Ezekiel Chapter 20 · Verse 10
Wherefore I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness.
Original Language Analysis
וָאֽוֹצִיאֵ֖ם
Wherefore I caused them to go forth
H3318
וָאֽוֹצִיאֵ֖ם
Wherefore I caused them to go forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 6
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
The wilderness period lasted 40 years (1446-1406 BC or 1290-1250 BC depending on dating). The route through Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea and back is well-documented in Numbers. Archaeological evidence is scarce due to nomadic lifestyle, but the biblical narrative is geographically and historically coherent.
Questions for Reflection
- What purpose do 'wilderness' experiences serve in our spiritual formation?
- How do we respond to testing and dependence on God in difficult seasons?
Analysis & Commentary
'Wherefore I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness.' The exodus: from Egyptian bondage to wilderness testing. The wilderness served multiple purposes: separation from Egypt, dependence on God's provision, preparation for covenant-making, and testing/refining (Deuteronomy 8:2-5). The geography reflects spiritual journey from slavery to freedom through testing.