Ezekiel Chapter 20 · Verse 17

Authorized King James Version

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Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.

Original Language Analysis

וַתָּ֧חָס spared H2347
וַתָּ֧חָס spared
Strong's: H2347
Word #: 1 of 9
properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate
עֵינִ֛י Nevertheless mine eye H5869
עֵינִ֛י Nevertheless mine eye
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 2 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 3 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִֽשַּׁחֲתָ֑ם them from destroying H7843
מִֽשַּׁחֲתָ֑ם them from destroying
Strong's: H7843
Word #: 4 of 9
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָשִׂ֧יתִי them neither did I make H6213
עָשִׂ֧יתִי them neither did I make
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 6 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אוֹתָ֛ם H853
אוֹתָ֛ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּלָ֖ה an end H3617
כָּלָ֖ה an end
Strong's: H3617
Word #: 8 of 9
a completion; adverb, completely; also destruction
בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃ of them in the wilderness H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃ of them in the wilderness
Strong's: H4057
Word #: 9 of 9
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

Analysis & Commentary

'Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.' Despite deserving destruction, God spared them. 'Mine eye spared them' anthropomorphizes God's mercy. 'Neither did I make an end of them' shows restraint. Though individuals died for specific sins, the nation survived. God's covenant faithfulness preserved a remnant even when judgment was deserved.

Historical Context

Throughout the wilderness, God judged specific rebellions (Korah's company swallowed by earth, plague for Baal-Peor worship) while preserving the nation. The next generation—including Joshua's generation—entered the land. God's preservation ensured covenant continuity despite judgment on the unfaithful generation.

Questions for Reflection