defile the land or to defile yourself? The word means to desecrate, profane or spoil in normal language. The deeper meaning of Scripture is that, in God’s eyes, the purity of something or someone He created is removed, it becomes unclean and unwholesome and thus cannot enter His presence or be blessed by His glory. Leviticus 18 contains a long list of prohibited sexual activities, including incestuous relationships, homosexuality, and sex with animals. Sacrificing children to Molech is also included and the Lord says, “Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you become defiled.” There is a warning that if the people practice these things, the land will vomit them out!

Ezekiel 20:30-31 adds idolatry to the list of defilements. “Therefore, say to the Israelites: “This is what the sovereign Lord says: Will you defile yourselves the way your ancestors did and lust after their vile images? When you offer your gifts – the sacrifice of your children in the fire – you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day.””

The above warnings were used against Jerusalem when Ezekiel was commanded to confront the city with all her detestable practices. Shedding blood and making idols brought guilt and defilement upon the city’s inhabitants and spelled the end of the city which would become a laughing-stock and full of turmoil. Ezekiel 22:1-5. 

In all of these ways the Israelites were guilty of turning from their spiritual bridegroom and prostituting themselves by worshipping and serving false gods. By the way, did you know the Roman Catholic Church gets around idol worship be removing the second commandment! 

 

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