Ezekiel Chapter 20 · Verse 14
But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.
Original Language Analysis
וָאֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה
But I wrought
H6213
וָאֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה
But I wrought
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
שְׁמִ֑י
for my name's
H8034
שְׁמִ֑י
for my name's
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
3 of 10
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
לְבִלְתִּ֤י
H1115
לְבִלְתִּ֤י
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
הֵחֵל֙
sake that it should not be polluted
H2490
הֵחֵל֙
sake that it should not be polluted
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃
before
H5869
לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃
before
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 10
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
the heathen
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
7 of 10
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Ezekiel 20:9But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.Ezekiel 20:22Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, God's actions vindicated His name among nations. The exodus demonstrated His power; preserving Israel despite rebellion demonstrated His covenant faithfulness; the exile demonstrated His justice; and restoration demonstrated His mercy. All served to reveal His character to the world.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's concern for His reputation affect His relationship with His people?
- What does it mean that our faithfulness or unfaithfulness affects God's name among unbelievers?
Analysis & Commentary
'But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.' Again (as in verse 9), God acts for His name's sake despite Israel's rebellion. Moses' intercession (Exodus 32:11-14, Numbers 14:13-19) appealed to this principle—what would the nations think if God destroyed Israel after delivering them? God's reputation motivates His covenant faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful.