Ezekiel 20 23

Ezekiel 20:23 kjv

I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;

Ezekiel 20:23 nkjv

Also I raised My hand in an oath to those in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the Gentiles and disperse them throughout the countries,

Ezekiel 20:23 niv

Also with uplifted hand I swore to them in the wilderness that I would disperse them among the nations and scatter them through the countries,

Ezekiel 20:23 esv

Moreover, I swore to them in the wilderness that I would scatter them among the nations and disperse them through the countries,

Ezekiel 20:23 nlt

But I took a solemn oath against them in the wilderness. I swore I would scatter them among all the nations

Ezekiel 20 verses

Ezekiel 20 23 Meaning

God declared His judgment upon the disobedient Israelites in the wilderness, vowing not to lead them into the promised land. This verse emphasizes His ultimate sovereign authority over His people, asserting His right to decree His will and bring His purposes to pass, even in judgment against rebellion. It highlights the severity of their apostasy and God's unwavering commitment to justice and holiness, even when it involves severe discipline.

Ezekiel 20 23 Context

Ezekiel 20 details God's recounting of Israel's persistent rebellion from Egypt through their wilderness wanderings. The prophet enumerates the various ways they sinned, particularly their idolatry and rejection of God's statutes and Sabbaths. Verses 21-26 describe God's judgment: scattering them among the nations and dispersing them through foreign lands, and giving them statutes that would not be good for them. This declaration serves as a prelude to the Babylonian exile, the immediate historical context. The chapter reflects the profound disappointment and justice of God concerning His chosen people's unfaithfulness, while also containing hints of future restoration. The broader historical backdrop involves the northern kingdom of Israel's prior destruction by Assyria, and the southern kingdom of Judah now facing a similar fate.

Ezekiel 20 23 Word analysis

• "Also": Indicates an addition or continuation of God's speech, linking this statement to previous accounts of their disobedience.
• "I": Emphasizes God's direct agency and personal involvement in this declaration of judgment.
• "lifted up my hand": A common biblical idiom signifying an oath or a solemn declaration, conveying the certainty and finality of the statement. (Genesis 14:22, Deuteronomy 32:40). It signifies a formal commitment, a vow made by God Himself.
• "in the wilderness": Refers specifically to the period of Israel's sojourn after the Exodus and before entering Canaan. This is a context of testing and judgment due to their continued rebellions there.
• "that I would scatter": Indicates the intended consequence of their rebellion – dispersion among other peoples. The Hebrew word for scatter implies dispersion and sowing among nations.
• "them": Refers to the rebellious generation of Israelites who perished in the wilderness, and by extension, all future generations that emulate their disobedience.
• "among the heathen": Highlights that the scattering would place them in proximity to pagan nations, both geographically and culturally, increasing the risk of further assimilation into idolatry.
• "and disperse": Reinforces the idea of scattering, suggesting a wide distribution.
• "them": Again referring to the people.
• "through the countries": Underscores the global scope of their exile, leaving no corner of the known world untouched by this divine judgment.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "I lifted up my hand in the wilderness": This phrase powerfully communicates God's solemn oath against Israel for their failures during their time of testing in the wilderness. It's a direct reference to His pronouncement of judgment upon that generation for their unbelief and rebellion (Psalm 95:11, Hebrews 3:17-19).
• "that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries": This signifies not just physical exile, but a social and spiritual disintegration. Being scattered among "heathen" implies exposure to foreign gods and customs, making their retention of covenant identity difficult, thus reflecting God's justice upon their rejection of His ways. This also foreshadows the larger dispersals experienced during and after the Babylonian exile.

Ezekiel 20 23 Bonus Section

The phrase "lifted up my hand" is similar to how God swore to Abraham in Genesis 22:16, promising him numerous descendants. However, here it's an oath of judgment, showing the dual nature of oaths and God’s responses to His people. It emphasizes that the same God who makes gracious promises also executes righteous judgment. The scattering among "heathen" lands served a purpose beyond mere punishment; it became a testament for the nations to know who Yahweh is, albeit often through Israel's judgment rather than blessing (Ezekiel 36:20-23). This judgment also underlines the consequence of broken covenant faithfulness.

Ezekiel 20 23 Commentary

God declared His judgment on Israel's generation in the wilderness, solemnly vowing to scatter them among the nations. This signifies His sworn decision resulting from their pervasive disobedience and rebellion, especially their idolatry, which characterized their wilderness experience. The act of lifting His hand is an oath, underscoring the unalterable nature of this divine decree. The scattering would serve as a severe punishment, dispersing them widely among Gentile nations. This dispersion also functions as a testimony to God’s justice against His covenant people who rejected His covenant blessings and judgments. This event and divine statement highlight God’s holiness and His intolerance for persistent rebellion within His covenant community, and it sets the stage for understanding the exiles.