Ezekiel 20 14

Ezekiel 20:14 kjv

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

Ezekiel 20:14 nkjv

But I acted for My name's sake, that it should not be profaned before the Gentiles, in whose sight I had brought them out.

Ezekiel 20:14 niv

But for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.

Ezekiel 20:14 esv

But I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I had brought them out.

Ezekiel 20:14 nlt

But again I held back in order to protect the honor of my name before the nations who had seen my power in bringing Israel out of Egypt.

Ezekiel 20 verses

Ezekiel 20 14 Meaning

Ezekiel 20:14 reveals God's divine motive for restraining His wrath against the rebellious generation of Israel in the wilderness. Despite their continued disobedience, God acted, not because of Israel's merit, but "for the sake of His name." His primary concern was to prevent His holy character and power, already demonstrated powerfully during the Exodus, from being desecrated or brought into contempt by the surrounding Gentile nations who had witnessed His great deeds. Had He annihilated Israel, these nations would have questioned His ability or trustworthiness, thus profaning His glorious name.

Ezekiel 20 14 Context

Ezekiel chapter 20 presents a powerful recounting of Israel's history of rebellion and God's consistent faithfulness, despite their persistent idolatry and disobedience. The chapter begins with elders of Israel coming to Ezekiel for an inquiry of the Lord, but God refuses to be inquired of by them, instead launching into a historical review through the prophet. He details their rebellion from the time in Egypt (vv. 5-9), through their wilderness wanderings (vv. 10-26), and into the Promised Land, culminating in their current exile. Verse 14 specifically refers to God's response to the first generation's rebellion during the wilderness journey, after the Exodus. It highlights God's self-restraint and ultimate concern for His global reputation, which shaped His actions, even in moments where severe judgment was due. This historical review sets the stage for understanding God's nature and His eventual plan for Israel's restoration in future chapters, also driven by the glory of His name.

Ezekiel 20 14 Word analysis

• But I acted:

  • "But": (וָאַעַשׂ - wa'a'as, preceded by a conjunction "ו"). This conjunction indicates a contrast, showing that God's action here is contrary to what might have been expected (i.e., immediate destruction) given Israel's behavior.
  • "I acted": Emphatic divine agency. The first-person singular pronoun highlights God's sovereign initiative and choice, not compelled by any human merit. He consciously chose to limit His just wrath.

• for the sake of my name:

  • "for the sake of": (לְמַעַן - lĕmaʿan). A crucial preposition denoting purpose or cause. God's name is the driving motive.
  • "my name": (שְׁמִי - shĕmî). In ancient Hebrew thought, a name represents the essence, character, reputation, authority, and entire revealed being of an individual. God's "name" here encompasses His divine glory, power, holiness, truthfulness, and unique identity as the only true God. It's not just a label but His self-revelation.

• that it should not be profaned:

  • "that it should not be": (לְבִלְתִּי - lĕvilttî). A strong negative purpose clause: "in order not to," or "lest it be."
  • "profaned": (חַלְּלוֹ - ḥallĕlô from ḥalal). To treat as common, unholy, defile, dishonor, desecrate, or blaspheme. It is the opposite of sanctifying (making holy) or glorifying. If God had destroyed Israel after saving them, His name would have appeared weak, deceitful, or inconsistent to the watching nations.

• in the sight of the nations:

  • "in the sight of": (לְעֵינֵי - lĕʿênê). Emphasizes public witness, visibility, and perception. This action was performed with an awareness of onlookers.
  • "the nations": (הַגּוֹיִם - haggôyim). Refers to the Gentile peoples surrounding Israel, who had already heard about and witnessed the power of YHWH through the Exodus event. Their perception of God was critical for His redemptive plan for all humanity.

• in whose sight I had brought them out:

  • "in whose sight": (בְּעֵינֵיהֶם - bĕʿênêhem). Reinforces the earlier "in the sight of the nations," linking the restraint to the prior demonstration.
  • "I had brought them out": Refers to the Exodus from Egypt, the initial, undeniable public act of God's power and sovereignty that the nations witnessed. God had performed miracles and judgments that revealed His supremacy. Destroying Israel immediately after such a powerful display would diminish the significance and integrity of that initial demonstration in the eyes of the nations.

• Word-groups analysis:

  • "But I acted for the sake of my name": This phrase underscores God's steadfast self-commitment. His character, not Israel's faithfulness, dictated His mercy. It highlights the divine prerogative to choose to limit wrath for a higher purpose connected to His ultimate glory.
  • "that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations": This clearly articulated divine purpose shows God's concern for His global reputation. The actions of Israel directly impacted how the world perceived YHWH. If Israel's God rescued them only to annihilate them in the desert, what would that say about His power, promises, or purpose? It would diminish the impact of His self-revelation.
  • "in whose sight I had brought them out": This provides the immediate context for God's concern about profanation. The nations had seen God's mighty arm in the Exodus. Any failure on His part to sustain His people would have nullified the impact of that initial, grand demonstration of His power and unique identity to the watching world. His initial glory must be sustained.

Ezekiel 20 14 Bonus section

The concept of God acting "for His name's sake" (לְמַעַן שְׁמִי) is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, particularly prominent in prophetic books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. It distinguishes the God of Israel from the gods of the nations; their names might represent limited regional power, but YHWH's name encapsulates universal dominion and unmatched glory. This theme is not about divine narcissism, but about preserving the absolute standard of truth and holiness for a world in need of understanding the true God. The failure to punish Israel was an act of forbearance that paradoxically upheld His divine reputation and set the stage for future acts of even greater vindication of His name, such as the restoration promised in Ezekiel 36, which is also explicitly stated to be "for My holy name's sake." This continuous divine motivation illustrates the unyielding pursuit of God to be glorified and known among all peoples.

Ezekiel 20 14 Commentary

Ezekiel 20:14 presents a profound theological truth about God's motivation and the central role of His name. Despite Israel's deserved punishment, God's actions were ultimately guided by His holy self-revelation to the entire world, not solely His covenant people. His choice to spare Israel was an act of grace, demonstrating His commitment to His own character and sovereign plan. This self-limiting mercy prevented the perception among the observing nations that He was either weak (unable to complete His salvation), or capricious (destroying what He had saved). Thus, the verse emphasizes that God's glory and the sanctity of His name are His ultimate concern, serving as a boundary for even His righteous judgment, showcasing His patient endurance and sovereign purpose in His dealings with humanity. It underscores that all divine acts have a universal dimension, intended to reveal God's true nature to all peoples.